What to give millionaires for Xmas?

[Deleted]

Hello IL, can you ladies help me with gift ideas?

It's that time of year again and H and I need to purchase presents for our artistic career sponsors. One is a couple in their forties and the other is a couple in their seventies. Problem is that they're multimillionaires (think 1%) and since we've given them all sorts of presents in the past already, this year I'm at a loss for ideas... Halp.

This is what we've already given: large gift baskets with Italian goodies, crystal items from Tiffany's, Jo Malone products, cashmere throws from Tebro (kind of like Frette) and several home and body care sets.

The budget $250, preferably under, per couple. WWYD?
I was thinking crystal bar ware, like a decanter with two old fashioneds, but that's going to cost us close to $300.... Or maybe fragrances for the ladies and liquor for the gentlemen? Although just giving one bottle as a present seems too little, no? Or maybe something like tickets to a Broadway show? Ugh, I can't decide!

[travelingturtle]

I'd give them something they can use up instead of something that sticks around. So, broadway tickets over physical item.

[crimsonandclover]

I can imagine it's really difficult to think of gifts for them since they can buy anything they want themselves. Do you have friends in any Broadway or other performances? That would give it a bit of a personal touch, maybe? So something like "I've known John Smith for years and he's a terrific actor. I think you'll really enjoy this performance!" (Unless it would just be considered tacky because it would look like you're just trying to promote your friend's show?? I don't know how those kinds of things work.)

[echo]

I am all for consumable gifts!

[Deleted]

Maybe we can do a combination of things, like a smaller basket of holiday treats + show tickets?
I don't have any friends in Broadway shows right now, only a few dancer friends that are working in Disney musicals, our sponsors don't really strike me as musical people though... I'm going to see if I can casually bring up the subject with them in the next few days to figure out more. Everything else, like opera, concerts and ballet, they have exclusive access to so no luck there....

[audette]

I find I prefer to go with personalized, potentially even handmade, when dealing with something like this. A tin of homemade cookies, some homemade jams/jellies, etc.

Although, with a budget of $250, perhaps that feels underwhelming... Maybe pair something personal like homemade cranberry jelly with a crystal bowl to serve it in?

[Deleted]

OK then I guess we should do an encore of the basket filled with lots of yummy treats, to which I'm going to add a bottle of Champagne. Maybe we'll go to Eataly to put it together this time. Thanks all for the feedback!

[Deleted]

Crimson that would have been fine, I don't think it's tacky at all to be promoting someone else's work, provided one genuinely feels it's valid. I've never heard anyone complain about that sort of thing.

I'm still open to getting them tickets as well as the basket, if the budget allows for both. Argh, when I can't use free tickets, that's when everyone keeps giving them to me, then of course when I need some no one's around! LOL

[Brit]

I also vote for consumables. They have likely bought most 'stuff' that they want to keep in their house.

[moolarkey]

At their ages and wealth they probably have all the bar war they want or need so going with a gift basket or tickets to an event is probably a better idea.

[allibally]

Consumables for sure.

And off topic how is Eataly? They just opened the Chicago one today. It's on my mom's list to visit.

[doctoranda]

I love the idea of tickets to a show!

[Deleted]

We did consumables! We're also going to bring back a few more from our upcoming trip.

allibally the one in NYC is quite nice. It's a large space with tables everywhere so consumers can order from the various sellers and then find a place to sit. Shopping is a little frustrating, especially now that it's packed full of people, since all the products are scattered everywhere there's room, so one has to wiggle around the tables, lines and such just to get to them. And of course everything is overpriced. After ten years here I've totally given up on finding anything moderately priced though, so whatever.
Let me know if you end up liking the one in Chicago!

[allibally]

Dec 3, 2013 8:36:08 GMT -5 @jewelseternal said:

We did consumables! We're also going to bring back a few more from our upcoming trip.

allibally the one in NYC is quite nice. It's a large space with tables everywhere so consumers can order from the various sellers and then find a place to sit. Shopping is a little frustrating, especially now that it's packed full of people, since all the products are scattered everywhere there's room, so one has to wiggle around the tables, lines and such just to get to them. And of course everything is overpriced. After ten years here I've totally given up on finding anything moderately priced though, so whatever.
Let me know if you end up liking the one in Chicago!

Hopefully ours won't be too busy. I expect on weekends yes. But luckily Chicago doesn't have the same population as NYC! And apparetnly it's massive. My mom's boss son is working there. So I expect I will be visiting soon.