THE OSCAR SWEET

In 1989 Oscar organizers started a gift-giving tradition where they honored the unpaid presenters at the Academy Awards with a discreet gift as a thank-you. Today it has grown into a multimillion dollar industry in which companies pay to put their products into the hands of stars in the hope of invaluable publicity. The Oscar suite will open sometime this week in LA at an undisclosed location in a posh hotel where celebrities swarm hoping to snatch up free goods, from vacations to the hottest electronics and designer fashions. Only this year, Uncle Sam is also on that coveted list of invitees...thanks to the Hollywood Foreign Press who made a deal with the IRS, these items are now classified as taxable income. Poor celebrities. They might get to the front of the line but they still have to pay taxes! Even if you don't have a golden ticket this Oscar Season, throw your own bash and celebrate the Oscars like a star! I discovered a fantastic little bakery in Manhattan called Elenis where they make delicious baked goods, including cup cakes and cookies featuring the nominated stars and movies. They aren't free, but well worth the price for a unique, fun gift to give away at your Oscar party.

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Allow two days for delivery outside Manhattan

COST: $65/15 cookies with nominated actors, actresses or films (http://www.elenis.com/)

STRESS LEVEL: Having a sweet time at the Oscars: LOW