Info about Expensive Gifts
Outrageously Expensive Gifts
Americans are a culture of consumers. They like to choose lavish and expensive gifts. Neiman Marcus represents the very top of extravagant gifts. In 1952, the tradition was started when Edward Murrow, a newsman, asked the owner of Neiman Marcus on a radio program to name the most unique thing that the store sold. Stanley Marcus, on the air, offered a Black Angus Bull that came with a grill made of sterling silver. It sold for $1.925.
Here a just a few examples of some other outlandishly expensive gifts from Neiman Marcus:
A Suit of Armor – You can purchase the armor that is custom fitted for $20,000. Measurements of your body are taken by an artisan from Neiman Marcus to insure a perfect fit. The steel is then worked by hand into an exact replica of a complete set of armor from the 15th century. It is complete with a neckpiece, helmet, and all the other pieces including the feet. The Neiman Marcus’ armorer stamps his seal on it when it is complete. The suit also includes a display stand, two fencing lessons, and a linen undergarment that is used for padding. These can be made for both men and women.
A Zeppelin NT – for a mere $10 million you can purchase a personal Zeppelin NT. It is modeled after the original airship that was designed by Count Graf von Zeppelin. This Zeppelin is the first one to be licensed for carrying passengers since the Hindenburg crashed during the 1930s. The cabin of the Zeppelin NT will comfortably carry twelve passengers, the flight attendant, and a pilot.
Bowling Alley – You can have a bowling alley with four lanes installed in your home for $1.45 million. You will receive with it a plasma TV, personalized bowling shirts, and lessons from a professional bowler.
An Elton John Concert – You can have a private concert from Sir Elton John for $1.5 million. You are allowed up to 500 guests. The money raised from these concerts is donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Space Travel – Six passengers can travel sixty-three miles into space on the Virgin Galactic Spaceship 2 that is owned by the billionaire, Richard Branson. This trip costs $1.7 million. When the passengers are returned to earth they are treated to a stay at Richard Branson’s private retreat in the Virgin Islands.
These are just a few examples of how outrageous Americans can be when it comes to spending money. Although this is not representative of what most of our budgets allow, we still tend to be extravagant and will push our purse strings to the limit. It is not unusual for us to have a mountain of credit card bills start arriving soon after Christmas because we choose to go out and buy expensive gifts. Just remember that expensive gifts are nice and everyone loves to get them, but a gift that is from the heart can often mean so much more.