We have similar thing in the shape of a cloth snowman with little pockets. Small things like chocolate coins can be put into the pockets, but sometimes ,for larger items, I leave a little message - or have even started a treasure hunt with a message and several clues! I'll be doing that with the hat, scarf and gloves I've got over 3 of the days ...... Sometimes the messages are instructions for Christmas makes ...once it was a recipe for cookies to then hang in the tree! Yes, very versatile ....... 
Can I join in your treasure hunt?, it sounds like lots of fun
