This Birthday Brought to You By ...

As we were hanging decorations for Julianna's birthday beach bash, she looked at me and said, "Mom, don't you think this is a little over the top?"

I beg to differ. I thought the mix of limbo, ice cream sundaes, and beach-themed crafts was just about right. But her question did get me thinking about how we could really make it "over the top" in years to come.

The answer came in a blinding flash: corporate sponsors.

The demographics are there ... young girls have moms, and most of these moms are fashion conscious and have some disposable income to burn. It's a win-win situation for both me and the companies.

Yes, corporate sponsorship is the key to the party to end all parties.


Since it was a beach party theme, as each girl arrived we provided them with some cheap plastic sunglasses. But there will be no junk for these ladies next year. Instead, eye wear sponsor Dolce & Gabanna will give each guest a pair of sunglasses covered with Swarovski crystals ... a dream come true for every little princess. Retail value: $400 each

One of our party crafts was a do-it-yourself beaded beach-themed necklace. I think I paid about 75 cents for each. But next year, why go inexpensive when you can go with the little blue box? Instead of a boring craft, Tiffany & Co., our jewelry sponsor, will be gifting each girl a sterling silver seashore charm bracelet. Each bracelet features an anchor, sailboat, starfish, fish, and beach umbrella. Retail value: $550 each

When it was time for our guests to head home, we gave each girl a dinky little paper gift bag. Next year, our guests will leave the party in style, as our title sponsor will be Coach. They will provide one of their most popular bags for our guests, appropriately titled "Julianne" and in my daughter's favorite color, pink. Retail value: $378 each


Finally, there's the small matter of the birthday dessert. Julianna isn't really a big fan of birthday cake . . . something to do with the icing. So we opted for ice cream sundaes this year. It went over prety well, although I think the girls may have consumed more candy toppings than actual ice cream. Regardless, I think we should stick with ice cream again next year.

But why bring ice cream to the girls when you can bring the girls to ice cream?

Ben & Jerry's, our dessert sponsor, will be flying our entourage -- all expenses paid -- to South Burlington, Vermont, for a private factory tour. Free ice cream included! Retail value: $4,060 (includes round-trip airfare for 20 guests).

I can picture it now ... with a combined retail value of $1,531 per guest, girls will be falling all over themselves to be friends with my daughter. We'll never have to beg for another playdate again. Julianna will be the "it" girl.

All kidding aside, it is pretty amazing how ridiculously expensive some children's birthday parties have become. I can only hope that, as Julianna gets older, paper umbrella straws, pink lemonade, and inflatable palm trees will continue -- at least in her eyes -- to be "over the top."

At least until we finish planning her wedding.