Start Your Christmas Shopping!!!!

[DianaB]

The new Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog is out!!!! I just knew that several of you probably couldn't wait to see it so here's the link for it!!!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/si....jhtml?&cmCat=

If you'd like to get started on your holiday shopping ? and have a few million dollars to spare ? luxury retailer Neiman Marcus can sell you a $1.44 million submarine or a $75,000 talking robot.

Not quite swanky enough? How about a private concert with Russia's Kirov Orchestra. For $1.59 million, you and 499 friends will hear pianist Lola Astanova, led by maestro Valery Gergiev, in a show hosted by Regis Philbin in your hometown. For good measure, the Steinway concert grand stays behind.

They're among the outrageous "fantasy gifts" that Neiman Marcus, celebrating its 100th anniversary, showed off Tuesday from its 81st Christmas Book that is mailed to 1.8 million people and can be found online.
The gifts range from modest ? a mug filled with pretzels for $20 ? to 10 acres in Montana for $2.3 million that include a share of a nature preserve and a private dinner with your choice of entertainment by violinist Joshua Bell or soprano Renee Fleming.

"I think it captures some of the fun of the holidays that we give up as we get older," said Ginger Reeder, a spokeswoman for Neiman Marcus Direct.

The "his and hers" gift this year is a chocolate portrait by Vik Muniz in which he'll capture your likenesses with the help of Bosco chocolate syrup. Also available is a $73,000 cell phone studded with 7.2 carats of white and pink diamonds and featuring 24-hour global concierge service.

"It's for the woman who enjoys all the finest things in life, and why should she stop with her phone?" said David Ferguson, U.S. sales manager for the manufacturer, Vertu.

Shoppers with the need for speed can pick up a Rocket Racing League Team for $2 million. That includes a rocket that can fly at up to 320 mph on a "racetrack" about 1,000 feet in the air or one of 50 special edition Lexus cars that are part of the fastest production model the company has built.

One item in the catalog features a bit of history from the legendary store: a book of photos taken by Stanley Marcus, son of one of the founders who himself led the store for decades.

[katepoet]

I'll stick to the clearance department of LLBean online and the local discount stores!

You sure can't beat Neiman Marcus for fantasy! Where are we going in that submarine? The Mariana Trench for a journey to the center of the earth? Or a quick stop at every island in the Caribbean and the Aegean?

[AngieDoogles]

If only I were a multi-billionaire. Maybe one of these days. LOL! Oh wait, I'm a social worker, so I guess not.

I actually started my Christmas shopping yesterday. I got a bit of Mom's present as well as both of my sisters' gifts. The women are always easier to buy for than the men although I think Brendon will be easier this year now that we have the Wii...

[Mandy]

I married into the wrong family rofl


Seriously though, i need to get off my butt, and start Christmas shopping early this year, and REMEMBER where i hide the gifts, ive had times where i find wrapped up christmas gifts in summer ~ talk about organized

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by Mandy

I married into the wrong family rofl


Seriously though, i need to get off my butt, and start Christmas shopping early this year, and REMEMBER where i hide the gifts, ive had times where i find wrapped up christmas gifts in summer ~ talk about organized

Wow Mandy, that's early! I've never done my shopping this early before, but the crowds and rude people last year really upset me. I mean, why be rude? There's no point at all! Anyway, so I decided this year I'll FINISH all of my shopping before Thanksgiving.

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by AngieDoogles

Wow Mandy, that's early! I've never done my shopping this early before, but the crowds and rude people last year really upset me. I mean, why be rude? There's no point at all! Anyway, so I decided this year I'll FINISH all of my shopping before Thanksgiving.

Angie, i'm always late with my shopping lol ~ usually i'm last minute, rushing around like a lunatic with my list, trying not to forget anything, go home, rush rush to hide them, and forget i ever bought some of the items lol...
Those crowds get too much for me too, specially when they get rude, and ohhhhh.... myyyyyy.... i snap back when i'm in a rush lol

[AngieDoogles]

Originally Posted by Mandy

Angie, i'm always late with my shopping lol ~ usually i'm last minute, rushing around like a lunatic with my list, trying not to forget anything, go home, rush rush to hide them, and forget i ever bought some of the items lol...
Those crowds get too much for me too, specially when they get rude, and ohhhhh.... myyyyyy.... i snap back when i'm in a rush lol

You sound like my Mom. I remember times when she's forgotten some of the gifts she bought. It's so funny.

As for rude shoppers, I just don't understand. I mean, aren't they there because they want to do something nice--buy someone a gift? Yet they are mean to someone else at the same time? I wouldn't want a gift if I knew the person who bought it was rude to another person in order to get the gift! Aye...people...

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by AngieDoogles

You sound like my Mom. I remember times when she's forgotten some of the gifts she bought. It's so funny.

As for rude shoppers, I just don't understand. I mean, aren't they there because they want to do something nice--buy someone a gift? Yet they are mean to someone else at the same time? I wouldn't want a gift if I knew the person who bought it was rude to another person in order to get the gift! Aye...people...

I often sit or walk, and observe people, look at their faces, and the expressions, you would think at Christmas time, they all have the same purpose, it's supose to be a happy, joyful event/celebration, but when i look at most of those faces, it makes me wonder.

[Janet]

I always put money in a Christmas Club account at our bank, that way I always have money for Christmas shopping. Well, low and behold...I recieved my Christmas check 3 days ago. Now all I have to do is get in the mood to go shopping.

[katepoet]

I used to shop in July at the sales for our neighbors and such - but now I don't do much anymore. Our son has outgrown Christmas gifts and we are not close to our new neighbors so there are only two I might do something for, and my students. Out of my sibs, there is only one we exchange with, the rest just don't do it. It does simplify things quite a bit.

[Janet]

We won't be spending quite as much this year. The only ones we have to buy for is ourselves (son, hubby and I) and my mother. My brothers and I haven't exchanged gifts in years. There were just so many with his side and mine. I only have my mother left, both in-law parents are gone now. Not sure how we're going to handle it this year. The family just keeps getting smaller.

[judy]

I have so few gifts to give, it should take me about 2 hours.

I do like to make my own card though. Maybe I'll do that this year.

Like I said, I'm just a Grinch. Even going to church doesn't feel I'm celebrating the birth of Christ.

[katepoet]

So... we get to spend more time enjoying the season - watch all those crazy folks out in a frenzy and kick back with your hot chocolate and a grin!