Reilly's birthday was quickly approaching, and since turning 13 is one of those milestone years, I knew I needed to deliver on this one!
The only problem was that I got the worse case of bronchitis in the world!!
I felt like utter garbage and couldn't seem to get out of the coughing pit.
I looked at the calender one day and realized I only had 2 weeks until the big
day and I hadn't even sent out invitations not to mention come up with a plan! I called the mom's of the girls Reilly wanted to invite and told them to save the date and I would give them the details later. This bought me some time.
Pinterest saved my bacon when I happened upon the idea of a mall scavenger hunt.
I decided to tweek the idea by stepping it up a notch or two!
My friend, Leisha, went to the mall with me the week before to get an idea of what stores would work best as well as which items in each store that would be a fun thing for the girls to buy.
My other friend, Taunya, completely blew me over by heeding to my call of distress as I was struggling to find clever wording for the "clues" and "tasks". I literally gasped when I opened up my email the morning after speaking to her and found 15 of the most creatively cute little ditties. (I've listed them farther down in this post). I always knew she was talented, but this just confirmed to me what I always knew to be true...that her brain needs to be cloned!
Here's are the details of how it all worked...
Each girl got a bag with a mall map, water bottle, and 2-3 envelopes containing the "clues" and "tasks" for each store.
They also got to choose from one of these darling little change purses that my sister, Katie, made! That girl has mad skills, I'm telling you!! There' nothing she can't do!
The purses had a few gift cards and money in them for some of the purchases that they would be making along the way.
Here they all are at the beginning of the scavenger hunt. My phone camera is junk so sadly, this picture turned out blurry.
(from left--Jillian, Kirsten, Reilly, Caroline, Hannah, Emily and Ria in front)
Scavenger Hunt Riddles:
Clue #1--Go to the most twisted restaurant in the mall, Roll out your dough--buy a knot or a ball!
Task: Each of you enjoy a warm, salty good--Sit down on a bench while you eat your food!
Clue#2--A big department store you now must raid, It hosts each year the NYC Thanksgiving Parade!
Task: It's time for your first kiss--so none of you peek! Snap a pic kissing a handsome mannequin's cheek!
Clue #3--Sugar and spice make little girls nice--But jewelry and rings are teenager things!
Task: The girl holding card #3, Will pay for a birthday button for MISS REILLY!
Clue#4--Super Bowl Sunday will be in a day--Find your favorite team jersey and make a big play!
Task: Now, find your favorite sport's team shirt--Then, strike a pose as if you're in a cheerleader skirt!
Clue #5--Lotions and potions and liquids that smell rosy-This fragrant shop can even soothe toes-ees!
Task: Combine all your gift cards to get the best deal--Buy two, get one free--it's such a great steal!
Clue #6-- Dazzle your feet in something that lifts to the sky--Walk the run-way in crazy shoes that are high!
Task: Find the right size with the wackiest style--Go for a walk but under one mile!
Clue #7--Milk, dark, and white are a girl's best friend--Time for a treat to help you push to the end!
Task: The person holding gift card #7 will pay--Each of you pick two, it's your lucky day!
Clue #8--Casual wear from these Japanese designers and makers--This UNIque store will dress you cool--not like those fakers!
Task: Stand next to a mannequin and copy her pose--Remember not to blink, twitch or wiggle your nose!
Clue #9--Freshen your breath and give your jaw a work out--Toss in a quarter and watch the machine's silvery spout!
Task: Breath in, blow out--the biggest one wins! After it pops, be sure to wipe your chin!
Clue # 10--What's in? What's out? It's always HOT to know--Fashion is a TOPIC that's constantly changing, never slow.
Task: Search for skulls to decorate your fingers and toes--Gift card #10 will pay for each of your gifts, she knows!
Clue #11--Numbers, numbers cover the mall a bit--Find something with Reilly's age on it.
Task: Look high, look low, just look all around. Keep searching for the magic number 'til it's found!
Clue #12--Old fashion writing on a little white CARD--Finding a funny birthday wish shouldn't be hard.
Task: All of you work together to find the ONE perfect fit. Reilly holds it near her heart while the rest of you sit!
Clue# 13--Red, white, and blue plus an eagle's strong ride. This popular store shows our country' s great pride!
Task: Show-off something from our country strong and true--One must be red + white and the other one blue!
Clue #14--Ten plus eleven is the number to find--This store is forever one of my kind!
Task: The summer sun will soon fill the blue skies--Find a pair of glasses to protect your eyes!
Clue #15--For your final clue on the big shopping birthday--Move from floor 1 to floor 2 in
Buddy's special way!
Task: One by one up the escalator you must go--Go ahead flexible girls--put on a Shopping Mall show!
One of the best parts of this party was that my mom (who was in town for a visit) and I got to sit in massage chairs while the girls were on their scavenger hunt and talk about everything under the sun!
When all the clues had been solved, we headed over to the Grub Hub for dinner. The ironic thing is that this place is known for it's delicious burgers, and yet all 7 of the girls got... chicken fingers!?
I'd definitely give this party a thumbs up! I think all the girls had a fun time!
I was so thrilled to see all of the details come together!!
Happy 13th Birthday, Reilly!
