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Kids’ Birthday Parties—How Much Is Too Much?

Recession? What recession?

The economic crisis, which has battered and bruised many Americans, is apparently a non-issue if your name is Diddy.

The rapper with 1,000 names–he was born Sean Combs, but later morphed into “Puff Daddy,” then “P. Diddy,” then the artist known as “Diddy,” then “Straight up P,” and now just “Diddy”—-is showing the world that money really can buy love.

And that goes double if you are a parent.

Daddy Diddy recently made headlines when he threw his son an insanely expensive Sweet 16 party. The ultimate birthday bash took place at one of New York City’s hottest nightclubs and was attended by big name Hollywood types from Fabolous and Lil’ Kim to the media whores from MTV’s “Jersey Shore.”

In addition to the fab setting, monster cake, and the roving spotlight that followed Justin Dior Combs wherever he walked in the club, Diddy reportedly had his son sit above the packed crowd on a throne that was placed on an elaborately decorated stage.

But that was nothing compared to the surprise Diddy had waiting for his first biological child (Justin is the product of a relationship Diddy had with his high school sweetheart Misa Hylton-Brim) outside the club. After being serenaded by hundreds of family members and friends, Justin was led out to West 28th Street and presented with the keys to a brand spanking new silver Maybach. The car, which is reportedly worth $360,000, featured a huge red bow and a uniformed driver, hired by Diddy to escort his son around New York City. Why? Because Sean doesn’t even have his learner’s permit.

Granted, the entire shindig was being filmed for an upcoming episode of MTV’s hit show, “My Super Sweet Sixteen,” so the impetus for the excessive birthday bling could have been driven by other factors. Still, to drop $360,000 on a vehicle for a kid who can’t legally drive, during a time when most people are looking for jobs that pay less than a tenth of the car’s exorbitant price tag, seems a bit much.

But, what do I know? My kid’s last birthday party cost less than 50 bucks, and it’s not as though Diddy doesn’t have deep pockets… and a big heart… maybe.

To offset the extravagance, Diddy’s son did something most children would never dream of doing on their birthdays (unless, perhaps, your dad is a multi-millionaire). According to reports, doting daddy Diddy gave his son a check for $10,000 to spend however he wanted. But instead of blowing the 10 grand on more boy toys, the teen reportedly donated his birthday money to Yele Haiti in an effort to help the survivors of this month’s devastating earthquake.

What do you make of Diddy’s son’s super tricked-out 16th birthday bash?

How much did you spend on your kid’s last birthday party?

Related Articles:

Kiddie Parties: No Clothes Allowed

Kiddie Birthday Parties: What Happened to Gift Opening?

Parental Dilemma: Big Birthday Parties for Little Kids

The Power of Pink: Are You Raising a Princess?

Are You Talking to Your Kids About the Financial Crisis?

Birthday Pictures: What to Know Before They Blow

Charity and the Preschooler

Are you Raising a Mini Fashionista?

This entry was posted in School age - Teens and tagged , , by Michele Cheplic. Bookmark the permalink.

About Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. She spent the next ten years as a television anchor and reporter at various stations throughout the country (from the CBS affiliate in Honolulu to the NBC affiliate in Green Bay). She has won numerous honors including an Emmy Award and multiple Edward R. Murrow awards honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. In addition, she has received awards from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for her reports on air travel and the Wisconsin Education Association Council for her stories on education. Michele has since left television to concentrate on being a mom and freelance writer.