by Karen Gilbert

Created on: March 09, 2009

Shiver me timbers! Kids' birthday parties can get out of control often requiring planning akin to Bar Mitzvahs and weddings. Create one that is simple, affordable, and entertaining for all those involved. A Treasure Hunt!

If you ask the birthday boy or girl why he or she likes having a birthday party, the response is often "the gifts." If you ask the attendees what makes a good party, they respond "the gifts." Somake it easy on yourself and your pocketbook. Have a Treasure Hunt where everyone gets a present, and the activity is the hunt. If you are fortunate to live in a setting that has a yard available all the better, but you can pull this off without using a little imagination.

First and foremost decide on the parameters of your island and create the treasure map. Make sure the map is colorful and clear enough to understand. Pictures may work better than words depending upon the age of the children. With access to a computer, Clip Art, and a color printer, this is not only a breeze, but fun to design. Have the kids counting paces, looking for signs, and even digging for additional clues and booty. Don't forget to include some obstacles.

If you live in an environment that does not lend itself to digging, enlist a few neighbors to whose location the partygoers could travel and have them distribute the clues. The clues they acquire can become part of the "gifts" they receive. Shop the dollar store for compasses, water pistols, whistles, funny glasses or just about any other item a kid would find entertaining.

The map can also serve as the invitation. Include the date, time, birthday boy or girl's name, and location. When the partygoers arrive with maps in hand, provide each with a sand bucket and shovel to carry all their "gold." Not only does it act as the carrying case, but is yet another reward they may take home with them. Instead of the balloons, as so many place in front of the house to indicate you have arrived at the destination, draw and hang the Jolly Roger symbol. If you are really getting into this, draw one on an old white sheet.

To add to the mood, present each with a pirate costume. Don't worry, not the entire outfit needs to be given. Upon arrival bestow each pirate a different name, as decided by his/her costume piece. For example the person given the eye patch is One -Eyed Willie. The person with the hook is Captain Hook. The child supplied the beard is Blackbeard. The list of props is endless, and the kids will have fun calling each other by their pirate name. Look to your party stores, dollar stores, or even making them yourself. Once again, the costume is another souvenir to take home.

When they finally reach "X Marks the Spot," the largest treasure of all can be found. Depending upon your pocketbook, it can be anything from Doubloons (chocolate gold coins) to toys. With this type of party, it is less about the prizes and more about the activity.

After the pirates recover their treasures, they can return to the pirate ship for cake and ice cream. If any of you have ever had or attended a children's birthday party, you know it can all be a bust in a few short minutes if the kids get bored. This type of party not only keeps all of them actively involved, their activity is not making a mess in your home. So no need to batten down the hatches, me Mateys. Weigh anchor.

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