Neiman Marcus unveils annual holiday catalog

DALLAS – A cupcake-shaped electric car for kids, the world’s fastest electric motorcycle and dinner with some of today’s best-selling authors are just a few of the fantasy gifts for sale in Neiman Marcus’ 2009 Christmas book.

Dallas-based Neiman Marcus made a conscious effort to offer more affordable options while not disappointing loyal luxury shoppers as it unveiled its Christmas Book at the Dallas Contemporary on Tuesday.

“There was a lot of speculation whether we would have fantasy gifts this year, but even in financially challenging times, there’s a place for fantasy, especially during the holiday season,” said Gerald Barnes, chief executive officer of Neiman Marcus Direct, the retailer’s catalog and Internet division.

Among this year’s offerings are a customized Cupcake Car for kids that costs $25,000 and reaches top speeds of 7 miles per hour. For adults, there’s a 2010 Jaguar XJL super-charged sedan, priced at $105,000. Neiman Marcus customers will be the first to be able to purchase the vehicle, which comes with a 5-piece set of luggage that matches its leather interior.

This year’s his-and hers gift – an annual tradition – is an ICON A5 sports aircraft, with pilot training for two. It costs a mere $250,000.

At $200,000, the Algonquin Round Table Experience includes dinner for two at New York’s Algonquin Hotel with eight famous authors, including Malcolm Gladwell, John Lithgow, Nora Ephron and Henry Louis Gates Jr.

About 40 percent of this year’s catalog items are priced under $250, said Ginger Reeder, Neiman Marcus vice president.

The luxury retailer’s his-and-hers gifts and other over-the-top holiday gift ideas represent a tradition that dates back to the 1950s. Stanley and Edward Marcus started picking attention-grabbing gifts to get the store on national TV, and it still works.