Preparation:

1. The idea for invitations was inspired by Family Fun Magazine, April 1997 ("Spy Party" by Teri Keough). Anything marked "Top Secret" will grab their attention. For each detective: cut the front off of a manila folder, then cut the side with the tab down to about 4 to 5 inches (leaving the tab on the edge); now fold the cut piece in half, and cut a notch around the tab like the original folder had (so the tab is visible when the card is closed); you will now have what looks like a miniature manila folder. Teri Keough suggests writing the party details backward on the inside (so invitees will need to use a mirror to"decode it"). Write the detectives name on the file tab, stamp the folder "confidential" & "Top Secret", then slip into an envelope for mailing.

2. Write clues on index cards for the mystery case - be creative & remember, sometimes the cornier the better. Place a number in the corner of each card so you will know in what order they proceed. The clues need to be hidden before the party begins. You could start by taping the first clue to the bottom of someone's plate; after they have finished their meal or snack, you might tell them you saw the police chief slip something "Top Secret" under one of the plates. Whoever finds the clue can read it aloud. Each clue should lead to the next; if the guests use their detective skills & follow the clue, they will be able to find where you have hidden the next one. Here are some of the clues we used:

*"Detectives...Here is your job. There is a reward if you can solve the case of the missing loot. Follow the footsteps to find you first clue (lay a few footprints cut out of paper on the floor to lead them to the next clue, or make a stencil of a footprint and sprinkle several with baking soda).

Clue #1: Some crooks have robbed the bank & have hidden the money. We need your help to find it. They were seen eating breakfast this morning after the crime was commited. That is where you might find the next clue (place the next clue on your kitchen table or counter).

Clue #2: The story of the crime has been seen on TV. Check the TV for the latest news (tape a clue to the from of your TV).

Clue #3: Don't let the bad guys get away! You will need to use your detective skills. Check for finger prints on the glass table in the living room (use an ink pad to put one of your fingerprints on the next clue card, & place where it will be found).

Clue #4: Good job detectives! Looks like they have been here! (Then lead them to your next clue location). Continue writing clues until you feel there are enough.

Last clue: The birthday boy/girl's mom was an Eye Witness to the crime. Ask her if she saw which way they went (be ready to give some explanation, & point the detectives in the direction where the "Loot" is probably hidden.).

3. Make individual "Loot Bags" with party favors for each guest, & place them all in one large container. Hide the "Loot" where-ever the last clue will lead your guests.
Suggestions for party favors might include:
gold covered chocolate coins

packets of play money

A terrific place to buy party items in quantity is Oriental Trading Company:
in their 1999 cateloge #161H you can find an entire page of items decorated with money (balls, pencils, eraser, stickers, yo-yos, notepads, etc.), pg.87.
You can also find the perfect detective hat on pg. 149 (called the "Gangster Hat"), and gold coins on pg. 167.

4. I always like to have theme music playing when we have a party. The best place to find what you need is at your local library. Music for this party might include: Pink Panther Theme, or Mission Impossible.

5. Construction of a Cardboard Box Maze is optional. This is where our "Loot" was hidden, and afterwards it made a great play area for the rest of the party.




6. In the Family Fun Magazine article mentioned above, Teri Keough suggests leading guests up to your front door with footprints drawn in chalk and hanging a few fake "Police Line: Do Not Cross" ...perhaps make from yellow crepe paper & black markers.

Party Time:

All guests were equipped with a small plastic magnifying glass, and given a disguise when they arrived; plastic detective hat, & fake nose-glasses combo.




Play a simple game to break-the-ice. Try the sock game:

1. All that's needed for this is a pile of men's tube sockes & a blind fold.

2. Two children at a time play this while the others cheer them on.

3. Have two children seated on the floor with their shoes off, & the pile of tube socks between them. They can each pick one tube sock and have it ready to pull onto their foot before being blindfolded.

4. Your job is to keep track of the time. When you give the signal, they have one minute to see who can put the most socks on one foot; there will be grabbling & pulling for socks. It can get pretty hysterical to watch.

5. After one minute, have the two children stop & begin counting how many socks each one has on their foot.

6. Then have the next two children play. If you want, there can be a play-off until you have one winner & a prize.

Have your meal or snacks...when the plates are empty have the detectives don their disguises, check for the clue on the bottom of a plate, and the fun begins!

Here are some links to other great detective ideas:

Spy Party
Fingerprint Lab

Back
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws