Oscar Swag Baskets Advertise Badly on Stars

I know that celebrity swag isn't a new concept, but when I heard that the celebrities who lost at the Oscars last night were given a gift basket worth over $80,000 I thought OMG! I was shocked to think that while we are still seeing the after shocks of two terrible earthquakes and while todays economy is forcing many people to go without small luxuries (like a night at the movies and cable TV), celebrities are offered $80,000 worth of swag. Because that number is sooo ridiculous I had to do more research on these over-the-top gift baskets. The more I looked the more I learned about swag and gifting. But before I give a 'to the point' definition for gifting let me tell you a few of the items that were given away at the 2010 Oscars; An African Safari, Tiffany cat collar (what?), indoor sky diving, a Serta Mattress; the list goes on with extra-ordinary gifts.

WOW! How about donating that money to a relief fund..I can think of two...

Anywho, gifting is suppose to be a cheaper way of advertising for which ever company donated the items; I can understand that. But LOL and give me a break, when am I going to wonder 'boy, I sure wish I knew what African Safari she went on' or when will I get a change to ask my favorite star 'where did you get this mattress, its fantasitic!'

HEY, what about putting that donation in the name of the stars you want to court?


I also saw that some of the swag items are purchased by those in charge of the Oscars; agian I say a donation in the name of the Oscars! Why not?? That sounds like good PR to me.

Seriously, I believe everyone deserves nice things, but $10,000 would have made for some real nice swag too. It's crazy to think an $80,000 gift basket is OK to give to people who want for nothing while much of the the world is in need of basic necessity.