Boy or girl, if you have a preschooler, you know all about Jake and his pirate crew. Whether they are playing a fun game of Pirate Putt-Putt or rescuing a sea creature in trouble, the band of pirates are always on an adventure. As the mom of two little ones, I am fully aware of the entertainment this show provides.
As a mom on a budget, I am constantly searching for ways to throw the best birthday party my kids could imagine, while not breaking the bank. I know several parents who are constantly struggling to find the best place to have their child’s parties. However, I have always felt that my kids are more comfortable at home. So rather than spending three times as much to have their party at a venue or restaurant, here are some tips to have that memorable event at home.
Treasure Chest Cake
Make a treasure chest cake by stacking two 13 x 9 inch cakes for the chest, and then using wooden skewers to attach a foil covered piece of card board for the lid. Finish it off with frosting and candy jewelry for decoration. The recipe for this cake is super easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions. All of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store at a minimal cost compared to paying $25 or more for a prepared cake. Have your child help put on the decorations for added memories.
Pirate Gear
Appropriate dress is important for any event, wouldn’t you agree? Bandanas can be found at most local craft stores for $1 each. In lieu of party hats, consider pirate masks or make your own eye patches using black felt material and a thin band of elastic. Make convincing, yet safe, swords using rolled up newspaper, tape and a handle made out of a cereal box. One of the best things about having ready-made costumes is that they also double as party favors for the kids to take home.
Hunt for Treasure
What would a pirate party be without a treasure hunt? Create two or three maps, depending on the amount of kids you are expecting. Making a realistic map is really easy using construction paper. Simply soak the construction paper in water, pull it out and crumple it up, iron it on a low setting, and then singe the edges carefully. When you’re drawing out your map be sure to steer clear of areas you don’t want the children near; such as a breakable keepsake or the food table, kids are rowdy after all! Break the kids up into equal sized groups and send them hunting. Decorate an empty shoe box with glitter or beads and hide it where the X marks the spot. Some great treasure ideas are chocolate covered gold coins, an assortment of party favors from your local dollar store, or pennies from your piggy bank.
Between the sword fights, treasure hunt, and sugar rush from a fantastic cake, there is no doubt your child will have had a memorable birthday party – all while you have kept the budget for your child’s birthday under control.
