It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas since Neiman Marcus recently unveiled its 2016 Christmas Book. And, while many folks might not be able to afford all the items — you know, like the week at three English estates, a slumber party at the Neiman Marcus Flagship store, a Cobalt Valkyrie-X Private Plane in rose gold or a private quarterback camp with Joe Montana — there is likely something in the book that will fit in any budget.
In fact, new this year, in addition to the high-end fantasy gifts, are some hip stocking stuffers, cool hostess gifts and unexpected treats found in the new Fun to Give Collection. These imaginative and easy-to-buy items start at $5.
It’s those fantasy gifts that have really become the tradition, though. Now in its 90th year, the legendary book once again offers the Neiman Marcus tradition of a selection of spectacular and unique holiday gifts sure to make even the wildest of dreams come true.
"We are thrilled to present the 2016 Fantasy Gifts, said Jim Gold, President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Neiman Marcus. “Our team has scoured and vetted hundreds of one-of-a-kind ideas resulting in this highly curated collection of 12 items and experiences."
One highlight of this year’s fantasy gift collection is the featured car, an Infiniti Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition. Based on the Red Sport 400 version, the 2017 Infiniti is has 400 horsepower with a 3.0 liter-twin-turbocharged V6 engine featuring genuine carbon fiber accents on the fender vents, fog-light finishers, mirror caps and rear spoiler. The interior is equipped with Gallery White leather-appointed sports seats and Silver Optic Fiber Interior Trim.
The price tag is $63,000 and the package also includes an exclusive ivory leather weekender bag, a plaque with the car’s VIN number, a Neiman Marcus-branded indoor car cover and a letter of authenticity.
“The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is an iconic part of the holiday season for luxury brands,” said Allyson Witherspoon, director, Marketing Communications and Media at Infiniti Americas. “We were very excited for this exclusive Q60 to be the Fantasy Gift and worked closely with Neiman Marcus to bring it to life.”
First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store’s best customers.
Over the years, the Christmas Book has taken on a life of its own, featuring specially commissioned artwork along with covers that are as anticipated as the contents. This year is only the second time a unique element has been used to animate the cover. In 1999, a Christmas tree glistened with butterflies thanks to a ventricular onset.
“With the goal of bringing a fashion component to the cover of the Christmas Book, we combined custom artwork by Maia Louekari with the beautiful face of Lindsey Wixson to create a final image photographed by Walter Chin,” said Georgia Christensen, Vice President, Brand Creative Director of Neiman Marcus. “And, to add that bit of fantasy that Neiman Marcus is famous for, the lenticular printing animates Lindsey winking."
Another highlight is the Love to Give Collection priced from $10 to $200 that includes more than 40 perfectly priced items for gift giving. For this, each Neiman Marcus store gives 10 percent of the proceeds to benefit youth arts education in Neiman Marcus communities across the country. An additional $50,000 from online sales goes to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.
And, as in previous years, Neiman Marcus will donate a portion of the proceeds from the majority of fantasy gifts to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, which brings enriching art experiences to youth in communities nationwide.
"It is our goal to bring dreams to life,” Gold concluded.
See The Christmas Book here.