Present hunt guide
Don’t just hand over the big present. Make them hunt for it.
A present hunt is a short clue trail where the last clue leads to the gift itself. It works for a bike that won’t fit under the tree, a birthday present, or simply to make the moment last longer.
The Present Hunt is a Pro theme (USD 4.99, one payment).
Where to hide a big present
These spots hold something large and are easy to clear. Each one has a hiding tip from the Hiddlewink cheat sheet.
- Behind the sofaIn the gap behind the sofa (pull it out a little first, and push it back so nothing shows).
- Under the bedSlide it under the bed, just far enough to be out of sight.
- Wardrobe or closetOn the floor of the wardrobe, behind the hanging clothes, with the doors shut.
- BathtubIn the dry bathtub, with the shower curtain pulled across if you have one.
- CurtainsOn the floor behind a long curtain, so nothing pokes out.
- Laundry basketIn the laundry basket under a towel (or next to it under a sheet, if the present is too big).
- Christmas treeBehind the tree at the back, away from the lights and glass baubles.
- Shed or garage doorJust inside the shed or garage door. Unlock it first, and keep tools and sharp things out of reach.
- TrampolineUnder the trampoline, in a bag or under a cover if the ground is wet.
- WheelbarrowIn the wheelbarrow, under an old sheet or blanket.
Last clues that lead to the present
The final card is different from the rest: it tells them the present is close. Picture clues are read aloud to ages 3 to 5, rhymes suit 6 to 8, and riddles suit 9 to 12.
Last clue, picture · ages 3 to 5
Your big present is hiding! Get down low and look under the place where you sleep.
Answer
Last clue, rhyme · ages 6 to 8
Two tall doors, a rail inside,
Where shirts and coats and jumpers hide.
Open up and look down low:
Your present's there! Go, go, go!
Answer
Last clue, rhyme · ages 6 to 8
The very last clue: you're nearly there!
Go where you wash your toes and hair.
No water now, no soap, no foam:
Your present's found a cosy home!
Answer
Last clue, rhyme · ages 6 to 8
Where do you snooze and dream and snore?
Get down low, right on the floor.
Peek underneath, and there you'll find
A present of the biggest kind!
Answer
Last clue, riddle · ages 9 to 12
Open my doors and you'll find clothes hanging in a row. Look under them, right at the bottom: something wrapped is waiting. What am I?
Answer
Last clue, riddle · ages 9 to 12
I fill with warm water and bubbles most evenings, but today I'm dry, and something wrapped is lying inside me. What am I?
Answer
Plan the trail
- 1
Hide the present first
Pick the spot, put the present there, and check it can’t be seen from the doorway.
- 2
Choose 8 to 12 spots for the clues
Keep them out of the present’s room, so the present isn’t found by accident on the way.
- 3
Put the clues in order
Clue 1 points to spot 2, and so on. The last clue points to the present.
- 4
Hide the clues backwards
Start with the last clue and walk back towards the start. Keep the list with you.
- 5
Hand over clue 1
Give it with breakfast, or after the other presents are open.
More than one child?
Give each child their own trail with their name on the cards, and use different spots so the trails don’t cross. Hand out clue 1 at the same moment.
If they share one big present, such as a trampoline, run one trail and let them take turns reading each clue aloud.
Let Hiddlewink write the whole hunt
Pick the ages, the rooms and a theme. Hiddlewink puts the clues in order for your home, with a cheat sheet for the hider. Print the cards, or play from your phone.
Make a present huntThe Present Hunt is a Pro theme (USD 4.99, one payment).
Questions
How do I hide a present that is too big to move?
Leave it where it is, such as in the shed or garage, and make that the end of the trail. Cover it with a sheet so it isn’t spotted early.
How long does a present hunt take?
With 8 clues, about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on age. Picture clues for little ones are quicker to solve but slower to walk.
Does it work for a birthday?
Yes. The same trail works on a birthday. In Hiddlewink you can put the birthday child’s name and age on the cards.
What if they get stuck?
Give a hint about the room first, then the spot. Keep the list so you can help without giving the whole game away.
Is Hiddlewink free?
The free version makes a 5-clue hunt with rhyming clues or riddles in the Treasure Map or Pirates theme. Pro (USD 4.99, one payment) adds picture clues, secret codes, longer hunts and every theme, including Christmas Elves and the Present Hunt.