Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog: Extravagant Fantasy Gifts For 2022

By Jim Dobson

Neiman Marcus is famous for its outrageous annual Christmas Book catalog, where money is often no object, and the gifts offer the ultimate bragging rights. Every year, the luxury store offers up many ridiculously priced items and a few affordable luxury products we can all enjoy.

Among the most original and exclusive things in this year’s book are: a $333,333 private basketball-court session with one of the most famous players; a $65,000 Paris trip where you customize your fragrance with a renowned perfumer, and a $3.2 million rare diamond tiara.

I spoke with Daz McColl, Chief Marketing Officer of Neiman Marcus, and he explained how the selection came about this year. “Planning begins over a year in advance, and our dedicated team is continuously engaged in conversations with brand partners,” he said. “They work to imagine and curate fantasy gifts that align with our campaign strategy and Neiman Marcus’ longstanding tradition of creating magic for our customers. This year, our holiday theme, Make the Moment encourages customers to be creative in how they celebrate, making every moment special through individual style and expression. Our goal with fantasy gifts is to inspire and help people create individual and extraordinary moments that dreams are made of. Each gift is truly remarkable, and they are all exceptional in their own way.”

Here are a few of the most unique and outrageous selections for 2022:

Rare Cartier Diamond Tiara ($3.2 million)

This rare Cartier Diamond Tiara was created in 1935 and was acquired in Italy after being locked away in a private vault for 12 years and has never been offered for sale. The stunning halo head ornament is crafted with platinum and composed of graduating palmette motifs set with 520 brilliant, single-cut diamonds of approximately 42.15 carats, as well as 92 baguette diamonds of approximately 8.03 carats. The peak of the tiara is tipped with an approximately 1.05-carat collet-set, half-moon-shaped diamond. A versatile mechanism allows the tiara to transform into a necklace.

Barbie Maserati | COURTESY NEIMAN MARCUS

Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV ($330,000)

The all-pink Barbie-inspired Maserati Gracale Trofeo SUV is a unique collaboration between Neiman Marcus, the luxury Italian car manufacturer, and Mattel to create a one-of-a kind version of the Grecale Trofeo. The iconic Barbie pink covers the exterior and, in true Barbie style, is sealed with an iridescent topcoat revealing a rainbow effect. The interior features black leather seats with pink leather accents throughout. The doors are detailed with pink stitching, and the headrests are branded with a signature “B” badge. Only three of these custom automobiles are in existence worldwide.

Exclusive Polo Aspen Experience ($295,000)

This package offers up royal treatment with VIP tickets to a legendary Aspen polo tournament and one-on-one lessons with two polo champions. Starting with a luxurious two-night stay at St. Regis Aspen, you’ll also enjoy a private Argentinian Asado dinner by chef Agustin Mallmann. The following day, famed polo players Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras and Melissa Ganzi will provide private lessons for you and up to 11 of your friends at the members-only Aspen Valley Polo Club. For the star-studded polo event, your VIP tickets include membership to the exclusive, invitation-only Neiman Marcus tent, where you will have Champagne and hors d’oeuvres as you watch the match. You will also receive custom Casablanca polo jerseys with your name, a polo jersey worn and signed by Figueras and professional photos with the championship players in their team gear.

Home Holiday Transformation by Jim Marvin ($190,000)

This is your chance to have your home filled with the spectacular creations of Jim Marvin. Well-known as a master of luxury design and special occasion decorating, Jim Marvin will personally outfit your home for the holidays. Having decorated the White House for more than 20 years, Marvin will Deck your halls with a collection of designer trees, garlands, wreaths, lighting, stockings, and tabletop decor. Marvin and Neiman Marcus Buyer Kim McCarthy will consult with you in a private showroom to select your exclusive pieces. The designer and his team will then install your very own Christmas wonderland in time for the holidays. You and seven guests will then enjoy a private, three-course Christmas meal prepared by a Neiman Marcus executive chef, paired with selected wines, and served by two waitstaff.

Hestan Napa Valley Luxury Experience ($175,000)

This is a luxury weekend for four in California’s Napa Valley. In partnership with Hestan, the cookware and appliance brand, this experience includes a private cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America with famed chef Thomas Keller. Then it’s time to tee off at the legendary Silverado Golf Course and play 18 holes with Chef Keller and Hestan Chairman, CEO, and founder Stanley Cheng. You will stay for three nights at the award-winning five-star resort Auberge du Soleil and relax with a spa treatment for you and each of your friends at the resort spa. The getaway continues with a private dinner in the exclusive Board Room of three- Michelin-starred restaurant, The French Laundry, plus a Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge tasting, a wine tasting at the award-winning Hestan Vineyard Tasting Salon, and additional dining at Bouchon Bistro and AD Hoc for lunch or dinner. To finish off your incredible weekend in wine country, you’ll go home with an exclusive Hestan Copperbond cookware set, a Hestan-curated Napa Valley gift box, and two 12-month Hestan Wine Club memberships for you and a guest.

Custom Mini Golf Course by Sweet Tooth ($200,000)

Sweet Tooth Hotel will install a space-themed, nine-hole mini golf course on your property. The course features a sparkling shooting star at the first hole, the astronaut experience at holes two and three, then blast off with a seven-foot-tall rocket ship at hole four. Holes five and six have you navigating your way through antigravity and a mysterious black hole, and as you reach the other side of the galaxy at the final three holes, a new planet awaits your discovery! Giving you the opportunity to truly personalize your putting green, you’ll be able to name the four-foot-tall planet structure and have your chosen name engraved on the flag. You’ll also receive 20 custom putters and 20 golf balls.

Personalized Custom Scent and Trip to Paris with Maison Francis Kurkdjian ($65,000)

A unique journey through Paris with prestigious French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the famed Maison Francis Kurkdjian perfumes and leather craftsman Atelier Renard. You will return home with custom versions of an array of Maison Francis Kurkdjian products. Enjoy a 3-night stay at a luxurious hotel in the heart of Paris, Personalized Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrance, consultation with Francis Kurkdjian in Paris, Dinner with Francis Kurkdjian at one of his favorite restaurants, Private Museum Tour with art curator Sophia Gonzalez, take a tour of leather manufacturer Atelier Renard, and once home you will receive a custom box of scents for two years.

Legendary Basketball Matchup With The Pippens ($333,333)

Scottie Pippen, the NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, and his son, Scotty Pippen Jr., with the Los Angeles Lakers, offer you an exclusive chance to play against the father-son team. This gift includes a 2-on-2 shoot around with Scottie Pippen and Scotty Pippen Jr. in Los Angeles, dinner for two with Scottie Pippen and Scotty Pippen Jr., an autographed copy of Scottie Pippen’s book, Unguarded, and a bourbon tasting with Scottie Pippen and his premier bourbon, Digits.

Kids Mercedes G63 Covered In Swarovski Crystals ($32,000)

This electric ride-on car can be controlled manually by a steering wheel and foot pedal or controlled by the attached parental remote control. Two 35W motors make the kid’s car powerful enough when driving. Opening doors, LED lights, and engine sounds make the car more realistic. The multimedia design allows kids to sing along with built-in musical tunes or play their own music list by USB or SD card.

SMEG & Veuve Clicquot Limited Edition Refrigerator ($5,999)

This 60 1/2″ high SMEG refrigerator is customized in the famous Veuve Clicquot color. With a retro design and modern innovation, the one-door refrigerator offers generous storage with adjustable shelves, racks, and bins, plus a convenient icebox. Italian-based SMEG is known for ’50s-inspired appliances designed in collaboration with top architects.

Sydney Evan Jewelry Advent Calendar with 24 pieces ($68,000)

Founded by Rosanne Karmes in Los Angeles and named after her two children, Sydney and Evan. Her jewelry adorns some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood. This exclusive advent calendar is filled with 24 pieces made with 14-karat gold and a luxurious mix of precious and semi-precious stones.

Via Forbes