How to Plan a Romantic Scavenger Hunt for Your Partner

An expert guide to creating a DIY couples treasure hunt

Co-authored by Laura Bilotta and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: May 21, 2024 Fact Checked

If you're looking for something fun and different to do for a date night or special occasion, a romantic treasure hunt is the perfect option. The whole thing takes some effort to pull off, but it's definitely worth it, and the two of you will make memories to last a lifetime! We'll walk you through every step, from the planning stages to the moment your partner sets off on their journey, with expert insight from dating coach and matchmaker Laura Bilotta.

Planning a Couple’s Treasure Hunt

“Creating a romantic treasure hunt for your partner can be a thoughtful way to show your affection,” says dating coach Laura Bilotta. “To begin, consider what items or experiences are meaningful to your partner. Then, create a series of clues that lead to these items, along with heartfelt messages that express your love and affection.”

1

Choose the location of the final treasure first.

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The easiest way to plan your treasure hunt is to work backward. Pick a place that has special meaning for you as a couple, such as your favorite restaurant, the place where you had your first date, or the location of your first kiss.^{[1]
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Research source} This will be the final location of your scavenger hunt, where your partner will arrive once they’ve deciphered all your clues!
- If you choose a business such as a restaurant or café as your final location, make sure to talk to the manager to get permission to set up any decorations you might be using.
- They'll usually be more than happy to help, and they might even throw in a little treat, such as a free cup of coffee at the café where you had your first date!

2

Map out your route.

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Choose 4-8 stops for a hunt that lasts 1-2 hours. “Create a map or set of directions that lead your partner to the first clue, which can be hidden in a creative location, such as inside a favorite book or tucked away in a secret compartment,” suggests Bilotta. “From there, each clue should lead to the next, building excitement and anticipation as your partner gets closer to the final treasure!”
- Try choosing stops that are significant to your relationship. For example, you might include the place where you first met or had your first date.
- If your hunt includes several locations scattered throughout your city, use a trip-planning app, such as Google Maps, to help you find a logical route.
- You don't have to create a long route if you don't want to. For a more low-key option, you can have a short treasure hunt inside your own home—no map necessary!

3

Choose small gifts to plant at each stop.

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A small gift at each stop makes your partner feel special. Bilotta explains that it’s a good idea to “incorporate elements of surprise and romance throughout the treasure hunt.” Your traditional romantic gifts, such as candy and flowers, work great for this. You can also use the gifts themselves as clues leading up to the final treasure.
- For example, if your final treasure is a ski trip, you might include gloves at one stop, a hat at the next, then a scarf, and so on.
- Try things that have special meaning to your partner as well. For example, if your partner collects acrylic pins, you might get a special pin to include with each clue.

4

Design the cards to write your clues on.

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Use cardstock or construction paper in bright colors that stand out. If you have a theme in mind, try cutting your clues into a shape that fits your theme. You can even draw a picture or design on each one—this is your chance to let your creative juices flow!^{[2]
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- For example, if you're doing the treasure hunt for Valentine's Day, you could cut red and pink paper into heart shapes to write your clues on.
- If arts and crafts aren’t really your thing, you can also type the clues and print them out, then glue them onto the cardstock or construction paper. If you go this route, you can also find graphics online to print out!

5

Introduce the idea of the hunt in the first clue.

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Tell your partner what's going on and get them excited. Make the first clue easier than the rest to get your partner off and running quickly, and to help them feel confident about their ability to find and decipher the next clue. Here are some examples you can adapt and personalize:
- "Get ready for an adventure that can't be beat! To find the next clue, you'll have to turn up the heat." (The second clue is hidden next to the thermostat.)
- "Follow the clues for a special surprise. The next one is hidden where the laundry dries." (The next clue is taped to the dryer.)

6

Write riddle clues if your partner likes to solve puzzles.

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Words with double meanings make riddles easier. You can also write riddles based on the characteristics of something near the clue, or the place where the clue is located. Here are some ideas to get you going:^{[3]
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- "You open me up and my heart bubbles over." (The clue is near a bottle of champagne.)
- "Go here if you want to spice things up outside the bedroom." (The clue is near the spice rack in the kitchen.)
- "I greet you every day without saying a word." (The clue is under the welcome mat.)

7

Use rhyming clues that point directly to the next spot.

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Try to come up with simple rhyming clues are easy to decipher. This ensures that your partner doesn't waste time trying to decode clues that are too complicated or convoluted.^{[4]
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Research source} Here are some examples you can adapt to fit your hunt:
- "You've tracked me this far—man, you're good! To find the next clue, search under the hood." (The next clue is under the hood of the car.)
- "From the very first date, you revved me up. Before you get the next clue, you'll have to track down our pup." (The next clue is attached to your dog's collar.)
- "There's no denying you've captured my heart. Look for the next clue behind our favorite art." (The next clue is behind a piece of art hanging in your home.)

8

Add special clues that talk about your relationship.

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Amp up the romance with clues that are personalized for your partner. Bilotta suggests “incorporating special memories or experiences into the clues.” You could even write the clues so that they form an entire poem about your relationship when read together. This makes an especially great anniversary gift! Here are some ideas to get you going:
- "This was a night I'll never forget! Go to the place where our lips first met." (The next clue is hidden at the location where you had your first kiss.)
- “Follow the clues until you’re a winner! The next one is at our favorite spot to have dinner.” (The next clue is at your favorite date night restaurant).
- “Head to the treasure—the time is now! It’s hidden at the spot where we exchanged vows." (The final clue is at the place where you got married.)

9

Get friends and family involved if you want.

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Have loved ones give out the clues to make the hunt more personal. Just tell the person where they need to be and what they need to do. If they need to say anything specific to your partner, make sure to give them a written script!^{[5]
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- This works especially well if your ultimate treasure is a marriage proposal—you can include people who supported you as a couple, and they can all follow along until the end to be a part of this special moment.

10

Hide the clues at each stop along the route.

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Make the clue fairly easy to find at each stop. Your partner should be able to show up at the location or find the object referenced and instantly know that they're on the right track. If your clue is outside, put it in a plastic bag to keep it from getting wet.^{[6]
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- If you have small gifts at each stop as well, tape the clue to the gift itself, so your partner gets both of them at the same time.

11

Do a practice run from start to finish.

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Do a dry run to make sure your treasure hunt goes off without a hitch. You might be tempted to skip a practice run, but you never know what you might've overlooked. As you do your practice run, put yourself in your partner’s mindset and pretend you don't know where you're going next.
- You can also ask a friend to run through it with you. That way, you'll have an outside perspective to help you know if your clues are too confusing or difficult.
- Bring extra paper and other materials with you in case you need to change a clue on the fly!

12

Set up your partner to find the first clue.

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Hand the first clue to your partner to make sure they get it. Even if you have the first clue hidden somewhere, you still might need to give them a nudge in the right direction to make sure they find it. You'll want to know exactly when they get started, so you can get in position at the final destination.^{[7]
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- If your partner is starting the hunt apart from you, such as at work, have a friend deliver the first clue to them instead.

13

Go to the end of the route to wait for your partner.

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Set up the final treasure, so you're ready and waiting when they arrive. According to Bilotta, your final treasure should “include a special gift or experience that your partner has been wanting, such as a romantic dinner, a weekend getaway, or a meaningful keepsake.”
- For example, if the big prize is a vacation, you could decorate the final location to make it look like the destination you’re traveling to and print out the plane tickets to give to your partner.
- Or, if your scavenger hunt is a proposal, the final treasure might be you on one knee holding the engagement ring.
- If you’re worried about timing, have your partner text you periodically along the route to let you know where they are, especially if you have a little work to do to set up the final reveal.

14

Use the scavenger hunt as a chance to connect.

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Remember, the purpose of the hunt is to bring you closer together. “Overall, the key to creating a personal, romantic treasure hunt is to be thoughtful, creative, and attentive to your partner’s preferences and interests,” says Bilotta. “By putting in the effort to create a unique and engaging experience, you’ll not only show your love and appreciation, but also create lasting memories and strengthen your bond with your partner.”
- Lean into the experience, have fun, and try not to stress out too much. This hunt should be exciting and enjoyable for the both of you!