My daughter was turning 3 and wanted a Barbie party but also loves to dance, all the time so I incorporated this into a Barbie Dance party.  As the kids arrived, I had them bead necklaces onto thin ribbon (the boys beaded GI Joe dog tags for them to wear) all in preparation for the Barbie dance party.  Then they painted their nails.  The boys got mini-binoculars to wear around their necks while the girls were painting their nails. A blow dryer was used on the lowest setting to dry the nails.  Then they each were given their own little Barbie lipsticks. They applied that and then went on to another room where I had skirts waiting for them.  I made them by purchasing light pink tulle and gathering with a simple stitch and adding an organza ribbon around the waist. Very simple.  They each got their skirts on and were so excited, especially b/c they were able to take their lipsticks and skirts home with them. For the boys, I bought a yard of camouflage material that I made into squares that they tied on their heads for do-rags.  Once ready, the kids headed out back where I had a CD waiting for them.  I gathered a collection of dance music starting out with The Beatles 'Birthday' song then the Barbie song and Mambo #5 by Lou Bega.  It was great b/c the parents and family were all outside on the deck and the kids ran out and began to dance.  It was a hit. The transition into the birthday presents began when I had them come back in and listen to my answering machine.  I had a family member call and leave a message on my answering machine prior to the party acting/sounding like Barbie. She spoke with high energy and said "Hi Hannah.  This is Barbie and I have left a special surprise for you and all of your friends in the backyard. Just go out the door and follow the pink string and you will find that special thing.  Happy Birthday!"  The kids were all so excited.  They followed pink yarn that I previously placed around the yard to a basket of wrapped gifts with each guests name on it.  They each got their own Barbie doll and the boys got GI Joe's.  It was great b/c when my daughter was opening her birthday gifts, the rest of the kids had their own to play with. My daughter's big gift from us was the Barbie Dream House and since the kids had their own dolls, they were all able to play the rest of the time while us adults took a little break. The kids are all still talking about the party today.  Month's later.  They all mention that Barbie called Hannah's house and wonder if they'll ever get a phone call from Barbie.