The 'Mom' in me is wondering...
Going back to the original post here, I wonder how old the daughter is and can this 'search' be used as a learning tool. If the daughter participates in the search and there is success in finding the plant, she may be more likely to take ownership and take better care of the plant.
You might let start seeds for plants such as Juncus effusus cv. Spiralis/Corkscrew Rush or Albuca spiralis 'Frizzle Sizzle' or other plants which twist/turn/spiral while the search progresses.
