This year's recently released Neiman Marcus Christmas Book provides ample evidence that the U.S. luxury market is indeed thriving.
As in the past, the 79-year-old annual tribute to indulgence features numerous high-priced, unique baubles and toys for shoppers who have enough $1,000 articles of clothing.
The standouts include a $3.5 million M400 Skycar prototype, the world's first personal vertical take-off and landing vehicle, and a private concert with Sir Elton John for $1.5 million.
There's also a personal photo booth for $20,000, a life-size, custom-painted IndyCar Series Car replica with flat-screen monitor and video game for $65,000 and a limited-edition sculpture that floats on an invisible magnetic wave for $90,000.
The 152-page catalog is being distributed to 2 million Neiman Marcus customers in the United States and worldwide. Anyone else can order a copy for $15 by calling 1-800-NEIMANS. The catalog is also available online at neimanmarcus.com.