Celebrity Suite Shoping: October 2nd, 2007

I love a freebie! Even if it's something I'd never use or even wanted, it's all about gift rush - the feeling one gets when receiving gifts. Celebs are the same. How many times have we heard or read about stars shopping for free in Celebrity Suites? The idea is that the stars will talk about or be photographed with the items that they've picked up, courtesy of the designers and manufacturers, while being interviewed on the red carpet or merely walking down the street. Free stuff for free advertising, it's a beautiful thing.

Award-show Celebrity Suites offer premium "swag" (free stuff). These "Suites" can be set up anywhere, from a private residence, with rooms featuring different designers, to an outdoor event, where each product host has their own tent. For the Emmys, GBK Production's Suite at the Hotel Sofitel in Los Angeles offered shoes by Richard Tyler and Oscar De La Renta, a trip to Karisma Resort in Mexico, manicure, pedicures, and more! The Primary Action and Adwil Agency Emmy suite gifted some nominees a trip to Morocco from Luxury Destinations.

Recently, Teen Vogue's 5th Annual Young Hollywood Party, celebrated stars like Hillary Duff and Jamie Lynn Spears by giving them exclusive Marc Jacobs T-shirts. While you may not be able to score international trips as swag for your guests, you can offer samples on a party favor table. Ever been to a Sephora beauty store? They have tons of samples for high-end products, as do make-up counters at many department stores. Obviously, this is for a ladies only event, but that's the target consumer of many of these cosmetic manufacturers. Tell the sales person that you are hosting a party, with a bunch of your girlfriends on the guest list, and see who offers up the swag. Don't go overboard, and respect the sales person who isn't able to fulfill your request. Another way to go is the 99-cent store, where you'll find loads of swag table items at bargain basement prices. Buy in bulk, like a box of scented bath salts, and repackage them in smaller bags or tins with a bow to give them a boutique look.