GOODIE BAGS IDEAL FOR PRODUCT PLACEMENT

Scrapping for product placement in the goodie bags handed out to VIPs and celebs at award ceremonies like the Golden Globes and the Oscars is almost as legendary as the bags themselves – at least, until the tax man intervened.Getting your products into the bag (or perhaps that should be suitcase!) could result in a celebrity association with a promotional product and that in retail terms, is the proverbial pot of gold.  And let’s face it, a news pic of a celebrity using or wearing a branded product is way more effective than a paid-for advertisement.  
These lavish bags were reportedly worth tens of thousands of dollars, with each item individually worth over five hundred dollars. Companies vied for the nod of approval from the organizers, more than happy to part with mega bucks for the privilege of having their items included – and that’s before they’ve provided the actual gifts.The selection committee sifted through heaps of applications, with only the select few striking it lucky.
Nowadays, after the IRS declared that these gifts attracted taxes, goody bags have shrunk in scale and scope and they include a pesky tax form too.  
So what are the gifts of the moment?Finding new ideas is a constant challenge, but luxury is never compromised.It’s bccoming increasingly fashionable to be ‘green’ and humanitarian, which has meant a boost in environmental gifts and charitable donations.
Designer clothing is always popular, as are fashion accessories, cosmetics, spa retreats and pamper sessions.Apart from the more obvious choices like jewellery and techno-gadgets, other treats have included private island holidays, first class air travel, the use of a luxury car and health club memberships.What better kudos for your business when an A-lister is snapped walking out (or should that be working out?) of your pilates studio, gym or down the steps of your airline?Promotional products can look very, very good – especially on an A-lister.
A recent unlikely – and more than a bit controversial – gifts in a Golden Globe awards event was a voucher for a miniature pot-bellied pig.The only requirement was that people had to attend classes on how to care for the animals, with Paris Hilton and the Beckhams reportedly fans of this latest Hollywood fad.
Promotional products in the hands of celebrities bring HUGE kudos through association.  
‘Bags of swag’ aren’t the sole domain of the entertainment world – they’re common at sporting, corporate and business events too.  The recent World Economic Forum in Davos saw delegates presented with an unusual gift of a non-slip covering for shoes to be worn when walking outside in the ice and snow.Not quite a pair of crocodile leather boots – but it made headlines all over the world.Getting your promotional gifts into the headlines could be just the ticket to avoid any slippery slides for your organisation.