For some people the appetite for luxury is unquenchable. You know the type: myths are made around there love of yachts, customized cars and trips to Italy to race Lamborghini's, Ferrari's and Porches, "I'm still Jenny from the block"; ah, no you're not. For the average (sane?) person, being a excessive and giving the gift of luxury just doesn't seem right these days.
For some people the appetite for luxury is unquenchable. You know the type: myths are made about their life with yachts, customized cars, trips to Italy to race Lamborghini's, Ferrari's and Porches. Remember when Mrs. Jennifer Lopez Anthony was singing, "I'm still Jenny from the Block" in that video with Ben Affleck? She was not!!! She was a fantasy and the people from the block protested. Vanity wealth just doesn't seem right these days.
But what if you really want to give that extra special gift? Firstly, there isn't anything categorically wrong with designer or high-end goods. An appreciation for design, and the longevity and timelessness of brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel is fine, but the focus is shifting: away from ostentation and towards understated indulgence. So people are still buying the chi-chi monogrammed bags as gifts but the smart holiday shoppers choose an item that will stay in fashion for more than one season.
A good choice is a beautiful Swiss watch, a Patek Philippe, that will be worn for years and even passed down to the next generation. Items like original art or antiques that have intrinsic and extrinsic value and are luxurious but also smart. Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol saved more than one Lehman Brothers employees from complete financial ruin. They increase in value.
Luxury doesn't always equate with dollar signs. If you have a foodie friend, a gift basket piled high with gourmet crackers, cheese and preserves says luxury without being over-the-top. Pricey organic spices make a great stocking stuffer for a gourmet cook on your list. Your mother may not indulge herself often so a gift certificate for an aromatherapy facial will be pure luxury for her.
The point being, luxury gifts don't always mean fancy interlocking letters but rather something that receiver would love to have but wouldn't spring for themselves: small luxuries like high thread count sheets, high quality scented candles, French hosiery, or a subscription to a great magazine like The New Yorker or Vogue.
Luxury gifts may be taking a backseat to ethical and "green" gifts but there will always be a spot under the tree for Tiffany and Hermes. Even if you can't afford the big names, there's no need to cross luxury off your list altogether. Little luxuries are still a thoughtful and appropriate choice.
