GENERAL RULE: Props Tell the Story

A prop should:

• Hint at your backstory, but should not appear as a clue to the mystery, as that could be confusing.

• Accentuate your costume - all props and accessories should reflect your character's look. If it doesn't add to your 'story,' skip it. 

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MUST-HAVE BASICS (That Work for Any Character)

• A clue notebook – even if you’re not the detective, pretend you’re secretly recording gossip

• Eyeglasses with no lenses – for that academic or eccentric flair

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 UNEXPECTED ACCESSORIES THAT SLAY (Pun Intended)

For Detectives, Investigators, or Nosy Neighbors:

• Mini magnifying glass on a chain

• Outdated technology: flip phone, beeper, walkie-talkie

• Finger print powder kit (you can fake this with black eyeshadow + cotton swab)

• Invisible ink pen and decoder sheet

 

For Aristocrats, Glamorous Guests, or Heiresses:

• Fan with a secret note taped inside

• Brooch that opens to reveal a photo of something creepy/spooky/peculiar

• Champagne flute — filled with glitter, poison label optional

• Opera glasses — even if it’s a backyard BBQ mystery

• Garter flask or purse flask — bonus if you label it “truth serum”

 

For Scientists, Doctors, or Creepy Pharmacists:

• Test tube necklace (food dye + water = potion vibes)

• Clipboard of “Autopsy Notes”

• Prescription pad with ominous scribbles

• Name tag that says "Definitely Not a Mad Scientist"

 

For Butlers, Maids, or Cooks:

• Polishing cloth with blood smears

• Spatula labeled “murder weapon?”

• Feather duster with something hidden inside

• Apron embroidered with “The Sauce is a Lie”

• Serving tray with one cracked teacup

 

For Gothic, Paranormal, or Fantasy Settings:

• Crystal ball (snow globe with glitter counts!)

• Fang marks drawn on your neck or wrists

• Old key or locket that “should have stayed buried”

• Book of Shadows or fake spellbook with ridiculous titles

• Stuffed raven, rubber bat, or a pet rock named “Murder Mittens”

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For Police Officers, or Private Eyes:

• Pocket notebook filled with wildly judgmental suspect notes

• Magnifying glass labeled “For Dramatic Use Only”

• Evidence bags containing suspiciously ordinary objects

• Badge reading “Emotionally Invested in This Case”

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For Reporters, Podcasters, or Influencers:

• Microphone labeled “Breaking News—or Possibly Gossip”

• Voice recorder filled with “anonymous sources”

• Press pass with an unnecessarily glamorous photo

• Notebook titled “Facts I Will Verify Later”

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For Celebrities, Socialites, or Reality Stars:

• Oversized sunglasses worn indoors

• Fake award carried everywhere for emotional support

• Autographed headshots no one requested

• Champagne glass labeled “Evidence—Do Not Refill”

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For Pirates, Sailors, or Treasure Hunters:

• Weathered treasure map with several contradictory Xs

• Coin pouch filled with chocolate gold

• Spyglass for dramatically monitoring suspects

• Fake parrot trained to reveal absolutely nothing

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For Cowboys, Outlaws, or Saloon Characters:

• Wanted poster featuring your own face

• Deck of marked playing cards

• Empty money pouch labeled “Definitely Not Stolen”

• Toy sheriff’s badge pinned on suspiciously crooked

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For Executives, Accountants, or Office Workers:

• Briefcase filled with shredded “confidential documents”

• Calculator displaying a highly suspicious number

• Coffee mug reading “World’s Most Approachable Suspect”

• Performance review accusing someone of murder-adjacent behavior

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For Artists, Actors, or Eccentric Creatives:

• Sketchbook filled with unflattering suspect portraits

• Paintbrush with an ominous red stain

• Rolled-up “masterpiece” no one is permitted to see

• Tiny trophy labeled “Most Dramatic Alibi”

 

BONUS TIPS FOR COSTUME DRAMA

• Use scent — wear oddly strong perfume/cologne that becomes part of your character

• Bring a pump bottle mister so you can add some sweat to your look while being interrogated.