Good question...Why ARE you making this hard?
I bet I have the answer. The real question is, WHO are you trying to impress?
Remember, the purpose of the party is to celebrate your child's birthday, NOT to have great stories to tell at work.
Time will come when they start attending the "competitive" parties: mini-circus, pony rides, and other themed parties that parents throw to try to out-do the other parents.
All the KIDS really want is to have a good time.
Money doesn't buy happiness, nor does it buy a happy childhood. Keep it simple, and make lasting memories. Don't encourage the competition wars.
***I'm VERY sorry if I have offended anyone with my comments here. I never was rich enough to buy into those "purchased parties", nor did I let my kids attend any until they were in Middle School and they went to bowling or skating parties. Their friends LOVED coming to their parties, because they were allowed to PLAY like kids...not forced to participate. I always got a "Thanks, Ma'am, that was the BEST party ever!" I also took a cake decorating class, and the kids looked forward to seeing what I'd built for that year's party. (It ranged from a sheet cake with Sesame Street� characters to a Big Foot truck, to a sweet 16 record player with edible record!)
Bottom line: don't knock yourself out...yet. Let them grow up first before you fall for the big demand stuff.