Last year we had a treasure hunt birthday party for my daughter's 5th birthday. When the guests arrived, we started out with a craft. We spray painted (ahead of time) "treasure boxes" with gold spray paint. The kids decorated their gold boxes with sequins and play jewels (very inexpensive at the craft store). While the boxes dried, we had the actual treasure hunt. There had been a treasure chest filled with play jewelry, and plastic coins in the center of the table. While the girls decorated their boxes, my husband secretly took the chest and replaced it with a scroll tied with a ribbon. When the scroll was discovered, the girls opened it and (with my help) read the clue. When they determined where to look, they went and found the first gift. With the first gift was clue #2. That led us to gift #2, and clue #3. This went on for a few more gifts. Finally, the last clue led them to the treasure chest where they got to split the "treasure" of jewels and coins. (The clues were very simple, and although this could be expensive if you get carried away with prizes, I bought small, inexpensive gifts to cut costs.  A box of crayons is a great idea!) The treasure hunt was a great success and we moved on to decorating their own small birthday cakes (baked ahead of time). They spread frosting, and decorated with colored sprinkles, hearts, mini-marshmallows, etc. We then sang to the birthday girl, ate cake, and opened gifts. Everyone had a great time!!!