Oscar goodie/goody bag/basket 2005
Once again, it’s that special time of year where we use the power of Internet search engines to figure out what the lucky celebrities will be carting home from the Oscars. After a few complaints last year that I included too many items that were not in the Official Academy Awards Presenters and Performers Gift Basket, my list this time only includes those items that specifically claim inclusion from a news source or press release. Thus, it’s shorter than before and perhaps not as much fun, but, I hope, more accurate. Some of this list came from a USA Today article; if it’s wrong, well, you can blame me for trusting it. The Academy always refuses to release an official list or comment on the basket. One news item states that Sequoia Productions, producers of the Academy’s Governors Ball, actually puts together the Official Basket. So now you know who to bug to get your handiwork in next time!
A handful of other companies gather goodies to bestow upon Oscar nominees (note that the Official Basket is given only to presenters and performers), thus the confusion of what is really in The Basket versus the Other Bags. There’s the “Everyone Wins” (aka “losers”) bag from Distinctive Assets, one from Buzz Bags, and one from Donum Gifts. Victoria’s Secret always gives the Best Actress nominees bejeweled accessories. Motorola gives out a not-available-to-mere-mortals phone. And there’s also the “Award Suites” at the Beverly Hilton where attendees can pick up even more free stuff, like skin treatments and tea.
As usual, my favorite items to find are the handcrafted “mom & pop shop” ones and I did dig up a couple. If only the Academy would give the little guys even more publicity for their generous donations by sending out an official list! Here’s mine:
A Krups kitchen set including a toaster, electric kettle and a year’s supply of coffee and tea ($700)
A two-night stay at The Carlyle hotel in New York ($2,300)
A red leather case full of Shu Uemura cosmetics, including mink eyelashes ($600)
A DuWop cosmetic kit filled with a selection of products and a gift certificate for a session with a Cloutier makeup artist. ($740)
A year’s supply of Vonage broadband phone service ($500)
A Sprint PCS Phone from Samsung
A three-night stay for two at Palmetto Bluff Resort in South Carolina ($3,600) (updated w/correct link 2/27)
A two-night stay for two at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley, CA($2,500)
A three-night stay for two at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa in Dana Point, CA (includes personal “surf butler”) ($5,900)
A dinner party at Morton’s, The Steakhouse ($1,500)
Kay Unger cashmere pajama bottoms ($500) (only the bottoms??)
An assortment of Manni Oils‘ extra virgin olive oil ($540)
One day of services at Cornelia Day Resort in Manhattan ($3,500)
A three-night stay at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, Calif. ($3,000)
An 18-inch baroque Tahitian pearl necklace from PearlParadise.com ($3,200)
A Dyson DC11 canister vacuum (y’know, the one that “doesn’t suck”)
A T3 Tourmaline Hairdryer “100% crushed tourmaline gemstones infused into patented T3 components give it more ionic power than any other dryer” ($200)
iXi collapsible bike ($1,289) (this is actually in the Donum gift bag, see this press release, but it’s kinda cool so I’ve left it here for you bike/gadget geeks)
Two nights in a Bellagio suite and Two therapies at Spa & Salon Bellagio and Dinner for two at Sensi Restaurant and Dessert at Jean-Phillipe Patisserie and Two tickets to “O” and a $1,000 shopping spree for Jurlique products (read the press release for even more detail)
“A Catherine Original” jewelry by Cathy Jordan: sterling silver choker/bracelet/earring sets made of pearls and Bali beads ($500) (local news story)
Mr. Handyman gift certificate redeemable for one full day
of Mr. Handyman service, presented in a confetti-filled paint can with an upscale black, red and gold design featuring the Mr. Handyman logo. The lid’s label reads, “Your Handyman is Inside.”
From Portland’s Moonstruck Chocolate Co, 15 handcrafted truffles in a hand made Thai Silk Truffle Box and a certificate for a year’s worth of chocolate. (local news story)
$10,000 package for a three-night stay at the Opus Hotel in Vancouver, three nights at the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler, lift passes, helicopter transfers, limo transfers, numerous meals, Pilates session, spa treatments, and two OXIA oxygen personal canisters (the second time Opus has made the cut with their astonishing roundup of Canadian hospitality!)