Super-elaborate “goody bags” are the latest thing to give out during special events. Even some of the tonier events in Greater Cincinnati send guests home with some fabulous finds.

        “I went to one benefit event,” says Janet Ach of East Walnut Hills, “where they gave out things like Escada perfume for men and women and Christopher Radko ornaments.”

        But this was exceptional, she says. Chairing different committees for the AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC) showed Ms. Ach how difficult it is to acquire expensive items for the group's major activities. Most Tristate charity events are underwritten by companies that fill take-home bags with their products, including everyday toiletries, fragrance samples and cosmetics.

        The more spectacular type of party bag, some say, started with the major entertainment awards productions. All the major award shows pile on the presents for the delight of presenters and performers. During last month's American Music Awards, for example, host Dick Clark gave viewers a peek at some of the fabulous freebies, such as pricey sunglasses and CD players.

        Each of the participating celebrities at Tuesday's Grammy Awards broadcast will receive an impressive and extravagant collection of goodies, valued at more than $13,000. Items will range from the stinging taste of Altoids mints to the soothing fragrances from designer Donna Karan.

        The high-end goodies include a two-night stay at the hotel chain for the stars, Ian Schrager Hotels. These hotels, which include the luxurious Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, call themselves “new and original urban resorts.” Room rates start at $310 a night.

        Giving these bags seems to be as much fun as getting them. R. Lash Fary of Distinctive Assets in Los Angeles creates and presents the baskets to each Grammy celebrity. For the 140 presenters and performers, Mr. Fary and co-owner Jaimi Blakely have gathered so much loot that they turned the bags into “baskets” by stuffing the gifts into a piece of luxury-priced Tumi vertical rollaway luggage.

        “We've done several award shows in the last year,” says Mr. Fary, “like last year's American Music Awards, the Daytime Emmys, Soap Opera awards and others. We try to personalize the baskets according to the event, so the Grammys get gifts that are more suited to the rock "n' roll lifestyle.

        “We get things less to impress (celebs) than to introduce them to new labels or give them things not available to the public,” like the limited-edition string bikini by Easel.

        “It's always fun to give them out and nice to get letters or notes from the celebrities thanking us for their baskets, like Oprah did after the Daytime Emmys.”

        Thinking about hosting a Grammy-watching party next week? You may not be able to duplicate the list of authentic Grammy gifts, but you may be able to put together a toned-down version, adding as much as your “money bag” can handle.
Inside the Grammy gift basket:

Fragrances

        Sprayology, vials of liquid vitamins and homeopathic ingredients to rejuvenate the body and soul, $400.
        Donna Karan, DKNY fragrances and body care for men and women, $600.

Beauty products

Avon Silvertone Breast Cancer Pin

        Avon nail polish assortment, $100.
        Colgate-Palmolive Actibrush (electronic toothbrush) and 2-in-1 toothpaste and mouthwash, $50.
        Bobbi Brown lip palette, $45.
        Fudge hair care products, $75.
        Youngblood Cosmetics eye shadow assortment, $150.
        Erno Laszlo facial moisturizer and Sea Mud Soap, $115.
        Guerlain Paris, a late-night skin treatment for a rock 'n roll lifestyle, $95.

Accessories

        Marcolin Eyewear (includes Dolce & Gabbana and Chloe brands), $350.
        Tumi Luggage (“official” luggage for the second year; a third will be given next year), $600.

Altoids mints

        Brad Johns Hair Accessories, sterling silver hair jewelry from one of the world's top hair colorists, $100.

Memberships

        The Sports Club/LA, a bicoastal membership package (including 10 massage treatments and 20 personal training sessions), $6,000.
        AOL, Mobile Communicators and six-month membership, $350 for device plus $130 for membership.

Edibles

        Altoids mints, $10.
        Ferrero USA Rocher, chocolates, $25.
        Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, assorted gift items, $100.

Konica Revio CL Camera

Electronics
        Konica Revio CL Camera, smallest 35 mm camera on the market, $200. iM Network, Sonic Box remote tuner, $100.

Clothing

        Easel, limited-edition string bikini designed exclusively for the Grammy Awards, $120.
        Karen Neuburger, pajamas and slippers for men and women, $150. Custo Barcelona, fun and chic T shirts with a Spanish flair, $200.
        Skyby David Park, hip women's clothing, $200.
        NewYork and Co., fleece jackets and assorted gifts, $80.
        NoirAirbrush, personalized hand painted T-shirts, $100.

Chic Doggie

Petwear

        Chic Doggie, designer pet accessories, $250.

Jewelry

        Pendulum Designs, one-of-a-kind jewelry using crystals and fine gems, $500.
        John Hardy, sterling silver earpieces, $200.
        Holistic therapy DeerSong, transformational therapy session from Sedona's Dr. Keith Alstedter, $250.
        Gift certificates SupplyCurve.com, gift certificates for high-end home decor plus a gift-filled Japanese bento box, $250.
        Borders Books & Music, gift certificates, $100.
        Webvan (HomeGrocer.com), gift certificates, $100.
Other quirky perks

Laila Candles

        Ian Schrager Hotels, two-night stay at any Ian Schrager hotel worldwide, $1,500.
        Erin Lareau, decorative mini-chairs covered with Swarovski crystals, $100.
        Laila Candles, an assortment of the world-renowned candles from Norway, $80. Avon Silvertone Breast Cancer Pins, $3.
       

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