Cheap and Chic - OR NOT "Christmas Edition"

Has anyone ever received a gift from the Neiman Marcus "Christmas Book" catalog? It's basically a collection of the most extravagant gift items from around the world. I first became aware of the Christmas Book when I heard the story of the Egyptian sarcophagus. See, someone at a museum was browsing the catalog's "His and Hers gifts for someone who has everything" section and stumbled upon an ancient sarcophagus. They purchased it for their collection and upon receiving the shipment heard something rattling around inside. They carefully opened the sarcophagus and inside it contained a fully mummified mummy! Quite a steal for $16,000! Now, I'm totally into Egyptian stuff and have "visit Egypt" on my "before I die" list, but I don't think I want my own personal mummy laying around the house. The whole idea of these crazy and unique gifts really intrigued me though, so I decided to check out what the recession-proof set will be buying their loved ones this holiday season. Here are a few of my faves to add to your wish list:

Limited Edition Fighter Motorcycle = $110,000
- It's our street-legal sci-fi dream come to life, in the form of the limited-edition Fighter Motorcycle.














Dallas Cowboys Texas Stadium End Zone Package = $500,000
- To honor battles won and heroes lost over 38 glorious years, you can put 530 square yards of sporting history into your own backyard: An entire Cowboys Texas Stadium end zone. Our exclusive package also includes the VIP treatment for
the last regular season Cowboys game in Texas Stadium.














His and Hers Life-size Replicas in Lego Bricks! = $60,000/each
- The perfect gift for that newlywed couple in your life.
Send in detailed photos and measurements, then Nathan gets to snapping and BOOM! One-of-a-kind, life-size sculptures of yourselves in LEGO bricks. We priced our exclusive gift individually, so Nathan can "brickalize" you and the S.O., the kids, Granny and/or anyone else you obsess about. (Just make sure you have the rights to their likenesses; we're not here to judge.)

Authentic Guinness Home Pub Package (awesome!) = $250,000
- The folks at RiRa Pubs will design a fully functional, traditional Irish pub and build it in your home in 2009. It will be crafted from historic Irish architectural elements and authentic Guinness artifacts. There's also a VIP trip for two to Dublin with first class airfare, luxury accommodations, and insider access to the magic still being made at the historic working St. James's Gate brewery. (All members of your party must be at least 21 years of age.) Plus fresh Guinness Stout for your pub. For an entire year.

And the absolute most extravagant Christmas gift ever! Coming in at a measly $10 million dollars...yes, they take Visa and Mastercard...is
Three Chimneys Farm Thoroughbred Racing Stable Package = $10,000,000
- You want the best, you go to the best. You want a working, turnkey, in-the-running thoroughbred racing enterprise right out of the starting gate? You go to Three Chimneys Farm. For this exclusive package, you get the works because Three Chimneys means business. They 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 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.

Holy shite! Someone can actually buy a thoroughbred racing stable out of a catalog! That's some serious Christmas shopping. Well, I guess I'll go back to Amazon and see what else I can fit in under the "free shipping" plan. I'll leave these gifts on my wish list!