On Valentine’s Day it’s normal to want to spoil your partner, yet feel stumped at ideas on how to do so. The big day is notoriously plastered across social media, featuring posts of gifts and romantic gestures from significant others. As a result, it’s natural to feel anxious and under pressure to compete with other happy couples and provide your partner with the best Valentine’s Day surprises.
A scavenger hunt may seem like an unconventional and unexpected idea for V-day – we often may associate this with Easter. However, this is a creative and unique idea which can really show your partner how much you care for them. So, how do you do it?
Planning your scavenger hunt
First of all, you will want to note down a few initial ideas. Consider where you want your scavenger hunt to take place. You may have it in the comfort of your own home, or you may choose a location which fits in with the theme of the prize. For example, if you gift to your partner is a relaxing stay in the countryside, you may plan your trail in a woodlands or park.
Next, decide upon a prize. If you want to keep it simple and not break the bank, a collection of yummy valentine’s chocolate is sure to put a smile on your partner’s face. If you are looking for something more extravagant however, you may choose to hide a piece of jewellery – however make sure it’s in a safe place! You may also want to include small gifts along the way to keep your significant other motivated. Whatever you choose, make it worth it – you don’t want to send your partner on a lengthy expedition for nothing!
When thinking about how you want your scavenger hunt to play out, ensure you consider your partner’s interests. If they love solving a puzzle and putting in some extra brainwork, you may opt for a series of riddles which lead them to the end point. However, if this isn’t their idea of fun, place some well-thought-out hints that centre around your relationship. This is sure to make them feel special and remind them of all your treasured experiences together. Here, you will also have to consider the scope of your trail, as this will determine how many clues or riddles you need to come up with.
Now it’s time to get to work. Plan your route backwards as you want the end location to be the focal point of your route. When placing your clues or riddles, simple is better. You don’t want the embarrassment of your partner not being able to find what you set out – or worse, you not remembering!
You may also want to consider setting up a story around your scavenger hunt. Otherwise, the idea may seem a bit out of the blue, and struggle to grab their interest. This will also help determine what you write in your clues or riddles. Make sure they are in chronological order to keep the mystery alive. To make your partner aware of how much thought you have put into the event, handwrite your own clues or riddles and keep them personal to your relationship, rather than using generic and overused cliches.
Finally, give your scavenger hunt a trial run. Go through the motions as they would on the special day. This way you can ensure everything is in running order and that your surprise will be a huge success!
