Inside the TIFF “Gifting Lounges” to the Celebrities

Wonder what was in this year’s goody bags to the celebrities? There are a handful of big “gifting lounges” during TIFF where celebrities are invited to attend and pick up gifts for themselves (or friends and family) in exchange for a quicky photo opp. and possibly some buzz. Popular in L.A. and New York, the gifting lounge is an alternative way for companies to get thousands of dollars in publicity.

At NKPR’s IT LOUNGE,  it was about the experience. From the moment you walk through the highly secured door you enter into a lounge rich in tactile pleasures as created by Karen Sealy of HGTV. Natasha Koiffman, president of NKPR is well-known in the entertainment industry and her popular IT LOUNGE brings  in more celebrities and media each year. This year’s booth included Kobo readers, SimplyYou Jewellery, Fiji Water, ConScent T-shirts (they smell yummy!!) and others. Skyy Vodka, also served up TIFF Themed cocktails at the lounge. Celebrities could also have their hair touched up at the Goody booth, make up at Stila Cosmetics and additional eyelashes applied at the Ardell booth.

But it’s not about the taking…it’s about the giving as well. NKPR’s partnering companies included a charitable element into their gifting in support of Camp Oochigeas, where children with cancer can have the opportunity to summer camp. Stila Cosmetics included a kissing board where celebrities puckered up and kiss a canvas and give $$ to the charity. FILA sports apparel donated apparel and sports equipment to the Camp if people (like you) follow on twitter @fila_100 and tweet back #FILAGIVESBACK. NKPR’s star-worthy giving back program also benefited Artists for Peace and Justice an international charity.

                       Matt Dusk pucker’s up at the IT Lounge.  Photo credit: NKPR

Over at Debra Goldblatt’s Rock It Promotions, the TASTEMAKER’S Lounge, was equally as enticing to celebrities, as well bringing awareness to their charity of choice, the CNIB.  Among this year’s items — Mavi Jeans fitted celebrities with the latest premium denim “GOLD  LABEL”. (the Alexa style is my favourite fit, seriously!)  Sarah Gadon (A Dangerous Method and The Moth Diaries) picked up a pair of Mavi’s for herself! PC brands also used this platform to showcase some of the 200 new upscale “Black Label” food items that will go head-to-head with finer food lines. The lounge hosted the very popular Pandora booth where celebrities were invited to created their own bracelet by selecting their own silver charms. Christ Cornell and Scott Speedman were among the many who dropped in to pick out bracelets and charms. Nathanial Cole offered up to each celebrity a Canadiana Wool and shearling hat – so cute! And warm! Sharpie brought in artists who use their products to personalize and create artwork on skateboards and bike helmets and frames! How COOL is that!!!??? And for those who are Botox shy..there’s the new Okrapeptide crème that I’ve got to try!  Oh…and I would also like to thank the TASTEMAKER’s Lounge for introducing me to my new addiction…Popchips!!!

Cheryl Hickey, ET Canada poses with Nathanial Cole’s Hat.  Photo credit: RockIt Promotions.

Thanks to NKPR and RockIt Promotions for inviting UrbanMoms to the uber cool lounges! Can’t wait find out what’s in for next year!

Follow Sonya as the Toronto International Film Festival 2011 (TIFF) mayhem collides with back to school. This mom of two boys dubs herself as “the right place, right time gal” and will be hitting the circuit running from movie screenings to events for our readers. Sonya will get chatty with tweeps and peeps in the industry and report on celebrity sightings.  Follow us on twitter and facebook to find out! @urbanmomsca #TIFFmoms