Luxury items can just be mad crazy sometimes. For instance, the diamond-encrusted $88,000 cell phone. Or the $100,000 mattress (yes, we’re looking at you, Hästens). You know what we mean: sometimes basic everyday items can come with stratospheric prices. Sometimes the craftsmanship is really that good. And sometimes, putting a brand name or a celebrity into or onto a prosaic item makes some of us willing to pay almost anything to own it. If mad luxury is how you want to roll this holiday, here’s our list of the best crazy rich Christmas presents to give this year.
what exactly is a crazy rich luxury gift, anyway?
Glad you asked.
There are plenty of crazy-rich things in the world: super yachts, private jets, private islands, super cars, and rare works of art. Many of them are unlikely to be given as gifts (although, you never know).
A crazy-rich item that makes a great gift has to be over-the-top lush, but also something that you could properly give to a loved one or business associate. Or to yourself, of course.
It should be from a brand or an artisan who has been validated as the real deal (otherwise, it could be just an extremely clever scam). A crazy rich gift is generally something that fits in a box. Not a trip around the world, or something like that.
And for purposes of this list, the crazy rich present cannot be fine jewelry or haute couture gowns, or elite watches. We’ll share gift guides for those later this month.
Nope, this list is for items that are more unusual and unexpected. Quirky. Surprising. And really, really expensive.
As you peruse this, please don’t judge, dear reader. One person’s crazy is another person’s cool.
With our criteria firmly in mind, we scoured the globe to find just the right mix of craftsmanship, sparkle, giftability and availability. Plus that ineffable wow factor. Here’s what we found.
what are the best crazy rich Christmas presents to give this year?
1. The riding hat
Dior’s Cruise 2019 collection had an equestrian theme. One of the hottest and most unusual items from the runway is already sold out online: the black leather riding baseball cap. You may be able to find one at a Dior boutique if you hurry. $3,400.
Dior Riding Baseball Cap – $3,400
2. the pony-tail holder
Chanel’s version of a “scrunchie” is made from gold, pearl and grosgrain. $400.
hair-accessory-black-gold-pearly-white-grosgrain-resin-metal – $400
3. the ankle socks
Gucci’s runway show featured these ankle socks with floral embroidery in three colors – pink, black and winter white. And you thought giving socks for the holiday was lame. $255.
Gucci Floral-embroidered pointelle knit ankle socks – $255
4. the mechanical pencil
Writers and architects have been raving about this handcrafted pencil from Hemiware. Handmade by designer Nicholas Hemingway, the company’s Mechanical Pencil Handmade from Sterling Silver is meant to last a lifetime. Also known as a propelling pencil in the UK, this custom-made mechanical alloy pencil is available in varying lead sizes (0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm and 0.9mm). Each is built to order, to the recipient’s precise specifications. $340.
5. the clothespin
Tiffany & Co. is offering a $500 clothespin this holiday season. The company states: “Tiffany artisans transform utilitarian items into works of art. Crafted in solid sterling silver with a Tiffany Blue® accent, this clothespin can be used to display photos or mementos and is a whimsical addition to the home.” Meaning you’ll need more than one.
Tiffany & Co Everyday Objects sterling silver clothespin – $500
By the way, some other Tiffany’s items that would also make excellent crazy rich gifts? The $375 rose gold vermeil crazy straw. The $9,000 ball of yarn. The $10,000 bird’s nest. And their $275,000 greenhouse.
Tiffany & Co Everyday Objects Sterling Silver Greenhouse – $275,000
6. the sleeping bag
The Louis Vuitton Alpes sleeping bag is made for mountaineering. Combining the Damier Graphite pattern with vintage-inspired travel patches, the bag also features “a small interior pocket ideal for stashing valuables.” The matching pouch and straps are designed for easy transport. $2,430.
Louis Vuitton Alpes Sleeping Bag – $2,430
7. the ski gloves and ski goggles
FENDI has long offered over-the-top ski gear. This winter, consider gifting these gloves and goggles for the powder hound in your life. $630 each.
FENDI Ski Monster Gloves – $630
FENDI Logo-Strap Ski Goggles – $630
8. the blanket
The Hermes Double Horse 100% cashmere blanket is hand studded with nickel nails. Should you gift it, your present will arrive in the iconic orange Hermes box tied with a bow. $12,500.
The Hermes Double Horse Blanket – $12,500
9. the baby stroller
This new special edition pram from legendary German stroller manufacturer Hartan and Mercedes-Benz is intended to ensure that little ones ride in the same epic style whether they’re cruising in an automobile or just chilling on a walk in the park. The fabric cover is crafted in the style of a Mercedes automobile interior. The handlebar grips in leather have double stitching. The wheels replicate the five-twin-spoke design of AMG wheels you’ll find on the Mercedes C-Class. The Solight Ecco air chamber tires ensure optimal ride comfort, and the adjustable suspension makes it easy to maneuver. Add-ons include a diaper bag, a headrest, and a parasol. The base price is $1,300.
10. the picnic hamper
For the name on your list who loves picnics (and who doesn’t?), the epic Fortum & Mason Imperial picnic hamper could do the trick. The classic wicker hamper contains over 80 items. Nine bottles of wine and spirits, including vintage Champagnes by Krug and Dom Ruinart. Beluga Caviar, smoked salmon, a whole Christmas ham and 11 of the brand’s condiments and preserves. Also nuts, cheeses, teas and Christmas coffee. And for dessert? Stollen log, pistachio and clotted cream biscuits, flapjacks, and a box filled with chocolates. £6,000.
The Fortnum & Mason Imperial Hamper – £6,000
11. the champagne
Piper-Hiedsieck recently unveiled its limited-edition Rare Le Secret High Jewelry champagne. Each bottle features a single precious stone of at least one carat (diamond, ruby, sapphire or emerald). The stone is embedded in a jacquard pattern made of gold and 510 diamonds on the body of decanter. After the contents have been consumed, the owner of the bottle travels to Maison Mellerio in Paris. There, “jewelers will transform the bottle’s adornment into a brooch, bracelet or pendant, depending on the owner’s wishes.” Only ten of these have been created, and they’re available exclusively at Harrods in the UK. $151,000.
12. the canoe
Last but not least, our Luminary and friend Trent Preszler of the Preszler Woodshop makes bespoke wooden canoes at the forefront of artisanal luxury. They have been called the most beautiful canoes in the world. Each canoe is painstakingly molded from hundreds of hand-cut wood strips, then finished with cast bronze trim and hand stitched leather seats. Made by private commission only, it’s an exacting process that takes a year to complete. Having visited Trent in his workshop, we can vouch for just how incredible these are. $150,000.
A Canoe from the Preszler Woodshop – $150,000
13. the dice
Hermes has introduced a new limited edition Declick dice game, $1,050. If someone on your gift list loves games of chance, this might be their dream gift. The dice are made of maple marquetry, and come with a wool felt mat and a bridle leather case.
Hermes Declick Dice Game – $1,050
14. the hoodie
The Louis Vuitton mink hoodie is, in the brand’s description, an “expression of Nicolas Ghesquière’s continuing reinterpretation of sportswear with a luxury twist.” Made of black mink fur and lined in silk twill, it also has leather pockets. $17,800.
15. the skateboard
Hermes has launched a line of longboards “for traveling through the urban jungle with hair blowing in the wind or for a leisurely stroll.” The Boucleries Modernes long board is made of Vosges Maple and the print is reminiscent of the house’s iconic silk scarves. $3,525.
Boucleries Modernes Long Board – $3,525
16. the headphones
Audiophiles seem to be in agreement: the new Sennheiser HE 1 – the new Orpheus – is the best headphone on the planet. Tech reviewers say that “the sound is unparalleled in the headphone world.” Assembled from more than 6,000 components, the Orpheus system’s amplifier sits on a housing crafted from glass and a solid block of Carrara marble. Each control dial is milled from a single piece of brass before being plated with chrome. $60,000.
The Sennheiser HE 1
That’s it! Our top picks for the best crazy rich Christmas presents to give this year. You know where to find us if you want to slide one our way.
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You can check out our other gift guides for more inspiration and ideas: we’ve got suggestions for sports fans; kids; dogs; those who love gardens and greenery; and those who love to travel the world.
And whatever you decide to gift this holiday season, we hope you have a happy and safe one. Have fun out there!
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