Thanks to the success of Pirates of the Caribbean, pirates are huge news this summer in toyland.  If you have a pirate fan at home, you have great choices to choose from in terms of tables, costumes, activities and crafts.

( Small Miracles $$29.99$ ) Perhaps it's our own bias, but we were delighted that Small Miracle remembered that girls often like to dress up as pirates too! Their new Caribbean Seas Pirate Girl costume comes with a Jolly Roger head wrap (braids included), vest, sewn-on belt and buckle, and a skirt. They also have Pirate costumes for boys. Also special their Pirate's Treasure Kit ($29) that comes with 23 pieces, designed for two players, including two pirate's vests, eye-patches, pirate coins, and a treasure map. Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2007

( GeoCentral $$10.99$ ) One you unearth the skeleton of your pirate from the 7" gypsum block, you can string the pieces together to assembly an 11" pirate. Our testers needed help with the stringing stage. While some may find it kind of creepy, our testers loved that it combined both their love of dig toys and pirates! (We'd suggest adding safety glasses, they are not included in the kit.) Age: Early School Years, Late School Years. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2007

( Creativity for Kids $$5.99$ ) This is just the right activity for a party full of crafty pirates. The kits require gluing the wooden parts together (always fun, but will need some adult supervision) and then they are ready to be painted. A nice take away craft for a pirate themed party. Age: Early School Years. Phone: 800-311-8684. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2007

( Creativity for Kids $$17.99$ ) With pirates all the rage, this will be a good choice for a party. It will take some planning ahead, a project to do before the big day. There's a small cardboard treasure chest that needs painting and decorating (supplies are included) along with gems, golden coins, and two sturdy map-making papers. For dramatic play there's an eye patch and head scarf. But this is where the planning comes in- you use the art materials to create a map or puzzle that the players then use in a treasure hunt. Age: Early School Years. Phone: 800-311-8684. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2007

( Step 2 $$49.99$ ) A handsome pirate ship that makes a perfect centerpiece for a pirate themed party and a great birthday gift! The ship is 29"l x 22.5"h with a painted black hull, red and white sails (complete with crossbones and skull), and comes with five pirates. Our testers loved the secret aft door, the ship's wheel, crow's nest and other small details such as a treasure chest, cannon, lantern and flags. "Looks like it came from an expensive specialty store" wrote one tester. Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Phone: (800) 347-8372. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2007