This strange year is finally coming to an end and it is, bizarrely, holiday season. For those looking beyond the usual cashmere sweatpants and scented candles (honestly, who didn't stress-shop for those themselves months ago?), Neiman Marcus provides us with its annual extravagant 2020 Fantasy Gift lineup. There truly is something spectacular for everyone: the homebody who has really thrived in quarantine can find comfort in Assouline’s fully stocked home library, those of us who somehow stuck to their workout routines (or need to get back into it) can sweat at Canyon Ranch, and those seeking to unwind and disconnect outside of the home can take a private helicopter to Denali, Alaska.
Is it over the top? Absolutely. But if we've learned anything this year, it is that when you have the opportunity to go big, go big. And if you don't, it never hurts to dream!
Assouline Custom Travel Library
Become the ultimate armchair jetsetter with an in-home custom library fully designed, sourced, and stocked by Proper and Martine Assouline of the famed publishing house. This gift package allows the recipient to meet one-on-one with Proper and Martine at their NYC headquarters (via private jet if travel within the continental United States is needed), to discuss preferences on books, design, furniture, and decor to build the ultimate collection. So, sit back and relax while the experts curate all the fantasy, intrigue, and knowledge one could ask for into a perfectly stocked library.
Retailing at $295,000 this gift also includes a $10,000 donation to The Heart of Neiman Marcus in support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Price is also subject to change dependent on any substitutions or alterations to offerings.
A Year of Wellness with Canyon Ranch
For the person whose goal is to establish healthy habits in 2021 beyond dry January, this is the ultimate gift. The integrative wellness experts at Canyon Ranch will serve as the personal health gurus for you and a guest, starting with an eight-day stay at either the Lenox or Tucson properties. You will have a full assessment and goal-setting session for categories such as fitness, beauty, integrative medicine, sleep, nutrition, life management, and spiritual guidance. While there, you have access to unlimited services as well as chef- and nutritionist-developed meals and snacks. You’ll have three more weeklong “checkups” throughout the year to make sure that you are staying the course. For two of the four trips, get there in style with your own private jet courtesy of Jet Linx. With these four week-long stays plus virtual assistance in between, you’ll be well on your way to a better you.
The Canyon Ranch experience can be yours for $345,000.
Jonathan Adler Artful Additions
Tired of your game room not being up to par? Worry not, because Jonathan Adler will make sure it’s fabulous down to the last pawn. As a renowned potter, author, and designer, Adler will meet with you personally for a virtual design consultation to create your dream space. From there, he will select a special suite of furniture for the space that will be styled to perfection in a one-on-one styling session. As if it couldn’t get any better, Adler will create a custom beaded piece for your new space and donate $10,000 to the Aid to Artisans organization, which helps to pair international artisans with designers and businesses.
The Jonathan Adler Artful Additions package can be yours for $145,000. $10,000 will be donated to the Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation in support of the Boys & Girls Club in addition to the $10,000 allotted to Aid to Artisans.
Exotic Gems From the Oscar Heyman Collection
To say this is the perfect gift for the jewelry obsessed is an understatement. Oscar Heyman is offering one lucky purchaser the opportunity to own from one to six one-of-a-kind rings designed around a variety of exotic gems and, obviously, diamonds. Each is signed and numbered for some serious bragging rights. Starting at $100,000 for the piece featuring a 13+ carat Mandarin Garnet going all the way up to $190,000 for an Alexandrite and diamond ring the recipient is sure to adore each and every piece.
For every ring purchased $6,000 will be donated to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.
Perini Ranch and Beef for a Year
Round up five of your closest friends for the ultimate Texas adventure at Perini Ranch in Buffalo Gap. Tom Perini, the James Beard Award-winning “Cowboy Cook” and his wife Lisa will host you for three days and two nights. To make sure you and your fellow travelers are properly outfitted for the trip, Texas boot brand Miron Crosby will create custom pairs for everyone. Once your feet are fully equipped, a helicopter will whisk you to Dudley Bros. Ranch where you will tour the property, learn about sustainability practices, and meet with the owners. Then, cook with Tom Perini himself along with a member of the Texas Beef Council, who will teach you about all things beef. Fly home on your private jet courtesy of Jet Linx fully prepped on how to prepare your year’s supply of Perini Ranch Signature beef tenderloin.
The Perini Ranch experience can be yours for $185,000.
Bowlus Endless Highways Bespoke Performance Edition
The luxury and recreational vehicle manufacturer Bowlus has created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hit the open road in comfort and style. You will closely collaborate with Bowlus founder, CEO, and chief designer Geneva Long to create your one-of-a-kind Endless Highways Performance Edition Trailer. The inside will be just as beautiful as the outside with exclusive table and kitchen linens and cookware by Abbio Kitchens. Perfect for the wanderer who also appreciates high-thread count sheets and a good meal.
For $225,000, you can live out your Beatnik dreams with Bowlus. A $10,000 donation will be made to The Heart of Neiman marcus Foundation in support of the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Keith & James Custom Made Hats
Nothing is chicer than a bespoke hat, especially if it’s created by “the Gentlemen Milliner,” Keith & James. Founded by James Keith, Keith & James is rooted in southern heritage, fine craftsmanship, individuality, and a commitment to dapper dressing.
This stylish gift will include six custom hats, each arriving bi-monthly. But they aren’t just made perfectly for you, they will be created in collaboration with heavy hitters like Run DMC, Pixel Pancho, Paul Gerben, RISK, Man One, and Leroy Campbell. You will also get to watch this extraordinary design experience during an hour-long virtual event hosted by James Keith & Calvin Waters of the Machine Group featuring the celebrity collaborators to see how your hats come to life. In addition to the hats, you will receive six signed hat boxes and two plexiglass display cases for your new wardrobe staples.
This one of a kind experience can be yours for $95,000. $10,000 of which will be donated to the Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation in support of the Boys & Girls Club of America.
Montage Healdsburg Weekend and Wine For a Year
Call up five of your wine-loving friends for a five-night escape at the Montage Healdsburg. You’ll stay in the “Presidential Suite” Guest House, be treated to dinner at the private chef’s table, receive four personalized spa treatments each, and enjoy activities such as yoga in the vines. Hone your harvesting skills with a visit to the Single Thread Farm where you will participate in the daily harvest and end the day with dinner at the three-star Michelin restaurant. Next, you will visit Aperture Winery where you will tour the property by helicopter, have a tasting session with winemaker Jesse Katz, and have a seasonal and local lunch complete with wine pairing. Fully soaked, travel round trip on your own private Jet Linx plane and savor the experience with 12 cases of wine delivered over the course of 12 months, curated for you by Jesse Katz.
The wine weekend comes in at $215,000.
The Sheldon Chalet Alaska Experience
If you want to quite literally escape into the mountains for a quiet reprieve, the Sheldon Chalet is the perfect spot. Built in 2018 on the only private land on Denali, Sheldon Chalet was modeled after pilot Don Sheldon’s original vision when he established his Sheldon Mountain House in 1966 while exploring the rugged Alaskan terrain. This package includes the opportunity to relax in the height of luxury with five friends while seeing the rare and wondrous sites of Denali. Flying via private jet to Alaska and then by private helicopter, you will get to experience everything from a guided glacier hike, rappelling, snow cavern spelunking, star gazing, and if you are lucky (and visit between September and April) the chance to view the Aurora Borealis. Once you need to recharge from an adventure-filled day have peace of mind knowing that all your dining needs will be provided by a private chef and your exploits will be captured by the provided photographer.
This once-in-a-lifetime five-night stay is available for $345,000. In addition, a $10,000 donation will be made in support of the Boys & Girls Club of America as well as $5,000 to the Denali Education Center.
MaryKate Boylan is Town & Country’s Senior Fashion Editor, writing about all things fashion and jewelry.
