Inside the gift basket

The official Oscar gift basket was born in 1989 as a way for the academy to thank presenters and performers. Since then, it has evolved into a marketing bonanza in which companies bid six months in advance to provide products for the basket. The value has grown from $20,000 in 2002 to about $110,000 last year. USA TODAY's Karen Thomas peeks inside:

*Four-night package at Waikiki's Halekulani resort (more than $25,000)

*Six nights split between Vancouver, B.C.'s urban Opus Hotel and rustic Wickaninnish Inn ($10,000)

*Two nights (plus surfing lessons) at St. Regis Monarch (Calif.) Beach Resort & Spa ($5,700)

*Two nights (plus wine tasting) at Bernardus Lodge in ...