KEY POINTS:
As this year's festive season approaches the words on most people's lips are Credit Crunch, but for those lucky few not yet feeling the pinch, US department store Neiman Marcus has a few extravagant gift suggestions.
The company's annual Christmas Book was published this week, offering customers 156 pages of present ideas ranging from gourmet chocolates to life-sized his & hers Lego sculptures.
Since it was first published in 1926, the catalogue has become a legendary source of awe-inspiring and unusual present ideas, though the most interest usually centres around the dozen or so extravagant 'fantasy gifts' - of which the Lego sculptures are one.
Among the other fantasy gifts in this year's catalogue are a thirty-five year collection of Billboard Top 100 45 RPM vinyl records (that's 18,400 records in total) and an authentic Guinness home pub.
"This year's collection of remarkable fantasy gifts is sure to capture the imaginations of our loyal customers who have come to expect the unexpected from the Christmas Book and from Neiman Marcus," said Burt Tansky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Neiman Marcus Group.
"Every year we seek to exceed the expectations set by the previous year's selection of gifts, and this year will surely not disappoint."
Neiman Marcus' Fantasy Gifts for 2008:
* For the adrenaline junkie in your life: A limited-edition Fighter Motorcycle from the Confederate Motor Company. Featuring a 64" wheelbase, 27"H seat, integrated braking system, a chassis made from carbon fibre, titanium and aluminium and packing 190 mph performance, this design fuses raw power with crisp simplicity. The price tag is US$110,000 but you'd better be quick - there are only 45 available.
* On your own turf: For a mere US$500,000 you can have 530 square yards of the Dallas Cowboys' Texas Stadium end zone installed in your own back garden. The package also includes VIP treatment for the last regular season Cowboys game in Texas Stadium, with pre-game photos, a luxury suite for the game, a once-in-a-lifetime post-game tailgate party (with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders) on your soon-to-be new backyard, autographed memorabilia from Cowboys legends, and a VIP package to attend the opening of the new stadium in 2009.
* Spinnin' Around: If you're sick of all that MP3/digital download mumbo-jumbo, why not fork out US$250,000 for some 45 RPM vinyl records and take a trip down memory lane? The collection features every disc that was listed on the Billboard Top 100 Rock and Pop charts between January 1, 1955 and December 31, 1990. A grand total of 18,400 records.
* A hand in history: Take your pick from three extremely rare Medieval and Renaissance rings; a hand-braided gold ring from the Viking-era, a 15th-century signet ring from England bearing an engraving of a Talbot dog, or a 16th-century tourmaline ring from Western Europe. Price range: US$25,000 - $45,000.
* Functional space: What if your workshop was a convertible? What if you could move your yoga studio walls as easily as you roll up your mat? The M-Velope - a steel-framed piece of functional art - features wooden panel frames you can open, move and close at whim. Created by artist Michael Jantzen, the 15-foot high by 14-foot wide by 17-foot deep creation will set you back US$100,000.
* Building blocks of man: Portraits are so last century. Why not invest instead in a pair of life-sized his & hers Lego sculptures. Just supply detailed photos and measurement details and artist Nathan Sawaya will whip up your likeness in the tiny coloured bricks. US$60,000 per sculpture.
* Teeing off: If you're a golf buff with a cool million dollars lying around you might want to think about having Jack Nicklaus design a 3-hole course for your backyard. Once it's built the Golfer of the Century himself will stop by to play the first round with you. He'll also sign his club and ball for your collection and throw in a custom set of Nicklaus clubs, including a personalised bag.
* Dream big: If you fancy yourself as a bit of a basketball pro, you can buy your way into a game with the Harlem Globetrotters for just US$110,000. The exclusive gift package includes a personalised official uniform, guaranteed playing time in a US 2008-09 season game, introduction as a special guest, and insider access to the team.
* California nuptials: Great setting, check. Engagement coach, check. Couture wedding gown, check. Bridesmaids dressed by Caroline Herrera, check. Celebrity entertainment, check. Rehearsal dinner, after-reception party and gourmet breakfast, check, check, check. All you really need now for this ultimate wedding at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California is a groom ... oh, and US$1.3 million.
* Good craic: Beer lovers everywhere would welcome this present come December 25 - a fully functional authentic Guinness pub custom-built for their home. The traditional establishment would be handcrafted with Guinness artefacts and Irish architectural elements reflecting the brand's rich legacy. Also included in the US$250,000 cost is a keg dispensing unit, a one year supply of fresh Guinness draught, and a VIP trip for two to Dublin, with first-class airfares, luxury accommodation and insider access to the magic being made at the historic St. James's Gate brewery.
* Ahead of the game: The all-new BMW 7 Series has an '09 launch date, but there are 31 limited-edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series Sedans available through the Christmas Book. Furnished with Champagne Merino leather and finished on the outside in an exclusive iridescent Diopside Black the BMW sits on 19" alloy wheels and has a 4.4 litre V8 engine with twin turbo. Also included in the package is a trip to Europe to meet your new BMW and the designers who helped create it, with business-class tickets for two from New York, four nights' luxury accommodation in Munich and the French Riviera and rare insider access to BMW. The cost? US$160,000.
* Out of the gates: Fancy yourself as a member of the horse-racing elite? If you have US$10 million lying around the legendary folk at Kentucky's Three Chimneys Farm will build you a stable of 12-15 thoroughbreds and with your input will train them, house them, select races, enter them in races, provide you a personal racing concierge, and manage the entire enterprise for you for the next four years. As the owner, you get to name your stable and any unnamed horses, design your own silks, attend races, pose for pictures, give quotes to the media... and keep all the purses and trophies.
For a look at the entire Christmas Book, click here.
