Major reason why Grammy performers and presenters didn't receive $36,000 gift bags this year
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: This year’s Grammy Awards were filled with stellar performances, heartfelt speeches, and some eye-catching fashion choices. However, one notable absence was the coveted gift bag that has typically been a highlight for presenters and performers.
In previous years, stars at the event were treated to luxurious swag bags filled with high-end products, but this time, attendees went home empty-handed.
Grammy performers miss out on $36,000 gift bags as funds redirected to disaster relief efforts
The absence of the iconic gift bags at the 2025 Grammy Awards has stirred up plenty of attention, particularly considering that just one year ago, Los Angeles-based marketing company Distinctive Assets curated an extravagant gift bag valued at a staggering $36,000, Unilad reported.
The bags were handed out to all performers and presenters, including the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Billy Joel, and Billie Eilish.
Last year’s bags contained a range of luxury items from noise-canceling headphones and a robotic pool cleaner to even a private performance by mentalist Carl Christman, valued at $25,000, according to CNBC.
While stars typically receive lavish gifts in recognition of their contributions to the music industry, this year’s Grammy performers did not get the typical swag bags. Instead, Distinctive Assets made a notable decision to redirect the funds and resources from the usual gift bags to a more impactful cause: disaster relief.
Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets, explained the decision, saying that as he reviewed the items initially set aside for the Grammy gift bags, he realized that the collection could be repurposed into care packages for those who had been severely impacted by recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Fary said, "As I looked at the products we had gathered for our first big event of 2025, I realized what a wonderful care package they would make.”
A label on the new care packages states, "Inside this care package, you’ll find items chosen with love and hope for brighter days ahead. Stay strong and let this small gesture remind you of the kindness and support surrounding you."
Grammy gift bags replaced with disaster relief care packages for fire victims
The new care packages, which will be distributed to local residents who lost their homes in the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, contain both practical and luxurious items.
The packages include a complimentary three-month disaster recovery membership from Bright Harbor, which assists survivors in navigating insurance claims, securing government benefits, and finding vendors for rebuilding efforts.
The initiative will provide over $1 million in disaster recovery services to victims throughout the 2025 awards season.
In addition to the recovery membership, other items in the care packages include donations from brands such as L’Oréal Paris, ABLE Clothing, Dave’s Killer Bread, Frontera Wine, PETA, and Pets Are Family by Erika Sinner.
The decision to forego traditional gift bags and instead focus on supporting fire victims has received widespread praise, as the move highlights the power of using influence and resources for a cause far larger than the event itself.
In recent months, Los Angeles has faced some of its most devastating fires, which have resulted in the loss of 29 lives and the destruction of nearly 16,000 structures, an area larger than the city of Paris.
This year, the Grammy Awards turned its spotlight not just on music, but on the importance of community, compassion, and resilience.
