All of the hours put into writing gift lists, shopping, thinking, wrapping, and planning for the big day.  Then Christmas morning comes and…Poof!  The Christmas gifts have all been opened in a blink of an eye.  What to do?  Sometimes the last gift on Christmas morning can be a little anti-climactic…. for both the parents and the child.

Parents like to call this Christmas activity idea… “How to Make Opening Presents Last Just a Little Bit Longer!”  Or…

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

The secret we’ve found to making the fun last a little bit longer is a CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT!

A Christmas scavenger hunt can be fun for the whole family.  A scavenger hunt also means that opening presents can last longer than it took you to wrap the gifts!

We make sure everyone understands that this is the last gift and then the first Christmas scavenger hunt clue is given.  Kids run wildly through the house, collecting clues and finding the last present.  It is hilarious to see the kids running round and round, looking for the scavenger hunt clues to find the gift.

A Christmas Scavenger Hunt is fun for the entire family!

Last year we had an air hockey table (Craigs List find) and this year it will be new Nerf Guns.  It doesn’t have to be the best gift of Christmas, but we do try to make it a fun one that the kids can enjoy together.  This also helps if you have a large gift that is difficult to wrap or hide.

In the past, we’ve just written small clues out on scraps of paper.  Thanks to some on-line searching, I was able to find some really fun, creative ways to end your gift giving time.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues:

• If you do Elf on the Shelf, you could use these fun directions and make them from your Elf as his last gift to your children.  Check out East Coast Mommy, click here.
• Older kids that can read, rhyme, and fill in the blank?  You’ll love these Christmas scavenger hunt clues from Stuffed Suitcase.  Scroll to the bottom and the links send you to the free printables,
• Young children who are non-readers?  Use photos.  For example:  Clue #1: a picture of  the refrigerator.  Once they make it to the refrigerator they find Clue #2 – a picture of the bath tub.  Follow those clues until they find the gift!  Little Family Fun has a great example.
• How about Christmas scavenger hunt clues for adults or teenagers? This site has a great set that you can write out on your own.  Click here.
• Want to make up your own scavenger hunt clues?  DIY Swank made the perfect blank clue cards to write your own clues on.
• Since we love the movie ELF, we’re going to use Over the Big Moon’s elf-isms printables and write clues on the back.

First Christmas Gift Scavenger Hunt Clue

A fun little rhyme to kick off the fun:

We have something very special.  It’s really just for you.  It isn’t wrapped up under the tree, so now you need to follow the clue.  Go to:__________________

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Locations

Our location list is usually pretty simple, but I always get turned around putting out the clues.  Make little notes to yourself if you can’t remember where to put them or where to go!  I always try to make the kids go back and forth and up and down the stairs and much as possible.  Time to wear out those little legs!

1.  TV

2.  Mirror

3.  Nativity

4.  Under the bed

5.  Computer

6.  Kid’s toy (trampoline, bike, etc)

7.  SURPRISE!

I hope this idea brings a new tradition to your home.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Kristen and the Busy Kids Happy Mom family

P.S. Do you have a Secret to Opening Christmas Presents?

Other Fun Christmas Ideas You Might Enjoy:

The Ultimate Guide To Elf On The Shelf

25+ Elf on the Shelf Ideas Done For You

Grandma’s Gingerbread Men Recipe

The Secret To No-Fail Gingerbread House Decorating

18+ Homemade Christmas Ornaments To Make