What to Buy for a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt needs more than clues and prizes. You’ll need printed route materials, one complete kit per team, visible markers, communication equipment, and enough lighting if the route runs late. Plan refreshments separately so drinks can be chilled and snacks are ready before participants arrive. This shopping list helps you check the easily forgotten items, from spare pens and power banks to cups, table supplies, and safety barriers.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Party tentsqty 2
Tableclothsqty 6

Game materials

Route mapsqty 12
Answer formsqty 15
Assignment cardsqty 60
Answer bookletsqty 6
Laminated signsqty 40
Envelopesqty 60
Clipboardsqty 15
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 12
Team wristbandsqty 60
Conesqty 24
Barrier tapeqty 4
Directional signsqty 20
Stopwatchesqty 6
Whistlesqty 8
Prizesqty 3

Equipment

Megaphone
Wireless walkie-talkiesqty 8
Power banksqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Headlampsqty 12
String lightsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Still water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- White sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Wholemeal buns - 40 pieces
- Mini wraps - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Black pepper - 1 canister
- Salt - 1 pack
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles

Tips

Prepare one team kit for every team, plus at least one spare kit. Each kit should have the route map, assignment cards, answer materials, a clipboard, and enough pens for the whole team.
Print route maps, answer forms, and assignment cards at least 1–2 days before the hunt. Keep extra copies in separate envelopes in case a map is lost or a team needs a replacement.
Buy or gather route-marking supplies before the route walk-through. Cones, barrier tape, laminated signs, and directional signs should be ready before participants arrive, not during registration.
Plan lighting for the entire route, not just the starting point. Use LED lanterns or string lights at darker sections, and provide headlamps where participants may need both hands free.
Chill drinks several hours ahead and bring enough reusable cups, plates, and cutlery for the expected group. Add a small reserve so late arrivals and damaged items do not leave teams without supplies.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a scavenger hunt?: You need route maps, assignment cards, answer forms or booklets, pens, clipboards, team identifiers, route markers, and prizes. For an organised start, also prepare tables, chairs, refreshments, communication equipment, and safety supplies.
How many scavenger hunt supplies do I need per team?: Prepare one route map, assignment set, answer form or booklet, clipboard, and set of pens for each team. Add at least one complete spare kit, plus extra maps and forms for replacements.
When should I print scavenger hunt materials?: Print the main materials 1–2 days before the event, after the route and tasks are checked. Keep the answer materials separate from team documents and pack each team’s materials in a labelled envelope.
How much lighting do I need for an evening scavenger hunt?: Provide lighting for every dark section of the route, with at least one visible light source at each turn, checkpoint, or hazard. Give each team a headlamp where the route includes poorly lit paths, and test all lights before the start.

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