Luxury Gifts for the Richest People in the World

Pianos: A Musical and Decorative Statement

According to wealth experts, there has been a recent trend of giving pianos as gifts. However, these are not your average upright or electric keyboards. Grand pianos, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more, are being chosen as gifts for their aesthetic appeal as well as for those who actually play. Winston Chesterfield, founder of luxury consulting firm Barton, explains that a piano can also serve as a party trick, with professionals hired to play at events and gatherings. The wealthy appreciate the craftsmanship and the fact that a piano can be a focal point of a room.

Birkins: The Epitome of Exclusive Luxury

Hermès Birkin bags are known for their exclusivity and high price tags, starting at $9,000. It's no surprise that these handbags are a popular choice among the ultra-rich. One contact of Winston Chesterfield gifts his wife a new Hermès bag each year, and the color of the bag sets the tone for the rest of her gifts. For example, if she receives a red bag, other luxury items from different brands will also be in red. Nicole Pollard Bayme, founder of luxury styling firm Lalaluxe, shares that one of her clients requested a rare Himalayan Birkin with diamond hardware as a special gift. Crafted from dyed crocodile skin, this bag costs a staggering $750,000 and required high-security measures for delivery. As Pollard Bayme says, "For the person that has everything, why not have diamonds on your handbag too?"

A Trip to Space: The Ultimate Flex

According to Pollard Bayme, "The ultimate flex for the billionaire class" is gifting two tickets to space. Following in the footsteps of billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, some of her clients are heading into orbit for the holidays. This extravagant gift also includes training with NASA astronauts. While exact costs were not disclosed, a seat on Branson's Virgin Galactic flight can go for $450,000 each, and one on Bezos' Blue Origin rockets can cost millions. It's safe to say that at those prices, the champagne better be well-chilled.

A Wellness Retreat and the Finest Gear

While excessive opulence still has its place, many wealthy individuals are choosing to give experiences rather than material possessions. According to Chesterfield, people seem to be tired of what he calls "hard luxury" and are opting for travel experiences like wellness retreats. These can include activities such as a bike trip through Mallorca or a week at Austria's Vivamayr spa. Although these gifts may not have designer names or be adorned with precious gems, they come with a significant price tag. For example, a bike tour starts at $5,999, and a stay at Vivamayr costs a minimum of $2,500. To complement the experience, high-end gear such as a $3,450 Loro Piana windbreaker or a $2,000 Moncler ski jacket can make excellent stocking stuffers.

Eats, Drinks, and Culinary Experiences

Food has become a passion for many wealthy individuals. Chesterfield explains, "You end up having enough bags, enough jewelry, enough of this stuff, and it doesn't go away. But food is always needed." While a bottle of aged balsamic vinegar from Italy can be a nice stocking stuffer, some take it a step further by adding an experience. This could range from a cooking lesson and dinner in one's home with a Michelin-starred chef to a ten-course meal at an exclusive restaurant. Elisabeth Brown, a client manager at travel and lifestyle concierge company Knightsbridge Circle, suggests that food or wine events can even be the highlight of a trip. Tickets to prestigious wine events, such as the Golden Vines, coupled with a week in the hosting country, are popular gifts among wine enthusiasts.

A Vineyard in Tuscany: The Ultimate Wine Lover's Dream

For those with a higher budget, gifting a vineyard in Tuscany can be the epitome of luxury. Knightsbridge Circle recently assisted a client in securing a vineyard as a gift for their partner. Complete with a historic villa that Napoleon once slept in and facilities for honey and olive oil production, this extraordinary gift cost approximately $5 million. On Christmas Day, the lucky recipient can enjoy their own wine with their meal, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

While it's fascinating to discover what the world's wealthiest people desire for Christmas, it's important to remember that these gifts are on a different scale altogether. So, when comparing your holiday presents, it's best not to measure them against the extravagant items on this list.

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By: mberg@businessinsider.com (Madeline Berg)
Title: Luxury Gifts for the Richest People in the World
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/luxury-gifts-billionaires-worlds-richest-hermes-bags-travel-2023-12
Published Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:22:01 +0000