We say it’s crazy. We lament the waste, the pure commercial excess of it. We pretend we don’t even want it.
But secretly, and yes I’m including you, we love the swag.
The shiny new packaging. The unexpected bounty. The tubes and pots and bags and cellophane and ribbons and bows. And then the smoke clears and we think “How am I going to get this stuff home?”
So the truth is: I’m not. I just went through all of the free samples I was given at the BlogHer conference in New York. I lugged that load through the city, on the subway, on the train, and in 2 cars to my parents’ house. I took it because I knew my friends and family would be delighted, if not a little shocked, to choose what they’d like to keep from the stash.
My one big confession is that since I had to cleverly pack the swag, there are many items whose origins are unknown. I don’t know who gave me the delicious gardenia body mist. Or the ever-so-attractive brand new pack of crayons. In the end I suppose the brands are the ones who gave them away, so thank you, brands. If I like your product, I might mention it on Swag of the Day. If I don’t, and I think there is someone who will, I will do another Free Crap Giveaway.
In the meantime, I have a fortune in lip gloss (thanks, Ted!) hair products, snack chips, video games, makeup, toys, and lotion. Oh, and the ever-present laundry detergent.
And in case you were wondering, yes, the naked lady was back. More on that later.
I don’t love it. It feels silly to me, mostly. Until Tanqueray has a booth, I’m pretty much avoiding the expo floor. I really didn’t like the “do a video so we’ll give you a piece of swag” format so many companies seemed to have this year.
But as my header says, I am old and cranky.
I’m with you as much as I say it is excess I’m admitting that I loved every bit of it. Yes, I in fact brought a lot home with intentions of sharing, but I have to wait for the boxes to arrive just so I remember what I actually have. I too can’t remember where I got a lot of it, but then again, it’s the brands who want the credit right? Great meeting you. I hope we’ll get together soon.
I confess that I love free stuff. I brought an extra bag with me to bring it home. (I stopped short of paying to ship it to myself or paying to check a bag, thereby negating the “free” in free stuff.) I brought toys home for my kids that they love. I brought home things that I need and use and things that I want to try. I brought home something I got out of the swag exchange room that I can sell on eBay for $100. I get why some people don’t like it, but that’s not me.
Aha! I knew it. Even about Suebob. Ya old crank! Hope your ankles are better. 🙂
Yeah! Yeah! Giveaway! ME MEMEMEMMEMEM!
FREE rhymes with ME, so fork it over, Prince. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear all about BlogHer.
I missed most of the swag, and I’ve been pining for it ever since. I want those Jeggings!