Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues
Every hiding spot in the generator has hand-written clues for each age group. The little-kids and kids 7 to 12 sets are listed here in full, spot by spot.
How the library is organised
A clue sits on the card that sends the player to a spot. So the three clues listed under “Fridge” all describe the fridge without naming it too bluntly, and the card holding one of them is hidden at the spot before it in the chain. There are 30 home and outdoor spots and 12 office spots.
Teen riddles, adult wordplay and the office edition live in the generator. Here is one of each, for the tree:
- Christmas tree
I am covered in lights, glass balls and at least one ornament made in kindergarten. Go see me.
- Christmas tree
An evergreen with a strong sense of style, a sticky sap problem and zero shame about sparkle. Visit it.
- Office tree
The tallest employee of the month, wearing tinsel instead of a lanyard. Look under it in the entrance hall.
Little kids and kids 7 to 12, spot by spot
Fridge
Little kids
Cold, cold, cold! Look in the kitchen where the milk lives.
Open the big cold box. What is in there? Look and see!
I hum and I am cool. Find me in the kitchen and look inside.
Kids 7 to 12
Cold air, cold air, open wide! Your next clue is waiting inside.
Where the milk and cheese stay cool and the little light shines bright, look for a card that is hiding from sight.
Humming, chilly, tall and neat, I keep your leftovers and your treats. Take a peek past the butter dish: the next clue is here, so make a wish!
Freezer
Little kids
Brr, brr, so icy! Look where the ice cream sleeps.
This place is very, very cold. Find the icy drawer and look inside.
A little bit of snow lives in here all year. Find the coldest spot in the kitchen.
Kids 7 to 12
Ice cream, peas and ice cubes, too: the coldest spot is where I'll lead you.
Where winter lives all year around, a clue is waiting to be found.
Pull the handle, feel the chill; an icy card is waiting still.
Oven
Little kids
Warm cookies come from here! Look in the oven. It is off and cool.
Where does the cake bake? Find the big kitchen box with a glass door. Grown-ups, please check it is off.
Look for the big door on the stove. It must be off and cool first.
Kids 7 to 12
Cookies, cakes and holiday pies are baked in me, so open me wide (when I'm off) and look inside.
Knobs and dials, a door of glass, the place for pizza, cake and bread. When I'm off and cool, look in me, as I've said.
Roasting turkey, baking bread, the oven keeps us warmly fed. When it's off and cool, take a look: there's a card in there, not a cookbook!
Microwave
Little kids
Beep, beep, beep! Look in the machine that warms up your milk.
Ding! Find the small box in the kitchen with a door and a clock on it.
Popcorn goes pop in me! Where am I?
Kids 7 to 12
Spin and ding, a plate goes round; a hidden card can now be found.
Press a button, hear it hum, popcorn pops and dinner is done. Look inside this box of light, and you will find your next clue, right?
Beep-beep-beep and then a ding! Open my door and find the thing.
Washing machine
Little kids
Splish, splash, spin! Look where the dirty clothes go to get clean.
Find the big round door in the laundry. Peek inside, but do not turn it on.
Soap and water go round and round in me. Where am I?
Kids 7 to 12
Round and round and round I go, with soapy suds that bubble and flow. Open my door (I'm empty and still) and find the card there, if you will.
Muddy jeans go in my door, and come out clean and smell like more. Look inside, the drum is dry, and a card is waiting there nearby.
Swish and swirl and tumble round, a hidden clue can now be found.
Dishwasher
Little kids
Clink, clank! Find the machine that washes the plates and cups.
Plates and spoons take a bath here. Look inside when it is clean and off.
Open the kitchen door that folds down, and look at the racks.
Kids 7 to 12
Plates and forks in tidy rows, where the soap and water flows. Open up the door that drops; the next clue is where the washing stops.
Clink and clatter, splash and spray, washing up the dishes today. Pull the door, then look inside the rack; the next card is sitting back.
Cups on top and plates below, wash and rinse and dry, you know. A clue is tucked among the spoons; it's waiting there, so go there soon!
Pantry
Little kids
Cereal, pasta and crackers live here. Find the food cupboard.
Open the kitchen cupboard where the snacks are kept.
Look where we keep the rice, the beans and the yummy things in boxes.
Kids 7 to 12
Boxes, cans and cereal flakes, snacks for lunch and tasty cakes. Where the food waits on the shelf, look inside and help yourself!
Pasta, rice and tins of beans, cookie jars and baking things. Open the door and look about; a card is hiding, there's no doubt!
Cans in rows and jars up high, where the snack bags wait nearby. Swing the cupboard door open wide; the next clue's tucked away inside.
Bathtub
Little kids
Splash! Where do you take a bath? Find the tub and look inside.
Bubbles, rubber ducks and warm water: look in the bathroom tub. It is dry now.
Where do boats float in the bathroom? Look there.
Kids 7 to 12
Rubber ducks and bubbles white, where you wash up every night. Look inside the tub with care; there's a card just waiting there.
Splash and splosh and warm water, too; the bathroom has a hidey spot for you! Peek inside the tub, so dry, and find the clue that's waiting by.
Soap and bubbles, rinse and scrub, you'll find the next clue in the tub.
Bookshelf
Little kids
Stories live here! Find the shelf with all the books.
Look for the books in rows. A clue is hiding between two.
Where do we keep our storybooks? Go look there.
Kids 7 to 12
Between the pages, rows and rows, where the reading story goes. Find a book that's standing tall; a clue is tucked behind them all.
Fairy tales and tales of cheer, stacked up all the year. Look along the shelf with care for a card that's sitting there.
Heroes, dragons, tales to tell, in a row they wait so well. Check the shelf, and look just right: a clue is hiding out of sight.
Under a bed
Little kids
Look under the bed! Who is hiding down there?
Where do sleepy heads rest? Look beneath it.
Get down low and look under the place where you sleep.
Kids 7 to 12
Where the dust bunnies play and the lost socks stay, get down low and look my way. Under the bed there's something new; a card is waiting just for you.
Pillow soft and blanket warm, safe from every night-time storm. Crawl down low and look beneath: a card is hiding underneath.
Monsters? No, that's silly talk! Crawl down low and take a walk. Slide your arm across the floor; the next clue's waiting, there's one more.
Sock drawer
Little kids
Left sock, right sock! Look in the drawer with all the socks.
Warm feet start here. Find the drawer full of socks.
Which drawer holds socks in pairs? Open it and look.
Kids 7 to 12
Fuzzy, stripy, warm and bright, socks in pairs that fit just right. Open the drawer and dig around; the next clue's where the socks are found.
One sock, two socks, three socks, four, open up the dresser door. Stripes and snowmen in a mound; a card is here to be found.
Toes are cold, toes are chilly, toes in socks are never silly. Pull the drawer and look inside; the next clue's very hard to hide.
Coat closet
Little kids
Coats and boots hang here. Find the coat closet by the door.
Where do we hang our coats and hats? Look there.
Open the closet door near the front door. Look at the coats!
Kids 7 to 12
Coats on hangers, boots in rows, hats and scarves and mittens, too. Open the closet by the door: the next clue's hiding near the floor.
Snowy day or chilly night, here's where coats all hang up tight. Push the sleeves aside and peek: the card you want is what you seek.
Umbrella, scarf and winter hat, mittens, boots and things like that. Dig around the coats and shoes; there's a clue for you to use.
Christmas tree
Little kids
Look at the shiny lights! Go to the Christmas tree.
Green and tall with a star on top. Find it and look under it.
Sparkle, sparkle! Look near the tree with the pretty ornaments.
Kids 7 to 12
Tinsel, lights and ornaments, too, a star on top for all to view. Look beneath the branches green; the next clue's hiding to be seen!
Pine and prickly, tall and bright, twinkling in the evening light. Peek around the branches wide; a clue is hanging there inside.
Tinsel, bows and bells that ring, with lights that twinkle on a string. The next clue's near the branches green, the prettiest sight you've ever seen.
Stockings
Little kids
Find the stockings that hang up high. Look inside!
Big soft socks that Santa fills. Where are they?
Pull out a stocking and feel inside. Look for the next clue.
Kids 7 to 12
Hung with care and stuffed with cheer, stockings wait for Christmas here. Reach inside and feel around; the next clue's in there to be found.
Candy canes and tiny toys, stockings hold such Christmas joys. Look inside the toe, down deep; a card is there for you to keep.
Names on top and treats below, in a row they hang and glow. Reach inside the toe, then pull; a card is there, the toe is full!
Fireplace
Little kids
Find the fireplace. The fire is not lit, so it is cool.
Santa comes down this big chimney. Look near the cold hearth!
Warm in winter, but not today. Find the cold, empty hearth and look nearby.
Kids 7 to 12
Santa slides down, so they say; the hearth is cold, no fire today. Look beside the bricks with care: the next clue's lying right in there.
Logs for burning, bricks all round, but no fire now: the hearth is sound. Check the mantel up above and find the card with Christmas love.
Crackle, snap, a fire's glow; today it's cold, no fire to show. Look on the hearth beside the grate: the next clue's here and didn't wait.
Piano
Little kids
Plink, plonk! Find the big music maker with black and white keys.
Press a key and hear a note! Where is the piano?
Look for the big music maker with the black and white keys.
Kids 7 to 12
Black and white keys, up and down, play a song with a happy sound. Check the bench or lift the lid: the next clue's where the music hid.
Do-re-mi and fa-so-la, hear the keys go ta-da-da! Look around the music stand; a card is waiting close at hand.
Tinkle, plink and ding-dong-ding, play along and let it sing. Lift the bench seat, look around; the next clue's somewhere to be found.
Sofa cushions
Little kids
Soft and squishy, it is for sitting. Look under the cushions!
Where do we sit to watch TV? Lift a pillow and look.
Cozy couch! Lift the soft pillows. What do you find?
Kids 7 to 12
Where you snuggle, where you flop, lift the pillow from the top. Underneath the pillow's weight, you'll find the clue that's sure to wait.
Blankets, pillows, movie night, a comfy place that feels just right. Lift a seat, look down deep, and find the clue the couch can keep.
Flip it up and flip it round, the seat hides what can be found. Check beneath and check the side, the sofa has a clue inside.
Dog bed
Little kids
Woof woof! Find the soft bed where the dog sleeps.
Who sleeps in a round soft bed? Look near the pup's blanket.
Look where the dog takes a nap.
Kids 7 to 12
Fur and fluff and a sleepy snore, the dog bed is where he naps galore. Lift the blanket, check the seam; the next clue's hiding in the dream.
Chew toys scattered, bones around, where your furry friend sleeps sound. Check beside the cozy rest; the next clue's tucked inside the nest.
Curled up round, a snoring pal, the best bed for a four-legged gal. Check the cushion, check the bone; the next clue's here, you're not alone.
Toy box
Little kids
Teddy, trucks and blocks! Find the toy box.
Where do toys go to sleep? Open the lid and look.
Look in the big box that holds all the toys.
Kids 7 to 12
Blocks and bears and trucks that zoom, find the box in the playroom. Lift the lid and dig around; the next clue's waiting to be found.
Dolls and drums and building bricks, puzzle pieces, jumping sticks. Dig down deep, there's lots to see; the next clue's hiding under three.
Toys of every shape and size, tumbled in a heap, a prize. Open wide and have a peek; the next clue is what you seek.
Laundry basket
Little kids
Dirty clothes go in the basket. Look in it!
Where do we put clothes that need washing? Look in there.
Find the clothes basket and look under the shirts.
Kids 7 to 12
Mud-stained jeans and towels damp, in a pile beside the lamp. Dig down deep and take a peep; the next clue's in the laundry heap.
Wash day waits, the basket's full, pull out shirts and give a pull. Dig around the cotton pile; the next clue is there all the while.
Round or square, so deep and wide, full of clothes to be washed inside. Reach inside and give a shake; a card is hiding, make no mistake!
Stairs
Little kids
Up, up, up we go! Look on the stairs.
Find the steps that go up to the bedrooms.
One step, two steps, three: look on the stairs.
Kids 7 to 12
Up you go, then down you creep; one of the steps has a clue to keep.
Banister and carpet treads, going up toward the beds. Look on every step with care; the next card's sitting right in there.
Hop up one and hop up two, ten steps up the whole way through. Look for a card on a step or two: the next clue is waiting there for you.
Window sill
Little kids
Look outside! Find the window and check the sill.
Where does the sun shine in? Look at the ledge.
Snow falls past the window. Look on the sill, the little shelf.
Kids 7 to 12
Peek outside and what do you see? Snowflakes falling quietly. The next clue's on the window sill; it waits for you so calm and still.
Frosted glass and curtains wide, a little ledge to sit beside. Look where candles shine at night; the card is there, in warm window light.
Sun comes in and moon peeks through, birds fly by and clouds do too. The next clue sits on the ledge below; look at the window and say hello!
Front door mat
Little kids
Wipe your feet! Look under the mat at the front door.
Where do shoes get wiped? Lift it up and look.
Knock, knock! Look under the mat by the front door.
Kids 7 to 12
Wipe your boots and wipe your shoes, snowy mat for muddy news. Lift it up and take a look; the next clue's hiding, by hook or crook.
Welcome, welcome, one and all! Wipe your feet and see the hall. Lift the mat beside the door; the next clue's underneath the floor.
Underfoot and by the door, rough and bristly, lying on the floor. Lift an edge and take a glance; the next clue's waiting, take your chance.
Mailbox
Little kids
Letters come in the mailbox! Go look inside.
Where does the mail carrier put our letters? Check it.
Open the box by the street or door and look for mail.
Kids 7 to 12
Letters, cards and parcels, too, the mail comes in just for you. Open up the little door; the next clue's inside, there's more!
Stamp and envelope, a letter's trip, lands inside with one big flip. Open up the metal door; check for a card among the mail galore!
Red flag up and red flag down, the mail arrives from across town. Open the door and look inside; the next clue's waiting there to hide.
Car
Little kids
Vroom vroom! Look in the car. Check the back seat.
Where do we ride to Grandma's? Look in the car.
Beep beep! Open the car door and look inside.
Kids 7 to 12
Beep beep, honk, and vroom-vroom-vroom, seat belts click inside the room. Check the glove box, check the seat; the next clue's hiding, hard to beat!
Off to visit Grandma's place, buckled up with a smile on your face. Search the seat pockets, look all around; the next clue's in the car, to be found.
Rolling on the road in snow, ready, set, and off we go. Check the car, the glove box too; a card is waiting there for you.
Garage
Little kids
Look in the room where we park for the night, behind the big door.
Big door goes up and down. Find the garage.
Tools and bikes live here. Find the garage and look on a shelf.
Kids 7 to 12
Hammers, wrenches, bikes and balls, boxes stacked against the walls. Where the family wheels sleep tight, a card is hiding, out of sight.
Rumble, rumble, door goes high, light comes on, and in rolls I. Boxes, tools and bikes are here; check the shelf, the clue is near.
Skis and sleds and winter gear, parked inside, they're always near. Where the family wheels are stored, find the card that's been ignored.
Garden shed
Little kids
Look in the little house in the garden. It holds the spade.
Where do the garden tools sleep? Find the shed.
Find the small wooden hut in the yard, and look inside.
Kids 7 to 12
Rakes and spades and watering cans, hoses, seeds and garden plans. Out in the yard the small shed stands; the next clue's there, in waiting hands!
Out the back and down the track, a little hut with a door that clacks. Look in among the garden pots; the next clue's hidden in one of the spots.
Wooden walls and a squeaky door, flower seeds and tools galore. In the garden, small and brown, the shed is where the clue is found.
Garden bench
Little kids
Sit down outside! Find the bench in the garden.
Where can we rest in the yard? Look at the seat outside.
Look under the wooden seat outside.
Kids 7 to 12
Rest your legs and sit a while, in the garden, wait with a smile. Look beneath the wooden slat; the next clue's hiding, how about that!
Painted green or wooden brown, the best seat in the garden town. Check the slats and look below; the next clue's hiding, don't you know?
Snow on top and frost below, nobody sits there, don't you know? Brush it off and take a glance; the next clue's waiting, take your chance.
Flower pot
Little kids
Flowers grow in a pot! Look near the flower pot.
Where do plants grow? Find a pot outside and look by it.
Look in the pot with the green plant.
Kids 7 to 12
Seeds and soil and water, too, a little plant will grow for you. Look beneath the flower pot; the next clue's hiding, that's the spot!
Clay and soil and leaves of green, the prettiest pot you've ever seen. Lift it up or look around; the next clue's near it, to be found.
Roots below and blossoms high, pots that sit beneath the sky. Peek behind the leaves and stems; this clue is worth more than gems!
Bird feeder
Little kids
Tweet tweet! Find where the birds eat.
Look for the little house with seeds for birds.
Birds come here for seeds. Find the feeder!
Kids 7 to 12
Tweet and chirp and flap and flutter, seeds and nuts and bits of butter. Find the feeder, look below; the next clue's here, hello hello!
Hungry birds in winter's chill come for seeds and eat their fill. Find the feeder, small and neat; the next clue's near it, tweet-tweet-tweet!
Perch and peck and sing a song, birds all day come along. Check the feeder, check the ground; the next clue's near the seeds you've found!
Printable sample set
Six rhyming cards. Cut them out, hide them in the spots they point to, and start with the first one. They are a taste of the library; the generator builds a full chain that fits your house.
Clue 1
Where the milk and cheese stay cool and the little light shines bright, look for a card that is hiding from sight.
Clue 2
Pine and prickly, tall and bright, twinkling in the evening light. Peek around the branches wide; a clue is hanging there inside.
Clue 3
One sock, two socks, three socks, four, open up the dresser door. Stripes and snowmen in a mound; a card is here to be found.
Clue 4
Snowy day or chilly night, here's where coats all hang up tight. Push the sleeves aside and peek: the card you want is what you seek.
Clue 5
Welcome, welcome, one and all! Wipe your feet and see the hall. Lift the mat beside the door; the next clue's underneath the floor.
Clue 6
Fairy tales and tales of cheer, stacked up all the year. Look along the shelf with care for a card that's sitting there.
Make your own chain
The generator picks one clue per spot, in an order that fits your house, and writes the answer key. The free plan covers up to 5 clues for little kids and kids 7 to 12. The Full Hunt ($2.99, one time) lifts the limit and unlocks teens, adults and the office edition; the Family Pack ($4.99) adds a separate chain for each child. See pricing.
Questions
Can I print these clues for my family?
Yes. Print them for your own hunt at home, at school or at a party. Please do not resell them as a download.
How many clues are there for each spot?
At least three for every spot and age group, 396 in total. Press Shuffle in the generator and it may pick another one.
How does the clue chain work?
You tick the places where cards can hide. Clue 1 is handed to the player and points to the first hiding spot. The card hidden there points to the next spot, and so on. The last card points to the spot where the big gift waits. No spot is used twice in one chain.
Is the clue generator free?
Yes. A hunt of up to 5 clues with the little-kids and kids 7 to 12 libraries is free, as a PDF or straight from the print button. Free pages carry one small line at the bottom saying where they were made. The Full Hunt ($2.99, one-time) removes the limit and adds the other age groups.