By Madeline Albertine

These past few months, my mom has hit a couple special milestones – she turned 60 and retired from teaching! My sister and I knew we had to do something special to celebrate these accomplishments. There was just one problem: we live on opposite sides of the country (Seattle and DC) while my mom is in Illinois. But distance didn’t stop us. In fact, it inspired one of the most memorable surprises we have ever pulled off! Let me tell you about how we planned a long-distance scavenger hunt surprise, complete with clues, gifts, and a final destination that brought us all together.

The Idea:
We wanted to do more than send flowers or a card, so my sister and I decided a vacation to celebrate was in order. We brainstormed several potential destinations before deciding to take our mom to Dewey Beach in Delaware, which is a place she hadn’t been to in more than three decades. Since her birthday and retirement were happening a month apart, we wanted her to have a memorable birthday surprise that revealed the trip. That is when the idea to have a scavenger hunt hit. But not just any scavenger hunt…. Each clue would include a small gift that hinted at something bigger until the trip was revealed.

The Setup:
Since we couldn’t physically be there, I enlisted the help of my uncle and grandparents who helped us pull off the logistics. I bought small gifts to hint at a beach destination reveal sunglasses, sunscreen, a water cup, aloe, and a hair clip. Then, I brainstormed a sequence of clues that would lead her through various rooms of her house where one of the small gifts could be found (along with the next clue).

Some examples: (Pro tip – if you come up with the destinations, ChatGPT can help you form a rhyme!)

I’ve got coats and spare chairs galore. You’ll find me in a room with a door.
Open me up, take a peek inside. Your next clue is where the hangers reside.
Answer: Hall Closet with a mini gift (e.g., the sunscreen) with her next clue.

I have cushions and I’m soft to the touch. You relax on me, maybe too much.
Look under or between my comfy seat, Where your last clue you might meet.
Answer: The couch with the final reveal (see pictures).

The Reveal:
On the evening of my mom’s birthday, my uncle set up the clues and FaceTimed my sister and me into the celebration. We were able to watch my mom go from room to room and see how well thought out the surprise truly was. It was extra special to pull off something like this given the distance between us. In this case, a little planning went a long way in making her feel special and loved!

Tips for Planning Your Own Surprise:

• Start early: You need time to coordinate plans and ship materials
• Keep the clues/gifts personal: Tie them to inside jokes or meaningful memories
• Enlist local help
• End strong: Whether revealing a trip, a video, or a gift, go big on the final reveal.