International Swag Bag

I was lucky enough to get an exclusive peek inside the gift bag at The 2010 International Emmy Awards. And let me tell you, I need to get invited to more parties where they give out free presents like this.

What’s the deal with these gratis gifts anyway? Well, making it into these grab bags can be quite a coup for some companies. I mean is there a better marketing tool than getting your product into the hands of the wealthy, connected, and famous? I think not.

Here’s what I found in the coveted carry-alls at the International Emmy Awards Gala held last week in the Big Apple:

• Things I need –
•  Yummie Tummie – Well there’s nothing yummy about my tummy lately. And what girl isn’t a sucker for shapewear? I’d walk around with a sausage casing if it would make me look better. This is kind of like that. They even make a few products for the male species. My favorite: The Torso-Enhancing Undershirt, I wish guys had been enhancing their torsos when I was still on the market.
• Things I don’t need –
• Chocolate Chip Cookies from Tate’s Bake Shop in Southampton – I don’t care where cookies are from, I’ll generally eat them regardless. But, the fact that they’re from the Hamptons and I realllllly like the Hamptons completely ensures that I would indeed eat these cookies. 
• Galaxy Granola - One serving will only set you back 2.3 grams of fat. However, the chances of me eating only one serving are slim to none and slim just went out the door.
• Products –
• Celebrity Dentist, Dr. Debra Glassman’s Star Brite Whitening Toothpaste - As someone with two major food groups: red wine and coffee I’d be willing to give Doc Glassman’s paste a squeeze onto my Sonicare.
• Smith's Rosebud Salve - Recently, you may have seen this cult favorite and versatile balm on the shelves at Anthropologie, Sephora and Urban Outfitters. Believe me; wannabe hipsters at the mall didn’t discover this waxy wonder. Rosebud Salve has been curing chapped lips, diaper rashes and blemishes since 1892. So spit out your Teaberry Gum and slather some salve on your sweet lips.
•  Phyto products – French hair products made from plants. Yes, please.
• Culture – 
• PBS's Circus - Just like Ms. Britney Jean Spears said, “there are two types of people in this world, the ones that entertain and the ones that observe.” And to celebrate these entertainers why not take a spare 6 hours and get to know the real circus folk in the PBS documentary “Circus.” The documentary follows the company and crew of the legendary Big Apple Circus for their annual 350-show tour. 
•  Monte Verde Pen - Gala attendees may cross some extra t’s and dot even more lower case j’s when they’re signing the dotted line with their new Monte Verde pen.

The list above is just a tiny sample of what these lucky gala attendees tote home. Also included in the bags were products from: 4Voo, Agapantha, Bella Lume, Blinc, Bon Bon Boutique, Carmen’s Fine Foods, Cascadian Farms, Donni Charm, Down to Earth Body Shop, Dress for Success, Envirosax, EO Products, Harlem Brewing Co, Izze Beverage Company, Jessica Pritchett, Lierac Paris Skincare, Lola Haze, Marek Hewyk, Ms & Mrs, Onurth, Pour Moi, Pureology, Real Shaving, Reference Hair Care, Sweeties, Tarte Cosmetics, Vapur, Vegan Divas, Via Chic, Yafa and Zephyr Pacific Distribution.