Gift Giving Guy

Growing up, one of my favorite play-acting personae was the pirate. As a five-year-old, I dressed up as a pirate for Halloween, brandishing my imaginary sword. The pirates were the arrgh-growling rebels, charting their own course. Parents dare not tell a pirate “No” or “Put that down” or “Time for bed.” But I do remember a rule against pirate sword sticks in the house.

So when my young nephew said I had pirates lurking in my backyard, I was pleased. For his fifth birthday, I chose pirate-themed gifts from toymaker Melissa & Doug:

• Melissa & Doug wooden pirate chest with skull latch, bandanna, eye patch, loot bag and doubloons.

• Melissa & Doug 100-piece Pirate’s Bounty floor puzzle.

I like the heirloom quality and durability of Melissa & Doug toys. And I hope my nephew doesn’t mind a few pirates in his backyard.