When I was a little girl, my pastor would share with the congregation the list of “expensive gifts” that the Neiman Marcus catalogue offered for sale at Christmas time. It was so crazy. The list would include things like matching his and hers helicopters or exotic animals.

So, if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping for this year, maybe the Neiman Marcus list for this year might be of help:

1. Tanqueray No. Ten Imperial shaker. This 6-foot tall, cock-tail making machine comes with a one-year supply of Tanqueray No. Ten, and an “education session” for up to 20 guests with an expert. Being a non-drinker, this is an easy “no thanks” from me. And, the $35,000 price tag might keep this item off of your shopping list.
2. For $50,000 you can get His and Hers Vilebrequin Quadskis. These vehicles give you the fun of both a jet ski and an ATV. They go from water to land in under five seconds and can accelerate up to 45 mph.   Buy the set and keep one for yourself.
3. Does someone you love need new linens? Spend a mere $55,000 and you get linens for every room in their house, personally selected with the help of Jane Scott Hodges, the founder of Leontine Linens Home Trousseau. And, you thought learning about thread counts was the toughest issue for selecting sheets!
4. For $65,000 you can get a 6-foot “glorious garden peacock” made of seasonal plantings and silk flowers. (It comes with a 10-foot long tail.) Or, go for the inside the house 3-foot version for only $25,000. Do worries, event planner Preston Bailey will come to your house to set it up. (“What??” You say. “SILK flowers??”)
5. Up your spending to $95,000 and you get the 100^th anniversary limited-edition Maserati Ghibli S Q4. It hits 60 mph in 47 seconds and has all-wheel drive. Sorry, I didn’t find the info on the city and highway MPG.
6. Looking for jewelry? Spend $100,000 and you will spend three days in Germany with Monica Rich Kosann, a jewelry designer and photographer. She will select a stone and collaborate with you to great a one-of-a-kind locket. Not sure if the price includes a tip for Monica or not.
7. Want to go in with friends on a shared gift? $125,000 buys a five-day “adventure” for you and five couples to Mardi Gras. The gift includes private tours of local art galleries, special dinners and a black tie ball. You also get to ride a float in one of the parades.
8. Ok, I really don’t get this one; you may. For $300,000, a 1:32 scale model will be built of your favorite auto racing track. The model includes track cameras that display on mini screens the races that you and your friends have. Racing “legends” will co-host your inaugural racing party.
9. For $425,000 you can buy the “celebrity” experience for that loved one. The weekend of the Oscars, the two of you will stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel for three nights, eat at some amazing places, and then attend “The Vanity Fair Party” where you get to mix with Hollywood elite. (The write-up on this one says “Pack your gown and tux”; guess those are not included!)
10. Last, you can spend $475,000 for the creation of your own personal scent developed during an extraordinary trip to Paris. A few months later, you get in the mail “24 14-karat gold-gilded six-liter flagons and 12 14-karat gold-accented leather atomizers” with your new scent. Amazing!

OK, just thinking about this level of shopping wears me out. More on this subject tomorrow.

In the meantime, think on this amazing scripture: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

p.s. “These things” does not mean the 10 gift ideas listed above!