Why is a good detective called a Gumshoe?   Because he sticks to the clues.

  Invitations

• Coded Message Invitation - Using a program such as MS Paint (found under accessories) type in the party information as text.  When finished, use the select tool to select the block of text, then select image, flip/rotate, then flip horizontally.  This will produce a reverse image of the invitation for the detective to decode by holding up to a mirror.
• Print out a general invitation, then place the invitation, map and any other information in a small manila envelope marked  “Top Secret”.  
• General Thank You Cards.

  Food - Drinks & Desserts

• Any favorite of your childs' will work here - hot dogs, pizza, nachos
• Private Eye cake from family.com

  Decorations

  Activities

• Movie - Need a time filler?   How about a Scooby Doo mystery or Inspector Gadget?
• Most Observant - Bring out a tray of items, covered  with a dishtowel.   Lift the towel and allow the children to view for 2 minutes.  Cover the tray and take away.  Give each child a paper and pencil.  Allow them 2 minutes to write everything that they remember from the tray.  Child with the most correct - wins. 
• Who am I? - Make a card up for each child describing a mystery person. (Use themes such as movie stars, sports stars, music groups)    Attach the cards to each child's back with tape.  Each child can then take turns asking the others questions regarding the item found on the card on their back.  Questions can only have yes or no answers.  The first child to guess their item, wins.   (Questions should be like:  "Am I a man?"  "Am I a basketball player") 
• I Spy - Especially good for younger children play.  This is a good time filler if you are busy preparing for another activity.
• Outdoor Scavenger Hunt - Provide each child with a list of clues of what they are to find.  Let the children work in pairs or small groups.  Provide clues such as 'green in spring and summer, orange and brown come the fall'.
• What's wrong with this picture? - Provide each child with a note pad and a pencil, give them five minutes to guess what is wrong with the birthday party table.  (this game must be played before eating)  -  upside down plates, cups, missing silverware at a place setting, one extra or one less place setting and/or chair, sign with backward letters, replace a regular fork with a shrimp fork, Easter napkins ...
• Gumshoe - shoe detective - Everyone outlines their shoes on a piece of paper as they arrive at the party, then mom or dad will collect the papers and assign a number to the page, writing the number down on their master list with the child's name.  During the party an adult will pass out a shoe outline to each guest (being careful not to give a child their own outline)  Let the child have 3 minutes to figure out who's shoe outline they have.  They will have a great time frantically trying to measure everyone's shoe, while others are trying to measure theirs!

  Goodie Bags

• Scooby Doo  note pads and pencils. 
• Small magnifying glass, Mini flashlights, dark sunglasses, pack of gum (gumshoes)
• Mystery books - for older children
• Place goodie treats inside a manila envelope stamped "Top Secret".