When Money Is No Object

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The New York Sun

If you’re a New Yorker who believes it’s the gift — not the thought — that counts, this column is for you. These are my picks for the ultimate holiday gifts, the kind that would dazzle anyone, even Donald Trump. This list is designed for gift buyers for whom money is no object, and if you’ve heeded the investment advice in my New York Sun column during the past year, you’re probably in that category.

1. Would you like to be an astronaut and brag you went into outer space? That’s possible in this most unusual gift. Charter a spaceship, Virgin Galactic, that is being developed by Virgin Atlantic Airlines founder Richard Branson. The spaceship will detach from its launching aircraft about 10 miles up, fire its custom-designed hybrid rocket, and propel you into space. About 63 miles above sea level, you will experience weightlessness. After returning to Earth, each astronaut and a guest will enjoy a four-night stay at Mr. Branson’s private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Takeoff is planned for 2009, but early reservations are needed. If you want to climb aboard or give someone an unforgettable gift, ring up Neiman Marcus. The price for the space trip is a cool $1,764,000 (neimanmarcus.com).

2. In the hit film “Big,” a 13-year-old inserts a quarter into Zoltar, a fortune-telling machine, and is granted his wish to become bigger. A replica of that machine — which features Zoltar bobbing his head and a flashing crystal ball — offers 16 different spoken fortunes. Hammacher Schlemmer has the exclusive on the machine, which runs $8,999.95 (147 E. 57th St., between Lexington and Third avenues, 800-421-9002).

3. If you know a frequent flyer who, like most of us, hates waiting on lines at airports and going through all the security, here’s a holiday gift that will endear you to them forever. Vitesse Flight Partners in Teterboro, N.J., is offering a 25% ownership in a Hawker private jet. Depending on the plane, your 25% stake will cost you between $2.2 million and $3.5 million. Hanger rights at Teterboro Airport are included, but there are additional costs, namely a monthly management fee of $25,000, a $495–$695 hourly rate to use the plane and $3.50 a gallon for gas (vitesseflightpartners.com, 800-708-8170).

4. Kids love toy soldiers and Barbie dolls. But for something unusual, you might consider a Batman toy. Alas, this one won’t fit under the Christmas tree; in fact, it’s almost as tall as the tree — a six-foot, six-inch life-size Batman put together with LEGO bricks delivered in three sections that are easily put together. It’s the single most expensive item for kids in the FAO Schwarz catalog and sells for $27,000 (767 Fifth Ave. at 58th Street., 212-644-9400).

5. If you want to give someone a truly spectacular present, the recently constructed nine-level Manhattan townhouse at 35–39 E. 63rd St, between Madison and Park avenues could fit the bill. The 28,000-square-foot townhouse, which has 16 fireplaces and 4,000 square feet of outdoor space, is directly across the street from the Post House, one of the city’s most popular steak houses. Your neighbor would be billionaire financier Ronald Perelman. Actor Robert DeNiro and rock star Lenny Kravitz are among the notables who have looked at the house, which sports an asking price of $47 million from developer Townhouse Management. “Just bring your interior decorator and move in,” said Townhouse president Mitchel Maidman (212-755-6556).

6. For pets that prefer to travel in luxury, Neiman Marcus offers two Italian-designed limited-edition pet homes. Designed for transport, featuring wheels and crafted of poplar with an interior rug and coordinating wallpaper, the 44-inch crystal cases also offer the pooch its very own plush armchair of Italian leather. The cases, which can accommodate pets up to seven pounds, run $5,000 and $7,000 (neimanmarcus.com).

7. For milady, especially those who love pearls, Mikimoto, has among its most enticing holiday gifts a strand of perfectly rounded, excellent luster white South Sea pearls for $680,000 and a double strand of Tahitian black pearls at $60,000 (730 Fifth Ave., between 57th and 56th streets, 888-701-2323).

8. For ladies who love jewelry on their timepieces, there’s Audemars Piguet’s Le Temps Ovale watch in 18-carat white gold with a black crocodile strap, diamond-set bezel, case and lugs, and charcoal grey dial with diamond pave zone. All this plus self-winding movement comes for a retail price of $45,300 (40 E. 57th St, between Park and Madison avenues, 212-688-664).

9. No one wants to let a girl get cold. To keep warm during the Manhattan winter, try a poncho from Hermès. They come in sable, for $75,000, or mink, for $17,000 (691 Madison Ave. at 62nd Street, 212-751-3181).

10. If shopping is just too much for you, stop into the Midtown restaurant Del Frisco’s for a two-ounce shot of Hardy’s Perfection Vintage Cognac. At $900 for a shot, it’s a bargain (Del Frisco’s of New York, 1221 Sixth Ave. at 49th Street, 212-575-5129).


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