As further evidence of some of the antics retailers are entertaining to attract younger audiences, read this disturbing article about a recent gift basket sent to Malia Obama for her upcoming July 4th birthday.  Malia, listen to us, child.  You’re beautiful where it counts and where it doesn’t.  We take issue with this author’s assertion that Malia would “enjoy” such a gift.  We think she has more than enough to manage without the added cultural beauty pressure.  My Lord, Take a Whiff deodorant and No Scary Hairy?  What messages do these products SEND to a very young woman?

Malia Obama working a patterned cardi just like mom. Photo: Saul Loeb, AFP / Getty Images

Online retailer Best in Beauty (which specializes in non-toxic and hypoallergenic products) sent a highly publicized gift basket to Malia Obama for her upcoming birthday (which falls on Independence Day — how patriotic!). 

The teen’s gift included products from a variety of Best in Beauty retailers: 

• Pristine Beauty™ Vanity Tray – Includes Hooray for Brallywood Butta®, Take A Whiff!® deodorant and No Scary Hairy™ $85.00

• Occomeia Organic Foaming Cleanser $25.00

• Solay Wellness’ Persian Rock Salt Lamp $65.00

• Purifying Lavender Body Bar Soap from Solay Wellness $6.95

• Dropwise Essentials’ Luscious Lime and Orange Dream Organic Aromatherapy Lip Balm $6.50 each ($13.00) Dropwise Essentials’ Refresh and Inspiration Gentle Cleansing Body Wash $9.50 each ($19.00)

• Dropwise Essentials’ Nourishing Hand & Body Lotion $12.50 each ($25.00)

• Dropwise Aromatic Mister Room & Body Spray $12.50 each ($25.00)

• Ecco Bella Good For You Gloss (Color: Peace) $15.95

For $354.20, the website will ship all of the products and more to you direct from each retailer–basket not included. Though the White House frowns upon companies using the first family’s name to get press, I happen to think Malia might enjoy a basket full of beauty goodies. 

Now, whether the Secret Service will let an unsolicited package anywhere near the first daughter is another question.