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Most of us know that with awards season comes over-the-top gifting to Hollywood’s most celebrated actors and recording artists. But as it turns out, celebs are low-key gifted with equally elaborate swag bags throughout the year, too. To wit, this Mother’s Day, some 25 of the most famous moms in Hollywood (including Blake Lively, Keke Palmer, Kaley Cuoco, Halle Bailey, Uzo Aduba, Ali Wong, Grace Gummer, Naomi Osaka, Meghan Trainor, Jennifer Garner, and Greta Gerwig) will be given a Ritz Carlton Reserve vacation in Baja, among other lavish gifts in a decadent, nearly $40,000 gift bag that rivals what Grammy nominees receive—no nomination required.
Just how does Distinctive Assets (the giving entity behind this gift bag and those given to Grammy and Academy Award nominees) select this exclusive group of moms selected to receive such swag? Surprisingly, the list isn’t determined by whoever has the most Instagram followers (sorry, Kylie) or even the biggest film of the season. Instead, the answer is far more practical: namely, who does brand founder Lash Fary consider a ‘cool mom’ who will also be in Los Angeles and easy to deliver the ample Olympia USA 8-pocket Rolling Duffel Bag filled with goods? (After all, months after this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, best actress nominee and Geman resident Sandra Hüller has yet to receive her Distinctive Assets gift bag, which is tied up in customs).
Once the recipient list is assembled, Fary says that pretty much everyone included is excited to receive the gifts, proving yet again that everyone loves free stuff, no matter how stacked a person’s bank account. To his recollection, only America Ferrera turned down the opportunity to receive such a gift bag a few years ago, though she eagerly agreed to accept the bag this year.
Like with more well-known gifting centered around awards season, Mother’s Day gift bags are a mix of expensive and affordable products alike, all selected to “make the recipient’s life better, brighter, and easier,” Fary says. Certainly, a comped stay at Zadún, one of six Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, fits the bill. Guests are invited to enjoy the Puerto Los Cabos property’s Grand Reserve Villa, a two-story, five-bedroom accommodation set along a private stretch of coastline. Cabo aside, the gift bag also includes practical tools for mom, like a baby carrier, luxe pajamas, and top-shelf liquor.
Still, we all know there’s no such thing as a free lunch. So what, exactly, are these stars expected to give in return for receiving such gifts? Fary says his gifting is far less transactional than one would think. While glowing reviews on Instagram are welcome, of course (after all, brands submit gifted items as a form of marketing), they’re certainly not expected or required.
Even regifting is smiled upon. Fary shares that when giving a $5,000 Italian leather bag from Franzi 1864, designer bag to Jennifer Lawrence, “it was very clear that she wanted it for her mom—and you know what? We were thrilled for Jennifer Lawrence’s mom to have the bag. I mean, her mom isn’t any ‘celebrity mom,’ but certainly, she’s an influencer in her community and a philanthropist. Besides, I think regifting shows that the celeb really liked the product, because they’re willing to share something with their families or friends.”
Which of this year’s swag bag items will line the shelves of celebrities’ gifting closets, and which will be enjoyed by the celebs themselves? Wage your bets by checking out some of the best items included below.
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