Chanel's Oscars 'Party in a Box' and the Official Oscars Swag Bag

The Oscars were last night, and despite a year of virtual events and Zoom acceptance speeches, things were looking a little more normal. The gift bags were back for nominees, and we have a full rundown of some of the coolest products included.

But, notice that we said “a little more normal” and not “totally normal.” Some nominees still did celebrate from home, and to ensure that they still got the full experience, Chanel took a temporary break from its usual pre-show party, instead sending “formally dressed couriers” to hand-deliver a box with “ingredients to toast fashion and film”—vodka, vermouth, olives and a lemon—and some sweet treats like ice cream.

Tonight, Chanel & Charles Finch would typically be hosting 150 @ Polo Lounge for a pre-Oscars soiree. Instead, nominees like Andra Day, Carey Mulligan, Leslie Odom Jr. received curated box by courier to celebrate. Martini, ice cream sundae ingredients. Recycling instructions incl pic.twitter.com/jdXvY4YYEh

— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) April 24, 2021

While we still wait for the world to turn at its normal speed, branded kits like these make it feel less like you’re missing out on an event, and more like you’re just experiencing something new. You don’t have to leave home to be a part of the party, and you don’t have to worry about skipping the whole thing for one year.

Some things are still happening like usual, though, like the gift bags curated by Distinctive Assets. This year, the box given to Oscar nominees included:

• The Postmates “Don’t Cookbook” hardcover “cookbook” full of step-by-step instructions to order some of your favorite foods, rather than actually make them.
• Bahlsen Cookies
• Bonfire x Defy: Disaster T-shirt and tote bag set
• PETA emergency hammer to save pets trapped in hot cars
• A wireless charger from Ciot New York, which supplies materials for kitchens and bathrooms
• Pajama sets and joggers from Cozy Earth
• Exploding Kittens card game
• Factor Water in a pouch
• Karma Nuts
• Socks from London Sock Company
• 99Guard face masks
• Rest Mask wristband face mask
• and more

It’s no surprise that environmentally friendly products and things like face masks—which are innovating every day (such as the one that loops around your wrist or backpack)—are included. Those are two of the more popular product categories lately.

The on-trend products included in the gift box, coupled with the branded “party at home” from Chanel, act as a bridge between fully in-person events and virtual events as we move further from the worst of the pandemic.