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Bugatti Baby II: The ultimate showpiece for your child based on the 1926 original. Neiman Marcus Few traditions have defined American luxury, such as the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The Texas retailer, founded in 1907, has made the holiday shopping experience a legendary voyage of imagination. I eagerly look forward to what the creative minds will come up with every year, as these often outrageous and one-of-a-kind gifts are part fantasy, part indulgence, and completely unattainable for most of us. It all began in the early 20s, when Neiman Marcus started sending small holiday catalogs to their clients. It wasn’t until 1959 that the Christmas book started to make headlines. That year, Stanley Marcus and his brother Edward wanted to create a publicity stunt to increase business, and they launched what would quickly become iconic His and Hers gifts. Their first offering was two matching Beechcraft airplanes for $176,000, and it started a spectacle. They were willing to dream bigger than anyone else, and it worked. Neiman Marcus is famous for its legendary fantasy gifts including past offerings like His and Hers Camels or an Authentic Chinese Junk Neiman Marcus The catalog offered outrageous items like His and Hers Camels in 1967, Robots in 1986, Hot Air Balloons in 1963, and even 2,000-year-old Egyptian Mummy Cases (purchased by a California museum). Some gifts were outrageous and never sold, including a 1970 replica of Noah's Ark, complete with animals ($588,247) or a $20 million Personal Submarine in 2000. Other items were more approachable to consumers, including luxury cars, jewelry, and exclusive travel experiences that often sold out within minutes. The most expensive gift ever offered was a Boeing Business Jet, listed at over $35 million in 1999. It never sold, but a $6.7 million Bell Helicopter in 2001 did. This year's 2025 Fantasy Gifts continue the tradition of celebrating the artists and designers who offer inspiring creations and experiences for everyone to enjoy while giving back to charities with a portion of all proceeds. Christian Louboutin Custom Saddle Neiman Marcus Christian Louboutin Custom Saddle ($47,000) The legendary Christian Louboutin designed this one-of-a-kind Western saddle. The creation begins at Maison’s atelier in Paris, where the design is handcrafted by a master artisan, requiring more than 100 hours of meticulous work. Signature features include glossy red leather stirrups that mirror Christian Louboutin’s soles; a seat and fenders re-crafted with Italian leathers from the atelier’s archives and covered with more than 17,000 sapphire-toned strass crystals. Along the cantle, a row of 155 polished spikes borrowed from his popular heels and handbags. The saddle is embossed with the Christian Louboutin logo and finished with engraved French sterling silverwork. Crayolo masterpiece personalized for your pet Neiman Marcus Crayola Personalized Pet Masterpiece ($64,000) In this unique collaboration between Crayola and acclaimed sculptor Herb Williams, your pet will be immortalized into a masterful work of art made entirely of crayons. Starting with a photo of your pet, the life-sized 3D sculpture is composed of thousands of Crayola crayons, all cut and layered by hand. Williams builds texture and dimension one crayon at a time, resulting in the ultimate pet portrait. The experience includes a private art session with the artist and a signed certificate. Handmade leather Kiton trunk Neiman Marcus Kiton Bespoke Trunk / Trip To Naples For Custom Wardrobe ($180,000) Kiton is a Neapolitan house known for its devotion to perfection. In collaboration with Artemest, this unique item is a bespoke wardrobe trunk upholstered in Kiton's signature wool and linen fabrics. It has compartments for clothing, shoes, jewelry, and fragrances. Inside, a mirrored vanity and upholstered pouf complete this portable dressing room. This offering includes a private styling experience in Italy at Palazzo Kiton in Milan or the headquarters in Naples, where the artisans' hand-stitch every garment. The experience includes a personal fitting session, a private atelier tour, and a gourmet dinner at an acclaimed restaurant. Limited-edition Mood Flatware Egg in white and gold leaf lacquer, Neiman Marcus Christofle Paris Getaway & Exclusive Mood Flatware Egg ($185,000) Since 1830, Christofle has been one of the masters of French silver, with clients ranging from emperors to hotels. This unique gift invites two guests into the brand's world for a three-night stay in Paris, including private tours and once-in-a-lifetime access. Guests begin at a palace hotel as you embark on a chauffeured tour of Christofle’s heritage from the Palais Garnier to the silver doors at the Opéra Comique. A day trip to Normandy reveals the Haute Orfèvrerie atelier, where artisans still hand-engrave and polish silver with 19th-century tools. The trip concludes at the Rue Royale flagship, where the recipient receives a custom-engraved Mood Flatware Egg, an egg-shaped object that opens to reveal a six-person silver table setting. It is an instant heirloom for your home in art form. Amangiri Resort in Utah Luxury Expedition From Yellowstone to Amangiri ($490,000) This exciting offering makes the American West your personal playground for an 11-day adventure for four people. It was designed by EXP Journeys, specialists in bespoke luxury expeditions. The experience begins in Montana’s Paradise Valley, where you will all stay at a private luxury camp and spend days in the wild: horseback riding across meadows, beekeeping with local experts, and wildlife tracking with professional guides. Evenings are spent fireside under starry, crystal-clear skies. You will then journey to Jackson Hotel and check into the luxurious Caldera House for four nights of adventure, including whitewater rafting, sunset drifts, and a VIP night at the Jackson Hole Rodeo. Your pilgrimage culminates in Utah at the stunning Amangiri Resort set among the sandstone mesas. Your group will enjoy private helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley and a dinner under the stars while entertained by traditional hoop dancers. Custom photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz Neiman Marcus Annie Leibovitz Portrait Session ($500,000) This is a rare opportunity to become part of cultural history as you experience working with one of the most famous photographers in the world. Few photographers have shaped modern culture like Annie Leibovitz. Her iconic portraits of John Lennon, Yoko, Queen Elizabeth II, and more are legendary. This true fantasy gift offers a private, four-hour portrait session in Leibovitz’s New York studio. You are welcome to include your family in this experience for the ultimate Christmas Card. Greeted with champagne, followed by a creative consultation with Leibovitz herself, a professional styling team will prepare you as the photographer sets the stage. Following the shoot, participants visit Phaidon’s Manhattan offices, where they will meet Leibovitz’s editor and explore the making of Women- her acclaimed portrait series. You will also receive two signed exhibition prints, 100 autographed copies of her new book, and four signed volumes of her collected works. Four Seasons 1 Yacht Four Seasons Four Seasons Inaugural Yacht Voyage ($115,000) Be among the first to experience the Four Seasons I premiere voyage, a 679-foot floating masterpiece launching in 2026. Designed by Prosper Assouline, this yacht offers only 95 remarkable suites. This inaugural voyage invites four guests on a Mediterranean preview journey with sunrise breakfasts on private decks, Michelin-level dining under the stars, and a crew-to-guest ratio that redefines luxury. This experience includes a stay in the three-bedroom Loft Suite, featuring two levels, a private plunge pool, outdoor gym, and sauna. Each guest will also receive a $10,000 Neiman Marcus gift card to embark in style. A 75% scale, fully electric reincarnation of the iconic Bugatti. Neiman Marcus Bugatti Baby II ($135,000) In 1926, Ettore Bugatti built a half-scale replica of his famous Type 35 race car for his youngest son. It became so coveted that only 500 were made for clients. And now a century later, the legend returns. The Bugatti Baby II, created by Hedley Studios in partnership with Neiman Marcus, is a 75% scale, fully electric reimagination of the original. Using a 3D scan of a 1924 Grand Prix car, artisans recreated every curve with perfection. This instant collector's item features three driving modes, lush white leather upholstery, and a limestone-effect dashboard inspired by the marble floors of Neiman Marcus's Dallas flagship. Each car includes a custom commemorative plaque and custom color detailing. MORE FROM FORBES ForbesDesigners Plan To Transform Retired Airplane Fuselages Into Luxury Hotel SuitesBy Jim DobsonForbesThe Most Outrageous New Hotel Designs At The Radical Innovation AwardsBy Jim Dobson neiman marcus christmas catalog Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
