Ahoy Mateys, Cash in on the Pirate Craze

When Johnny Depp pranced onto the scene last year in the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," a renewed interest in pirates was born. Now that the second "Pirates" has been released, pirates and pirate lore are more popular than ever.

The history of pirates dates back to more than 3,000 years. The word pirate meant "sea thieves" in Medieval English and by most historical accounts this meaning is accurate. Pirates were ruthless, operating outside the law terrorizing ships, not the fun-loving and likeable characters crafted by Disney. Nonetheless, the public is fascinated with the clothes, the lure of gold and the glamorized lifestyle.

If you move quickly you can capitalize on this fascination in pirates by offering pirate themed gift baskets. You can get many ideas for your pirate themes from the Internet, and enhancements such as eye patches, chocolate gold coins, treasure chests, and pirate ships from party stores. Fill your designs with a variety of gourmet snacks, (some with even pirate-sounding names) and you'll be able to claim your share of treasure in the pirate craze.