Swag, freebies, gifts -- whatever you want to call them, there was plenty of free schtuff to be handed out at all sorts of gifting suites and lounges around the city of Los Angeles prior to the Golden Globes. Thankfully, most had a charity component and this year, raising funds to help Haiti was on everyone's mind. As always, there are way to many of these gifting suites to account for, but here are some highlights:
Access Hollywood's 4th Annual 'Stuff You Must..." Lounge held at the Sofitel Hotel.
Awesome items: Flights on the world's largest Zeppelin airship from Airship Ventures; a one-year movie pass from AMC Theaters to see movies for free at any AMC location across the country.
Even more awesome items: The Vue personal video network by Avaak that lets you remotely view and check up on your home or family from your personal computer; the Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder and the Flip Video FlipShare TV console which enables you to view your Flip videos on your big screen tv; Palm's latest smartphone, the Palm Pixi.
Other goodies: New Balance latest running shoes from their Fierce Trax Collection, fine jewelry from Jill Reno Collection, handbags and footwear from Guess By Marciano, Guess men's footwear, Hostess Cupcakes packed in a nostalgic-looking lunchbox, men and women's apparel from Bench, Fendi sunglasses.
Madison & Mulholand Charitable Gifting Suite held at a private residence in Beverly Hills:
Awesome items: A four night stay at a luxury resort of your choice on the Caribbean island of Antigua, courtesy of the Antigua & Barbuda Department of Tourism; a 7 day private stay in a Paris apartment from Paris Luxe Apartments. Choices range from a pied-a-terre facing the Notre Dame and the Seine, to a 15th Century townhouse from Paris Luxe Apartments.
Innovative items: The Ionator, a chemical-free power cleaner from Laguna Greenworks that uses regular tap water which transforms in to a family-friendly cleaning device and sanitizer. For the traveler, Balanzza's digital luggage scale is a must have so you know ahead of time if you're going to exceed the weight limit. Since all good things come in threes, the device is also a LED flashlight and an alarm clock.
Other goodies: New Beauty Magazine's famous "TestTubes" of beauty products samples; engagement rings by Verragio for Diamonique; Shaker's Vodka with ingredients so pure, it's literally hangover-free! Gift certificates for Luggage Forward, a baggage delivery service that takes your bags from doorstep to destination, virtually taking out the "lug" out of luggage; Herbasway Spa and Beauty, a collection of tea and fruit concentrates designed to support your health including anti-aging, fat-burning, detoxing and skin support among others; R.E.U.S.E. jeans, made from recycled textile waste; Marley Coffee, founded by Rohan Marley in honor of his later father, Bob Marley.
Melanie Segal's Platinum Publicity's Celebrity and Charity Lounge held at the House of Blues.
Awesome items: Complimentary VIP Membership to the House of Blues' Foundation Room good for all the locations across the country; tickets for four to attend a Gospel Brunch performance.
Other items: Luxury watches from Switzerland maker Croton; Ogie Kanogie's signature floor length sweater coats; Klub Nico footwear; men's boxers, briefs and t-shirts from 2(x)ist; eyelash extension and spray tans from Makeup Mandy; hair, body and skin products from Alterna Haircare, Eminence Organics, DDF, Aviva Organics, Perfekt Beauty and Laura Geller cosmetics.
In the presence of greatness....: the lounge's music was provided by Charles Segal, Melanie's Lithuanian-born father. Raised in South Africa, he's a world-renowned pianist and composer, the founder of the Charles Segal Music School in South Africa and the recipient of many South African Grammys among other honors.
The 5th Annual Boom Boom Room Luxury Parenting Gifting Suite held at the Century Plaza Hotel featuring baby and parenting products.
Awesome Item: The Good Nite Lite, which modifies your child's sleeping pattern through a conditioning system that educates them to stay in bed until it is an appropriate time to get up. When would that appropriate time be? Mom and dad decide and then program the light's timer that changes the visual display from the Moon to the Sun.
Innovative items: All natural, chemical-free skincare brand Episencial teamed with Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" to launch a product line for babies and children featuring the artwork his famed childrens book; eco-friendly luxury plush toys and accessories from San Francisco-based Apple Park whose soft toy factory in China is the first and only one in that country to be certified by the Global Organic Textile Exchange.
Other goodies: seamless socks from SmartKnit Kids for sensitive feet. The added 'no heel' design keeps outgrowing to a minimum; Zooni's 3D animal hats, socks and mittens; developmental toys, books and DVDs from Brainy Baby; heirloom quality blankets from Little Yellow Chick; Umi shoes for babies and kids; hair accessories from No Slippy Hair Clippy; developmental toys from Bright Starts. Terrapin Toys was on hand to feature their Mary's Softdough, a non toxic, non-crumbling modeling dough in a variety of smelly scents from lavender to apple to bubble gum. Also comes in glitter or glow-in-the-dark.
Live Loyal PR & EMC/BOWERY Hospitality Suite at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills.
Awesome item: G2 Fitness was handing out Core Ball and yoga mats with exercises and stretches printed on them for a quick and convenient workout. Even their computer mouse-pads come printed with stretch programs to remind you to shake it loose at your desk.
Other goodies: Guests had the chance to get head-toe ready for the weekend festivities. Suburbia Salon was on hand to style and blow dry hair, make-up was provided by Valerie Beverly Hills and manicures were given by Opi. Guests left with Unite Eurotherapy hair care products, hip tees and shirts from Jenny B Clothing and Wet Cement and so as not to be late - Nu Pop Movement watches from Pascal Mouawad created in collaboration with Jermaine Dupri.
The Secret Room Events and the SLS Hotel's 2010 Golden Globe Red Carpet Style Lounge:
Awesome item: Croftgate USA's high performance eco-responsible car care products, including the waterless car wash & wax, polymer polish & paint protectors, leather cleaners, tire and wheel cleaners, micro-fiber towels and more.
Other goodies: Contemporary women's clothing by Frenzii, created by L.A. based designer Jully Kang; vintage-looking heirloom quality hair ornaments and accessories by Debra Moreland is Paris; skincare by Hylunia, Eufora, Pevonia, Eve Taylor London, Vivier, Natural Magic; make-up by Sugar Lips, Cosmoholic, Ashunta Sheriff, Youngevity and ShaBoom; body lotions, washes and scrubs by Soul Purpose, Spongeables, Whish, Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Beloved Body Care. Also, note cards by Devine Gallery; Oliberte premium running shoes made in Africa using Ethiopian leather and soles from rubber trees in Liberia; on site massages by El Leon Spa.
Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge located at Zune L.A.:
Awesome items: Digital photo frames from Vivitar; Reebok's EasyTone shoe collection with a sole containing pockets of air that gives a similar feeling to balancing on a Bosu ball. Walking in the shoes creates extra resistance, which helps tone and shape the legs and butt.
Other goodies: Nutritional supplements by Usana healthcare; CellCeuticals Skincare; Zone Perfect power bars; preppy clothing by Vineyard Vines; Dr. Rey's Shapewear (yes, the plastic surgery doc from the reality seriesDr. 90210); silver-infused skincare products by Cor; Ice watches; Rock Revival jeans; note cards by Real Card Studio; gift certificates for meal delivery system Paleta; manicures by Nail Garden and spray tans from Infinity Sun.