Gift Guides 2010: The stuff dreams are made of

Now that most of us have our Christmas shopping done and will be setting out to deliver gifts to our relatives over the next few days, let’s talk about what we really want, when economic concerns and dollar amounts aren’t taken into account. We all have a few if-I-won-the-lottery items in the backs of our heads, and maybe for a lucky few among us, the contents of our Fantasy Gift Guide 2010 aren’t even all that fantastical. If you’re one of those people and you happen to be in the market to adopt a 25-year-old who can make a mean pot roast, send me an email. I also do light housework.

A Birkin might be the obvious choice for a fantasy handbag, but go with me on this one. Adding a Hermes Jypsiere Bag to your collection not only puts you firmly in the dream-gift realm, but it say, “I’ve already got all the Birkins I could possibly want, bring me something new.” And what’s more fantastical than that? Nothing. Plus, the “bougainvillea” color is perfect for spring’s orange trend. Buy through Hermes.com for $7600.

Although the brand new Rolls Royce Ghost isn’t as expensive as the Phantom we all know and love, I like the sleeker, more city-appropriate look of this sedan much better. It’s a little smaller and a little more appropriate to drive yourself (instead of being driven), and the lines are much cleaner and more modern. So for those times when you’ve given your driver the day off (you’re such a saint), forget the Bentley. The Ghost is what you should be pushing, and with a 6.6 litre twin turbo V12 engine, you won’t have to push very hard. Retails for around $225,000. Visit Rolls-RoyceMotorCars.com for more information.

I’m not a wine expert, but I do know that the Krug 1995 Clos Ambonnay Brut Champagne sounds like it’s just about the most luxurious champagne experience you can have. Forget the Cristal – only 3000 bottles of this stuff exist on Earth, and the 1995 vintage marks the first time that the Krug family ever produced a single-vineyard wine. If you’re going the spend-y booze route for a gift, there’s no better way to celebrate the holidays. Buy through K&L Wines for $3500.

Many iterations of the Cartier Panthere Bracelet exist and their prices vary depending on the amount of bling present, but the one pictured above is among the shiniest of pieces from the jewelry house’s iconic big cat collection. The platinum band is set with gobs of diamonds and blue sapphires, plus emerald eyes and a black onyx nose. Cartier has yet to get back to me with a price, but based on the available information, I’d guess that this bracelet is in the mid to high five figures. For additional information (or to make your own price request), visit Cartier.com.

If you’d prefer that your bling is functional as well as fashionable, allow me to recommend the diamond and rose gold version of the Rolex Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster. It comes in a couple different versions, but the chocolate face is by far the most interesting choice. This piece isn’t as obnoxiously bling-covered as some Rolexes that I’ve seen, and if you dig rose gold, I can’t think of a more perfect timepiece. Rolex doesn’t like to give out prices, but I’d make an educated guess that watch this will run you into the mid-five figures. Visit Rolex.com for more information.

I’ve been sitting here for a few minute, trying to think of something more bizarrely opulent than having a piece of furniture constructed out of actual money, and I can’t think of anything, so the Johnny Swing Coin Chair is where we’re going to end this list. This seat was constructed by welding together 1500 half-dollar coins, and although the raw materials are only worth $750, the finished product costs much more. If you have a huge budget and and equally huge loft, this thing would actually look pretty cool in the right space. Buy through Vivre for $59,000.