Celebrity event gift bags can be a great promotional opportunity for businesses.

Celebrity event gift bags handed out at film festivals, award ceremonies and charity balls are a brilliant way to appeal to an A-list market.

Adding in vouchers or a product to these bags can be a great promotional opportunity according to Toronto handbag designer Jessica Jensen, owner of Jessica Jensen Inc and frequent 'swag' bag contributor.

She told the Globe and Mail that while these placements don't come cheap, and can sometimes amount to thousands of dollars, she still believes that giving away some of her leather purses translates into bigger sales.

Since adding products into gift bags Ms Jensen has noticed her handbags on the arms of actresses such as Kristin Booth, Freida Pinto and Helen Mirren.

"When a celebrity is wearing our bag, we can use the images on our website or for promotion," she said. "If a celebrity approves a brand, others perceive that it's quality and it's something they'd want to invest in."

Such high profile events can be difficult to become involved in, with many businesses having to choose appropriately, while justifying the potentially expensive sponsorship costs.

Andrew Au, president of Toronto marketing company Intercept Group, claims that getting products into gift bags at high profile awards, events, trade shows, exhibitions and conferences can be a tricky process.

"Event organisers have the final say about what products are included, the process is very competitive and everybody wants their product in that bag (or gifting lounge)," he said.

In order to stand a greater chance of featuring in the prestigious bags he recommended considering the recipients and what would appeal to them.

It also pays to link a product to the type of event or theme of the occasion, as this could make it more memorable and attractive to organisers selecting the most apt promotional materials.

Shopping Bags Direct is a leading retailer of Gift Bags. We offer them in many colours and sizes so please contact us for further information.