Ideas For Pirate Birthday Parties

Introduction

Themed birthday parties are extremely popular nowadays, as they not only provide an exciting backdrop to the party, but also allow parents to choose from a wide selection of games and activities to prepare. Planning a birthday party that is both unique and special can make the occasion an unforgettable experience for your kid. Once you put on your thinking cap, you realize that the ideas for themed birthday parties are limitless. However, parents need to take into account the kid’s choice as well- moreover some ideas are gender limiting, such as mermaid or Barbie themes. Therefore, it should be selected carefully, keeping in mind the fact that the party would be attended by a group of children with varying interests. The theme should be inclusive enough to warrant participation by all the attendees, regardless of age and gender. One such theme is the ‘pirate theme.’ Pirate birthday parties are gaining more and more popularity, due to the inclusive nature of the theme. From toddlers to adolescents, all age groups, as well as both genders can participate in pirate birthday parties, where activities range from simple dressing up to complex treasure hunts.

History

Maritime piracy has existed since ancient times, the earliest records dating back from 14th century BC. Most pirates in the middle ages were outlaws, whereas, a special group, the privateers were actually authorized by the government to attack enemy ships. The practice of piracy ended in the late nineteenth century, although it has still not been completely wiped out, especially in some developing nations. Today, in popular culture, piracy has been romanticized, and is given an image associated with rebellion. Cult children classics, such as Robert Louise Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’ and countless movies made on this topic have helped fuel children’s interest in pirates, their lives and their exploits. For this reason, pirate birthday parties are fast becoming a favorite with children of all ages.

Features

One can play around with the pirate theme in many ways. One interesting feature about it is the pirate vocabulary, which can be easily incorporated into the normal language. Phrases such as ‘Ahoy, me hearties!,’ ‘Shiver me timbers!’ and ‘Arrr, matey!’ can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. For organizing pirate birthday parties, the foremost step is the preparation of invitations, which can be designed in a variety of ways, the most common being a drawing or cut-out of the ‘Jolly Roger’ (the pirate flag bearing a skull and crossbones), or a ‘message in a bottle.’ Ask the kids to dress up as pirates, or arrange the costumes yourself. The party can be held both indoors and out. To create the right ambience, pirate flags, ancient-looking maps, and fake skeletons with bandannas and eye patches can be hung around the house. A treasure chest in a corner can complete the look. As a fun activity, place a sand-box in a corner and using maps and clues, arrange an elaborate treasure hunt that takes the kids all around the house, finally ending up with them reaching the ‘hidden treasure’ buried in the sand. Other activities, such as using glitter, water and beads to make an ocean in a jar, having duels with cardboard swords, walking-the-plank, hooking/fishing for treasure etc. can help liven up the party.

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