The global recession notwithstanding, the international glitterati have their eyes fixed on the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2010 fantasy gifts section to be exact.

In true holiday spirit, the luxury retail chain has compiled a veritable list of OMG-inducing goodies for those with, dare we suggest, recession-proof pockets. But hey, it’s Christmas, and we’re allowed to wish upon a star, right?

HIS & HERS METROSHIP LUXURY HOUSEBOAT

Think waterproof hardwood floors and double-glazed windows, and at night the maintenance-free translucent thermal aluminium walls glow. Surely, the MetroShip houseboat has the makings of the ultimate romantic getaway. Offering the best in comfort, technology, aesthetics and portability, the houseboat has been designed to be an intimate luxury loft on water.

Let’s highlight the features of the rooms. The living area’s media centre is fitted with a Bang & Olufsen stereo, highdefinition projector, Nintendo® Wii gaming console, and Sony® LCD flat-screen monitor for movies, computer, gaming, and Internet projection. The kitchen has handmade cabinets, a Viking® refrigerator/freezer and dishwasher, and Gaggenau incabinet oven and cooktop.

An Italian curved-glass vanity, touch-free faucet, and Kohler® frameless full-size shower may be found in the spa bathroom. The houseboat is also outfitted with a highcapacity tank less water heater and LG steam washer/dryer, while its spacious master suite holds a luxury W Hotel bed.

All this in a 48-foot by 12-foot open floor plan, with sevenfoot-high interior ceiling.

Price: US$250,000.00

DALE CHIHULY POOL INSTALLATION

Transform your pool into a work of art, with a privately commissioned Chihuly art installation measuring up to 22 feet by 12 feet. Talented glass artist Dale Chihuly will instal the piece at the bottom of your swimming pool, as well as offer the lucky recipient the opportunity to get a rare peek inside the artist’s studio.

Price: US$1,500,000

CUSTOMISED MARFA, TX, EXPERIENCE

Whilst being treated to gourmet meals and luxury accommodations designed and decorated by Houston designer Barbara Hill, art lovers are given a chance to experience three days and four nights in Marfa, a quiet town in western Texas that has become a thriving international hub of art, culture and architecture. Think a personal concierge, access to local artists, private tours of the Judd and Chinati foundations created by visionary artist Donald Judd, or visit Ballroom Marfa, a converted dance hall, now home to a cutting-edge non-profit arts centre.

Nature lovers can glide over the high desert mountains, or visit the 800,000-acre Big Bend National Park. And, at night, visitors can witness the Marfa lights phenomenon through the 9.2-metre Hobby-Eberly telescope at the nearby McDonald Observatory.

This gift also includes a choice of one of the nine Arber and Sons handcrafted, limitededition boxed print series, each featuring artwork by a Marfa artist-in-residence.

Price: Begins at US$9,500 per couple

EDIBLE GINGERBREAD PLAYHOUSE BY DYLAN’S CANDY BAR

Candy this expensive? Who would have ‘thunk’ it? Well, this isn’t simply candy. Ralph Lauren’s daughter, Dylan, along with the expert confectioners of Dylan’s Candy Bar, has created a unique edible playhouse for Neiman Marcus, handcrafted using 381 pounds of gourmet gingerbread and 517 pounds of royal icing.

The house stands 6.6 feet high by 5.25 feet wide and is 4.1 feet deep. Surely set to be nothing short of exceptionally delicious, the delectable Playhouse is decked with giant cookies, lollipops, gummies, mints and gumdrops, with a lollipop tree inside, while the roof is candyencrusted.

Price: US$15,000

NEIMAN MARCUS CAMARO CONVERTIBLE

There are only 100 of the Neiman Marcus exclusive edition Chevrolet Camaro convertibles. And buyers have the choice of a 426-horsepower six-speed manual or 400-horsepower six-speed automatic transmission to go along with the 6.2-litre V8 engine found under the bonnet.

The top-of-the-line 2SS model features tri-coat exterior paint in Deep Bordeaux with ghosted stripes, and its convertible top is highlighted by the windshield lining, which is painted in silver. And, inside, the rich amber leather interior has shimmering red accents on the centre console, steering wheel and shift knob.

Price: US$75,000