TV stars give as good as they get at Emmy swag suites

Every rich and famous celebrity in Hollywood loves to get free stuff. Doesn’t matter if they’re an A-list movie star or a newbie guest on their first TV series. Swag is like celebrity crack. Once they try it, they always come back for more.

That’s why the celebrity gifting suites – or as I like to call them – celebrity looting suites– are still going strong. And the 2011 Emmy suites held last weekend were no exception.

The hottest (and most conveniently located) Emmy swag suites were the HBO Luxury Lounge – held at the Four Seasons hotel, which was already packed with Emmy nominees in from out of town – and the HP TouchSmart Gift Lounge – held backstage at the Nokia Theatre during Saturday Emmy rehearsals and the actual  Sunday night show. Just like in real estate, successful suites are all about location, location, location.

Over at the HP TouchSmart Lounge,  Emmy nominees and guests were playing the wildly popular video game Angry Birds on the HP TouchSmart PC (they even have a new laptop and tablet rolled into one And no, it’s not in the stores yet). For every star that played Angry Birds, HP donated money based on their scores. The final tally hit over $100,000 and it all went to the Academy of Television and Arts and Sciences Foundation. Needless to say, this charitable touch-n-give aspect drew in lots of stars, including a cleaned-up Charlie Sheen, clearly anxious to get back in the fold.

Movie stars see movies for free, right? Not exactly. Stars usually don’t even stay for their own premieres and 0ften see their films (and others)  incognito at theaters with real people, otherwise known as civilians. That’s why stars love getting their AMC Signature Pass card that gets them (and a guest) in for free to any AMC theatre anywhere in the country.

Akon slid his new AMC card into his tux pocket on Emmy night to keep it safe. Access Hollywood’s Mario Lopez told us he uses his all the time. Even Entourage star Jerry Ferrera snagged one for himself and his girlfriend. If you don’t have an AMC card, you can still see free movies (and get free popcorn) by signing up for the AMC Stubs membership.

For some reason, the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Toast Bar was a really big hit. Did you know that some stars spray the faux buttah on their dog’s steamed veggies? I am not making this up.  Celebs like Rob Lowe also scored  a gold toaster, a sterling silver spreader and a VIP card for a years worth of home delivery of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.” Wow.  That’s a lot of not butter.

Others celebs like “Dexter” Jennifer Carpenter, “The Office” star Kate Flannery and “X-Factor” judge Paula Abdul loaded up on new ProNutrients line from Centrum (heart, bones, vision and energy) and a fancy Multi-Speed Juicer. Everyone also wrote what they were pros at. I n Paula’s case it was”making people’s dreams come true.” Awww.

“Entourage” stars Adrien Grenier,  Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon snagged several pairs of New Sky casual shoes from NB (not in stores until October) that are made from recycled water bottles. Each pair consists of 8 water plastic bottles. Even “Mad Men” hottie Christina Hendricks traded her Louboutin heels (temporarily) for a pair of super lightweight New Sky sneaks.

Everyone loved their free Nautica watches. “30 Rock” star Tracy Morgan sighed and admitted, “It would be great if I could tell time.” More assorted freebies: Yogaworks and Crunch 1-year memberships and custom fitted Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, Emilio Pucci, Calvin Klein and Fendi shades from Marchon. Look, famous folks need a lot of sunglasses.

Saturday at the HBO Luxury Lounge, L’Oreal ofered free makeup, hairstyling and manicures for stars to get them ready for the pre-Emmy party-hopping that night.

HBO’s nominated directors, producers, actresses, actors, (even the studs from “True Blood” — Joe Manganiello –  and  “Game of Thrones”  — Kit Harington –  were given bags filled with Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara, Colour Riche Le Gloss, Studio Secrets Professional One Sweep Blush, Elnett Satin Hairspray, EverSleek Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner, Revitalift Clinical Repair 10 Laser Corrector Treatment, and a little something for the dudes, Men’s Vita Lift Moisturizer.

Stars (sorry, their assistants) were lugging around Klipsch THX certified Pro Media 2.1 speakers, One Stereo headphones and Image S5i In-Ear headphones, both of which let you take phone calls on them. Actresses such as were oohing and awing over Hallmarks Recordable Storybooks and their new Interactive Storybooks and Story Buddies. The plush toy actually responds to certain words in the book and moves and talks in response when the book is read out loud.

The same actresses were also grabbing the limited edition UppaBaby strollers as if they were silver Mercedes. This particular tricked-out stroller was first made for Tom Brady and his model wife Gisele Bundchen . Click here to find which UppaBaby stroller your favorite celeb uses.

Everyone (including Emmy nominee and Oscar winner Melissa Leo) felt more humane after getting free pairs of Michael Antonio shoes and boots that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. MountainGate Country Club  chipped in with three months golf and tennis memberships so the stars can show off their trendy new Carrera shades.

Famous folks can never have enough trendy shades. Solstice handed out hot new Carrera colored lens aviators to celebs while Sophia Fiori gifted diamond and sapphire pendants and Invicta gave out a timely gift of their hefty new watches. Hot tip: Rose gold color was the #1 choice for both sexes.

The next big round of Celebrity Gifting Suites won’t be until the Golden Globes in January 2012. That’s four whole months! How will these poor celebs survive without swag until then?

Photo Credits: Andy Samberg playing Angry Birds on an HP SmartTouch PC,  Rashida Jones with her new AMC card,  Tracy  Morgan at the Toast Bar,  Paula Abdul poses for Centrum, Jeremy Piven answers his New Sky shoes,  Joe Manganiello loiters before trying on his new Carrera shades. WireImage