We had a pirate party for our son's 3rd birthday. While I wanted to have a great party for our son, I didn't want the costs to be outrageous. In order to keep costs down I found invitations on line and just printed them on colored construction paper(activitiesforkids.com). I don't like to spend a lot of money or time on these since they are thrown away.  When the guests arrived we first did a simple craft. I went to Michael's craft store and bought small wooden boxes that looked like treasure chests (about $1.25/ea) These were spray painted gold ahead of time and I also purchased a few large pieces (different colors) of felt and fake gems. I pre-cut the felt for the bottom of the treasure chest and the inside of the chest. When the kids came they picked their felt color and the gems and glued them on the boxes. Ahead of time I also bought a package of gold coins and hid them outside around our house. Since alot of the kids were young, the coins really weren't hidden, but placed on rocks, steps, window sills, etc. After a simple pizza lunch with carrots and juice boxes, the kids had some freeplay time  while we set up the cake. I used to spend $30-$40 on an ice cream cake, but to save $- I bought 3 store box cakes. With the help of a really good friend- we made a treasure chest cake and then a pirate cake- sitting on water (another cake). I got a lot of the ideas on the cakes  on line- (birthday express for one). They were a big hit. Finally,  we had our treasure hunt. I made simple pirate hats and eye patches ahead of time (black felt and string for the patches and black construction paper for a simple pirate hat- with a skull and crossbones cutout glued on front). After all the kids were properly dressed in their pirate garb, they carried their treasure chest around and put their gold coins in as they found them.  Each child was told to find 10 gold coins (to prevent any child from getting only one or any child from getting too many). Once they collected ten- they came to the treasure chest- a simple wood box that we decorated and they got their goody bag prize.  The ages of the kids varied from 2 - 6 so the gifts varied.  By the time it came to making up the goody bags, I was running out of pirate theme ideas so the gifts did not continue with this theme. Also, they did get the small treasure chest with gold coins and they kept their hats and eye patches.   Note: I did the treasure hunt last - before everyone left so the goody bags stuff would not be opened early and be distracted from everything else. Sorry this note is so long- I hope it helps someone in planning a party.