Alyson Hannigan, Josh Radnor and Jason Segel of "How I Met Your Mother" were a few of the many stars who collected a bundle of extravagant gifts, as was comic Kathy Griffin. Hannigan joked, "How can you not have fun when they give you free stuff"? Other stars included Cheryl Hines of "Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jai Rodriguez of "Queer Eye" and the new FOX series "Celebrity Duets," Greg Grunberg of "Heroes," Maria Conchita and Joy Lauren of "Desperate Housewives," Robert Gossett of "The Closer", Daviegh Chase of HBO’s "Big Love", Ming-Na of FOX’s "Vanished" and Paige Davis of "Trading Spaces". A contestant on last season’s "Dancing with the Stars, the always stunning Tia Carrere brought her husband, photographer Simon Wakelin, and her adorable little girl, Bianca, to share in the fun.
The suite itself was something to behold, as it was transformed with dazzling floral arrangements complete with shining crystals pinned throughout. Custom flowers were provided by Speaking Roses, who created specialty white and lavender roses imprinted with the famous "Extra" logo. The company specializes in customizing roses with screen printed text and even photos. "Your picture on a rose!" exclaimed an awed Paige Davis.
The "Extra" gift bag created by Jewels and Pinstripes was the truly spectacular. Along with the many other specialty items available in the suite, guests were able to go home with more than $50,000 in gifts. Guests sparkled as they tried on (and then took home) precious jewels from young and hip designers like Julieri, Jessica Elliot, Twisted Silver, and Yen Jewelry. And, of course, great fashion was needed to go with all their fabulous new baubles, and the gift suite was in no loss for Hollywood’s hottest clothing and accessory collections. Spoylt Lingerie, SEE Eyewear, Frankie & Johnny Pajamas by Sleepyhead.com,
The ever-popular beauty products were definitely not lacking, either, with wonderful items including Giorgio Armani Parfums, the amazing Clarisonic Skincare Brush, made by the people who brought us the Sonicare toothbrush, B. Kamins Skincare Products, Jack Black Authentic and Original Men’s Grooming Products, DermaStyle Skin Stylus, Brown Bag Botanicals Shea Butter, English Leather Cologne, Tabu Fragrance, and Heavy Duty Body Care Products, to keep the already-beautiful people looking fabulous. Other gifts included electronics from Shure Microphones and Audio Electronics, Keurig Coffeemakers, Logitech, and Techno Source Sudoku, travel certificates from Pure Las Vegas Nightclub and Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and scrumptious goodies from Woodhouse Chocolates, St. Helena Olive Oil, and TeaForte Tea.
Of course, the current celebrity accessory of choice – a little dog, that is – was not left out of the fun. Owners of pampered pooches took home a Bark Avenue Jewelers Year of the Dog Pendant, Pup-Pup Personalized PupID, Hyde Bark Dog Bowl, Planet Dog Squeaky Blue Ribbon Buddy and Blue Ribbon Ringo toy, Bella Lucy Doggie Poop Bag, Sushi Pups Squeaky Dog Toy, Everlasting Fun Ball for Dogs, and gifts from Chi Chi Couture.com Dog Gifts and Couture, Just Pet Strollers, Furr Me Products, Vegas Rock Dog, Aud & M Leather Dog Collars, and Hollywood Dog Magazine.
"It’s an interesting range of products so everyone who comes in has a little something for them," said "Extra" event planner JL Pomeroy of the J Line Group.
It wasn’t just all fun and free gifts, though. Jewels and Pinstripes auctioned one super gift bag on eBay and raised more than $15,000 for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. Founded in October of 2004, Jewels and Pinstripes is a premier designer of luxury gift bags, specializing in celebrity and VIP gift bags for charity and high profile events. They also designed the bags for "Extra’s" Oscar Suite in March. To date, Jewels and Pinstripes has raised more than $175,000 for various charities.
For more on these exciting gifts, watch for our upcoming article here in LA’ The Place featuring the products in the gift bags of the Extra 2006 Emmy Gift Suites.