What you need for a treasure hunt

A treasure hunt needs more than clues and a final prize. You will need lockable puzzle materials, visible route markers, team supplies and a reliable way to coordinate supervisors. Plan food, drinks and shelter separately, especially if participants will be outside for several hours. This shopping list brings together the practical items to buy or bring, so you can prepare the route, start table and team packs without last-minute gaps.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Beer tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6

Game materials

Treasure chestsqty 6
Padlocksqty 12
Compassqty 12
Team bibsqty 50
Clipboardsqty 12
Pencilsqty 60
Waterproof document sleevesqty 60
Plastic tokensqty 100
Prize bagsqty 12
Route arrowsqty 30
Conesqty 20
Streetlamp signsqty 12

Equipment

Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Megaphone
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Barbecuesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
String lightsqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 6
Treasure decoration

Tableware

Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cupsqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 8
Barbecue tongsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Beef burgers - 30 pieces
- Vegetarian burgers - 15 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 50 pieces
- Cheddar slices - 50 slices
- Iceberg lettuce - 3 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Red onions - 1 kilogram
- Pickles - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa sauce - 3 jars
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Iced tea - 5 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Charcoal - 10 kilograms
- Firelighters - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Prepare one complete team pack for each team: include a team bib, clipboard, pencils, waterproof document sleeves and the materials needed for that team’s puzzles. Make at least one spare pack for damaged or missing items.
Test every treasure chest, padlock and puzzle at least 7 days before the hunt. Check that each lock opens with the intended solution and that printed clues remain readable in their sleeves.
Use route arrows, cones and streetlamp signs at every turn or decision point. Put the signs out shortly before the start and remove them immediately after the final team has finished.
For an outdoor hunt, provide shelter and seating at the start or finish with party tents, tables and chairs. Keep food and drinks in coolers, and use thermos flasks if hot drinks are part of the plan.
Give supervisors a clear communication setup before teams leave. Test the walkie-talkies, megaphone, portable speaker, extension cords and power strips on site, and pack spare batteries or a backup charging option.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a treasure hunt?: Plan for puzzle materials, padlocks, treasure chests, team bibs, clipboards, pencils, waterproof sleeves, route signs and prize bags. For an outdoor event, also arrange shelter, tables, coolers, lighting and communication equipment.
How many treasure chests and padlocks do I need?: Use at least one complete chest-and-lock setup for every puzzle station that requires one. Buy one spare padlock and prepare one backup chest or container for every 5 to 6 active setups.
When should I prepare the treasure hunt materials?: Buy and test the game materials at least 7 days before the event. Package the treasures per team 1 to 2 days beforehand, then check the start table and route signs on the event day.
What food and drink supplies do I need for a treasure hunt?: Bring coolers for chilled food and drinks, reusable plates, tables and tablecloths for serving, plus barbecues or thermos flasks if they are part of your plan. For the first hour, allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person and add extra water for active outdoor routes.

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