BlogHer12: The Swag

by Fadra Nally on August 8, 2012 · 51 comments

in Blogging + Social Media,Video

This is my third year going to BlogHer. It’s my third year for reviewing swag so I can’t help but compare it to other years.

My quick and dirty verdict? A little disappointing. Nothing got me truly excited but I was admittedly non-aggressive when it came to swag.

I took swag bags from parties I attended and only collected swag in the Expo Hall from brands that really caught my attention.

Unlike other people, I had a pretty positive swag experience. I didn’t walk away with bumps or bruises or people stalking my bags (yes, that actually happened more than once). Then again, I didn’t fight the 4000 other women for a vibrator from Trojan.

Wanna see it for yourself? I spent 8 minutes and 30 seconds taking you on a swag tour (but my husband swears it only feels like 3 minutes).

And just in case you don’t get through all 8 minutes and 30 seconds, here are a few highlights from the swag video…

press on nails

I got three packages of press on manicure nails. The design are fun and funky but I don’t suppose I’ll love being a press on girl.

Halo oral antiseptic

I love meeting small companies and Halo was not exception. It was a father-son team working to bring the product to market. You know that tickle you get in the back of your throat at the start of “something”? This is an antiseptic that kills germs, like viruses. Dad is the inventor working with grants from the NIH and son is the lawyer that protects all the intellectual property.

Now available at CVS! (DING!!)

perplexus

Perplexus Epic is, like, the coolest and hardest puzzle toy ever. I got to barrier number 8 out of 125 and we already cracked it.

Mini moo cards

My mini Moo cards complete with the new design I’m contemplating. Whatchu think?

Now…

SwagHer12 comes to a close. What are your thoughts on swag in general, and on my swag? Is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Stop by tomorrow for BlogHer12: The Venue and on Friday for BlogHer12: The People (the most important part).

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  • http://misadventuresofmrsb.com/ Mrs. Jen B

    I can’t wait to hear more! I’m thinking about attending next year…we’ll see…! :)

    And it still amazes me that people stalk each other’s bags. Can we grow up? Seriously!

    • FadraN

      Most of the people I meet are awesome. The crazy stories come from my friends. And I’d like to keep it that way. Chicago will rock!

  • http://twitter.com/sellabitmum Tracy Morrison

    Holy crap girl, it’s a good thing you drove. I came home with a vibrator, a stuffed animal and a bag of chocolate. The rest I’m sure hotel housekeeping enjoyed. This year I barely even made it to the expo hall. Or sessions. Or BlogHer for that matter. It was a weird year. Wish I saw more of your face though. xo

    • FadraN

      I always had the driving home thing in mind, otherwise, I would have been more selective. When you can’t sleep, I fully expect you to come back and watch the whole video.

  • http://confessionsofavi3tbabe.com Vivian

    I love how you model off the earrings & how your son just sneaks up there a couple times lol (he was totally about to show off that stuffed hot pocket) :P

    He totally stole the show when he started showing off all the “cool” toys!

    • FadraN

      He ALWAYS upstages me. I just know he’ll get an agent before me.

  • http://twitter.com/GGirlGGreen Stephanie Moram

    Crap, girl. You are the swag queen. I didn’t have nearly that much swag and that Mulu.me bag is made of hemp. It was my favorite swag. Sad I know. I wish I could hug you through the screen! I loved your video! :) :)

    • FadraN

      Hemp? Really? You can eat it, shop with it… smoke it? It’s a cool bag. See you soon ;)

  • Glamamom

    Hilarious.  That lens would be my favorite also. Enjoy your spoils.

    • FadraN

      Ooh, that means you watched the video to the end. Awesome!

  • http://twitter.com/MomMadeItLookEZ Jennifer Williams

    I gave my Trojan vibrator to the housekeeping.

    • FadraN

      I’m sure they will very much appreciate that.

      • http://yesnofilms.com/ Liz

        LMAO. We left them a thing of wine that 1 roomie had brought and some Diet Coke :P .

  • http://angelaamman.com/ Angela Amman

    I can’t decide if this makes me want to go or scared of going…(just kidding. I can DRIVE to Chicago if I want. Can’t pass that up!)
     

    • FadraN

      Must. Go. To. Chicago.

  • http://twitter.com/pamperedpatty Patricia Oliver

    Lol!  Fadra you are the best.  ” I am ready for a night on the town.”  Great video as always.

    • FadraN

      I’m not sure what *kind* of night on the town but I was ready!

  • KallayCarr

    I am so excited to go next year! I live so close to Chicago, I have zero excuses. No airfare!! I about died laughing when Evan came in right when you were talking about menopause. That was a moment for the memory books. Hilarious. I can’t believe how much stuff you guys get! I had no idea! Did you ship it all home or bring an extra bag? 

    • FadraN

      This was a light year! You should see the videos I did for the previous two years! And yes, Evan always upstages me. See you in Chicago next year!

  • Melisa

    I imagine taking an approach like you did, would mean less swag and could seem disappointing but looks like neat stuff. I was a press on girl in college and occasionally I am tempted to get some for fun. Because a manicure for me doesn’t last long with the kids.

    Also…are women that hard up for free vibrators…

    • FadraN

      I should send you some of the nails I got. I went for funky and not sure if I will ever wear them. And hard up? I think so. It was a strange bunch.

  • ChickyMara

    Great recap, Fadra.  I hope in you’re people post you’ll mention how you pulled a #6 on me :)  

    • FadraN

      I have no idea what you’re talking about. None whatsoever. I’m a #10 all the way.

  • Gooddayregularpeople

    LOVE LOVE the new cards.

    I come home with zero swag…all I saw them give away were vibrators and salty soy sauce ice cream.

    What am I doing wrong?

    Disappointed I didn’t see you, will you be in Chicago??????

    • FadraN

      Here’s what you’re doing wrong. You need to hang with me. A few good parties and some good conversation make for some nice BlogHer souvenirs. And I’d love for you to just hang with me :)

  • Elizabeth

    I shipped some boxes home but then I scored three bottles of wine in the swag exchange. I collected Lorax bags for Dr Suess birthday as PTO teacher appreciation gifts.

    • FadraN

      Awesome! I ended up with 3 bottles too! Sadly, they are already gone.

  • http://twitter.com/CatChatCaren CarenOsrinGittleman

    God I loved this! And…I think YOU are just fabulous! I may go to BlogHer next year and if I do, I MUST meet you!

    • FadraN

      Oh thank you. I’m glad someone appreciates me being ridiculous! I’m already planning on you being in Chicago ;)

  • April Dorris

    I loved seeing the kid give his impressions.  He’s a cutie and very informed about the karma that brings certain toys back your way.

    I have been wanting to attend Blogher and I’m sad I wasn’t able to go this year. That was a lot of toys though. I don’t have kids and I do love gifting to the kids in my life but since I end up giving the toys away, I never really get to know how good they were.  :( Oh well.

    • FadraN

      He loves to be in the videos and loves to talk about toys! I have lots of girl toys that I expect to “rehome” so I’m glad to have a mix of both!

  • Mrs Woog

    I got nothing! Thanks for showing me what was about.. xx

    • FadraN

      Hang with me, baby. You won’t learn anything but you’ll make lifelong friendships and pack your bags full of crap.

  • Megan Broutian

    Had I seen your mulu bag, I’d have stalked it. Great post :)

    • FadraN

      Apparently, it’s made from hemp. Either way, it’s STILL my favorite bag. People were definitely eyeing it up!

  • RandomHandprints

    that is an impressive amount of swag, love the video!

    • FadraN

      Aw, this is nothing. You should watch my videos from 2011 and 2010!

  • Pingback: BlogHer12: The Venue | all.things.fadra

  • http://twitter.com/SugarJones Sugar Jones

    I love the Perplexus! My kids got one as a birthday present. They like it, but I think I like it more. ;)

    • FadraN

      I like it. When I want to feel completely inadequate. I’ve made it to #8 and we already cracked it because Evan thought it was an indestructible ball :(

  • http://twitter.com/JaMonkey Meghan Cooper

    I love your swagHer videos they crack me up! 

    • FadraN

      I aim to please ;)

  • Pingback: BlogHer12: The People | all.things.fadra

  • http://yesnofilms.com/ Liz

    I see the Hershey bags there … one of my favorite swag items :P from GG.

    • FadraN

      I couldn’t remember where that came from. What mattered is that chocolate caused my son to start sneaking and lying for the first time in the 5 years of his life. Guess they were that good.

  • http://www.networkingwitches.com/ Rose ~ RedNeckWitch

    I’m glad I’m not the only one still scratchin’ my head over the child safety, remove, re-clip, adjust buckle/strap so you don’t forget your child. I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

    • FadraN

      Weird and sad, right? I’m sure there’s a market for it but those people are probably too busy to stop and buy it.

      • http://www.networkingwitches.com/ Rose ~ RedNeckWitch

        Every parent I have offered that to has looked at me as if I grew horns AND a wicked cool tail. *shrug* Who knows! 

  • Ace1028

    Dude, you definitely missed the 900 reusable bags. They were so there, I am wishing I had taken a pic of the swag exchange room to show how many got left behind, I think I wound up with like a dozen. Oy.

    • FadraN

      I’ve never been to the swag exchange room. But I heard the stories. I feel sorry for the companies whose swag was clearly a waste. My roomie brought me mac & cheese from the swag exchange and honestly, it’s the grossest stuff I’ve ever tasted.

  • http://twitter.com/ElaineSGriffin Elaine S Griffin

    I loved the ideas of the nails, but they are so not me! I took them off the day after I came home.
    I think my favorite swag was the vitamins! Hello – they are EXPENSIVE!
    I LOVE my moo cards. Best.Cards.Ever.

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