The Treasure Hunt of Love –
This Valentine’s tradition combines the fun of a scavenger hunt/treasure hunt with the sweetness of showing love and appreciation. The older our children get, the more I realize the importance of filling their love tanks by praising and encouraging all their wonderful character qualities instead of just their “talents.”
Talents come and go and are based on performance whereas building their character makes an impact for generations to come.
Last year, I had so much fun brainstorming this treasure hunt. You can make it as easy or complicated as you choose. Cut four or five hearts out of red or pink construction paper, label them 1 to 5 on the backside, and write a clue on the front that describes something you love about the recipient, but at the same time, leads them to a spot around the house where they will find the next clue.
Just to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few ideas.
“I love your cheerfulness in the morning, even before you have had your breakfast. I love when you choose joy, so choose it now and find Clue #2.”
“I admire the diligence you showed in order to get an A in Chemistry. Where is the last place you left your Chemistry book?”
“You have such a big, kind heart when you help your little brother pick up his puzzles .” (The clue may be then hidden where you store the puzzles.)
“Your great attitude and sportsmanship at basketball games make the whole family proud of you.” (Clue might be with his basketball jersey.)
The first clue can be hidden under a pillow, placed on the breakfast plate or taped to the bathroom mirror. Of course, the last clue of the treasure hunt leads them to a present or a treat you have prepared for them.
One year, I made up a corny poetic clue for each “station.” The kids had to figure it out before they headed on to the next destination, and “no,” I don’t think you want to hear it…although it did rhyme quite nicely, thank you 🙂
(And I admit, one of the things they had to do in order to get the next clue was to scrub the toilet. :))
You know if wouldn’t be my family if there hadn’t been some bedlam mixed in with the beauty.
Yes, the dog got the “treasure” right out of my daughter’s hand. 🙂
I can’t wait to hear how this went with your family. I know this will make memories for years to come.
Need some more tradition ideas to get those creative juices going? Try having Secret Valentines throughout the month, or encourage “Hearts of Loving Kindness” tradition idea.
I was wondering if my guys were a little too old for Valentine’s Day. . .if maybe they would be embarrassed to get a valentine from their mom. . . and then the other day my almost-13-year-old said, “Are we going to get little treats for Valentine’s Day this year?” I think kids never outgrow special treats on special days. I know moms don’t!
Fun to see someone else doing this. My kids look forward tremendously to the Valentine’s Day hunt, even if they are 9 and 12!
It is so fun to hear creative Valentines ideas. My dad always did the treasure hunt like that for our easter baskets. I think he spent all year trying to come up with the clever little clues.
I have started a new carnival “Meatless Mondays.” I would love for you to join in. You can post something new, or dig up a favorite blast from the past.
http://teachingmoneytokids.blogspot.com/2010/01/meatless-monday-carnival-kids-in.html
Thanks Staci
I love how the cat and dog both got in on the action. haha
One year for my middle daughter’s birthday party, I did a treasure hunt and did the rhyming thing. One clue had something do with “poo”. 😀 And the clue was taped to the back of the toilet tank. The kids LOVED the treasure hunt!
I love that! my mom has made treasure hunts for various holidays since i was a toddler – kids and adults alike! we all love it. My hubby even made one for me with the sayings that rhymed for a birthday a few years ago. it was sweet and so heartfelt. I even saved all the clues from that birthday for my scrapbook of special moments. thanks for sharing yours!
~ Emily N. from “too Blessed to Stress”
Great hunt!
I can never think of such great clues and end up downloading them from a treasure hunt site 🙂 you are so creative.
Great ideas! This is an incredible way to bring your entire family together to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
What fun! I bet they had a blast! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at the Valentine Party!
~Liz
I love how you share the simple things in life with your kids.
Just thought I would let you know that Crate and Barrel is hosting a contest for a $100,000 wedding giveaway. I posted about it on my blog at http://asimplyfrugalhome.blogspot.com/2010/02/crate-and-barrel-wedding-contest.html
My son always loved those kinds of special treasure hunts when he was little. It’s obvious your kids are really into it–very cool. 🙂
Shirley
Thanks for the idea! I planned on getting them a little something (besides the free nail polish at wal mart!) Thats so funny you made the kids clean the toilet, I love it!