25 Unique Pirate Party Supplies
Anchors aweigh my sea-loving socializers! I love a fun theme party, and one of my favorites is a pirate party. If you are excited about throwing an event, whether it is a birthday, shower, or just good ole time, these pirate party supplies are the must-haves for this theme. Let me show you what I love!
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Pirate Props and Decoration
When deciding on the decorations, you want to have for your party, its best to figure out if you wish to authentic pirate decorations or fun, cutesy decoration for a more cartoony feel. Whether it’s a kids party or an adult pirate, I will cover a little bit of both so you can decide the feeling you want at your next pirate party.
Authentic Pirate Decorations
When choosing authentic pirate decorations, my biggest advice is to get comfortable with embellishing some items yourself. A little bit of antique metal spray paint can transform a plastic novelty item into the perfect swashbuckling party supply. I love making an old plastic toy gun into a realistic pirate-worthy prop.
Rust-Oleum, Metallic Antique Brass 260728 Universal All Surface Spray Paint, 11 oz
U.S. Toy MU916 Pirate Gun
Natural Items
When it comes to authenticity, I love to bring in the natural elements that surround life on the high seas. Think of wood, metals, and natural fibers when picking the pirate party decorations. This style is simple to accomplish with these essential items:
Fishing nets
- Drape these around tables
- Use as window enhancement
- Great for arches and pass-throughs
Seashells
- Scatter around tables
- Place on the sand in buckets or other thematic containers
Iron chains
- Paint a regular linked chain to look antique
- Make paper chains with black construction paper
Wooden boxes and trunks
- Look for old crates
- Thrift stores will have items that can be repurposed
Gold coins, chains, and jewels
- Excellent table decoration
- Perfect for a chest or coin purse
Paper maps
- Age newer looking maps by staining with tea bags
- Burn edges
- “X marks the spot”
Candles and lanterns
- Choose fire-safe options
- Group together for impact
Seaweed and Kelp
- Use these natural elements with nets
- Combine with other authentic pirate decorations for a centerpiece
Pirate Flags
- Pirate flags can turn any porch or room into a new space!
- Plus they cover a good bit of wall space if you hang them up!
Ropes and twine
- Drape around tables and doorways
- Find nautical knots to recreate
Plastic Treasure Map Party Accessory (1 count) (1/Pkg)
GAKA 3×5 FT Pirate Flags Cross Knife Flag and Jolly Roger (Red Scarf) Flag 2 Pack
Pirate Themed Party Sets
There are a lot of good bundles that are available online. I am a fan of the sets because they include so many items. If you are in a hurry or hate going down the aisle of party stores, then bundles may be the perfect solution for you.
If you do enjoy shopping, then don’t forget about my top 9 thrifty party shops that will cater to this theme and other events.
Pirate Party Decoration Basics
- Tablecloth
- Balloons
- Banner/Bunting
- Plates, cup, and napkins
- Cupcake toppers
- Cake decoration kit
Pirate Party Food Ideas
There are lovely, tasty options for pirate party themed food. From embroidered and crafted items to simple “grab and go” foods, you can throw a pirate-themed party and have a food spread that will fit perfectly.
Fruit Ship
A watermelon based you heap with delicious seasonal fruits will be healthy and delicious. The way to craft this is straight forward. The pirate party supplies needed for this include a watermelon, your choice of assorted fruits, and a knife.
- Cut watermelon in half, length-wise
- Notch areas to resemble the deck of the ship
- Remove watermelon pieces with a melon-baller or cut into cubes after removal from “ship.”
- Fill with fresh fruits that will entice your guests- strawberries, grapes, kiwi, pineapple, and raspberries will be hard to resist
- Include pirate sword cocktail picks to enhance the pirate them
You can also watch a little how-to video here>>>
Easy Pirate Party Snacks
- Pirate’s Booty Popcorn
- Chocolate Gold Coins
- Carrot Swords
- Octopus Hotdogs- these can be made easily in the microwave
- Goldfish Crackers
- Cheese Ball Cannon Balls
Pirate Party Adult Drinks
If you want to serve some fun options for guests, try serving these fun options. Depending on where you live you might be able to find a Meadery or Cider Mill to buy your party supplies from.
- Mead
- Try this Rum Based Pirate Drink Recipe Called Grog.
- Hard Cider’s
Easy Pirate Party Drinkware
When it comes to pirate party drinks, I feel like it’s important to really geek out over some fun glassware! In particular, I think most skull glassware is fun and can be reused again at Halloween every year.
For kids you can go with glasses with lids and straws like these Darware Skull Mason Jar Glasses with Straws (Set of 4); Clear 12oz Glass Mugs with Reusable Straws from Amazon.
Or if you want to get really fancy with your over 21 guests, this The Wine Savant Large Skull Face Decanter with 4 Skull Shot Glasses and Beautiful Wooden Base – By Use Skull Head Cup For A Whiskey, Scotch and Vodka Shot Glass, 25 Ounce Decanter 3 Ounces Shot Glass is fun too!
Pirate Party Games
If your event will have children, then coming up with great entertainment ideas is a must. You will want to have several different activities for the kiddos to keep them laughing and engaged. The pirate party supplies for games can be easily acquired to make your nautical gathering a success.
Sand Castle Build
I do recommend this as an outdoor activity, you may be brave enough to do this inside, but I am not so trusting, lol. Having been at a fun construction party for kids, I found this to be a real crowd-pleaser.
- Get a tarp or large piece of plastic to cover the ground; this will make for easier removal after the party
- Purchase several bags of sand from your local home improvement store
- You can also get bulk sand from garden locations and construction supply stores if you have an excellent way to transport it; buying in bulk like this is the least expensive way
- Place in a shaded area or under a tent
- If the sand is dry, you can add some water to make it packable
- Get a few building tools to help in the creation
Scavenger Hunts
The reason why I like scavenger hunts comes down to two simple things- deductive reasoning skills and an activity that can take up some time. Kids love a good hunt, and it will keep them engaged and entertained. You can come up with your clues if you want by utilizing the best scavenger hunt clues techniques, but there are plenty of “already written” pirate scavenger hunt clues available. Thrifty in nature, the pirate party supplies needed for this are:
- Pen, Paper, Envelopes
- Riddles
- Clue related items
- A final prize
Walk the Plank
Because I am thrifty in nature, I enjoy using things that we already have in new ways. My husband has a lot of lumber for different projects that he is doing. I think having several different “balance beam” style walks would be very enjoyable for the kids. These can be set at different heights and angles for the kids to walk across.
This activity is great for getting them moving, but it also will help with coordination. Consider getting a few blow-up sharks to place around the planks to add to this pirate theme.
SK Novelty 24″ Shark Inflates / Inflatables Assortment – 12 Pack
Sand Timer Relay Races
I like this idea because relay races can be played at most events. They usually do not involve much expense and give everyone plenty to do.
By incorporating a sand timer as the focal point, it will help keep the theme intact. You can get pirate party supplies for these traditional relay race games.
1 min Brass Sand Timer Nautical Vintage Antique Item Replica Hour Glass Maritime Item
Peg-Leg Race
Similar to a three-legged race, this one is played individually. Participants will need to hop on one leg down the desired course path. For an added element of fun, you can attach a pool noodle to the leg of the guest, cut to the correct height.
Robe the Sea Robber
A clothing game is great for smaller children to play. Getting dressed in larger garments can be a challenge, and lots of entertainment for those watching. Children must see who can put on a pirate’s costume the quickest. Pick items that are both easy and challenging.
Cannon Ball Pass
Using a black balloon or a black plastic ball, children stand in lines and pass the “cannonball” back and forth in an over/under motion going both directions. Whichever line does it quickest wins!
Sword Ring Toss
If you are planning on purchasing dress-up items for the event, you can pick up some foam swords to complete the look. Guests can take turns trying to toss rings onto a sword held by another person.
Show a Pirate Movie
You could also entertain your guests with a classic Pirate movie! Here are some fun ideas:
- The Goonies
- Pirates of the Carribean
- Peter Pan
- Hook
- Check all these great pirate movie ideas from IMDB.
Pirate Party Favors
If you like to have a goodie bag for your attendees, you can send them home with some fun favors. There are great packs available to take the supply store hunting out of the equation, or you can choose your combination. I have several items that I adore.
Sand Timer
Kids are in love with sand timers. Not only would this be fun for them, but they can be used at their house as well. Minute sand timers can teach your kids to brush their teeth or wash their hands for the correct amount of time. Mom and Dad will love that!
I-MART 6 Pcs Plastic 1 Minute Sand Timer Sandglass Hourglass Sand Clock, Blue
Spyglass
Why do I love these so much?! It could be because of the magical and archaic nature. Kids enjoy the telescopic and collapsible design of these great party favors.
I hope that you love these pirate party supplies. They can really spice up the next swashbuckler soiree you decide to host!
Kim Anderson is the organized chaos loving author behind the Thrifty Little Mom Blog. She helps other people who thrive in organized chaos to stress less, remember more and feel in control of their time, money, and home. Kim is the author of: Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She’s been featured on Time.com, Money.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day, and more!