What to Buy for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than printed clues and a route. You will need clearly marked team materials, practical equipment for checking challenges, and a reliable setup for registration, food and drinks. Plan supplies around the number of teams rather than only the number of participants: each team needs its own labels, ribbons, route materials and envelopes. Check the route and weather before shopping so you do not miss lighting, shelter or backup power.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 36
Tableclothsqty 6
Party tentqty 2

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Power banksqty 3
Mobile phonesqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Sports equipment

Conesqty 20
Ribbons per teamqty 6
Stopwatchqty 3
Measuring tapesqty 3
Compassqty 6
Magnifying glassesqty 6
Prize giftsqty 6
Clipboardsqty 8
Pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 20
Erasersqty 10
Envelopesqty 40
Route mapsqty 8
Score sheetsqty 10
Waterproof sleevesqty 10

Decorations

Start sign
Directional signsqty 20
Balloonsqty 30
Ropeqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6
Ice packsqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Hand sanitizerqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 10
Washing-up tubsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Ham - 1.5 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 10 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Candy - 2 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one envelope and one set of team labels for every team, then add 10% extra printed assignments and route maps in case something is lost or a participant joins late.
Give each team a visible ribbon or other team marker, and buy enough cones and directional signs to mark every turn where teams could take the wrong route.
For a hunt lasting several hours, provide at least one charged mobile phone and one power bank per team or supervisor. Pack extension cords and LED lights if the finish may run after dark.
Plan drinks separately from food: use coolers and enough ice packs to keep drinks cold from registration through the finish. Reusable cups, plates and cutlery should cover the full participant count plus 10% spare.
Buy or gather challenge-specific tools before testing the route, including measuring tapes, a stopwatch, a compass and magnifying glasses. Test every item on the actual route at least 3 days before the hunt.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies does a scavenger hunt need?: At minimum, prepare printed assignments, route maps, envelopes, team labels, team ribbons, phones, power banks and route markers. Add challenge tools such as a stopwatch, measuring tapes, a compass or magnifying glasses according to your tasks.
How many scavenger hunt materials do I need per team?: Plan one envelope, one set of assignments, one route map, one team label set and one team marker per team. Add 10% spare printed materials and keep at least one shared backup phone and power bank available.
How much food and drink should I buy for a scavenger hunt?: Buy food for every registered participant plus 10% extra, and pack it in portions before the start. For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person, then add more based on the total event length and weather.
When should I shop for a scavenger hunt?: Buy durable equipment and tableware at least 1 week ahead, and purchase fresh food and ice 1 day before the event. Test the route, printed materials and challenge tools at least 3 days beforehand.

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