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Over-the-Top Holiday Gifts
By Sarah Gilbert from Forbes Traveler

Excess is the ultimate accessory

With the holiday season, so comes an ambiguous feeling that's part anticipation, part dread. As a recipient, one has everything to look forward to. But as a giver, December means the horror of conjuring up original and exciting gift ideas.

Rather than mind-reading or attempting to decode obscure clues, we recommend going straight for the gifts that are sure to impress. Take inspiration from the traditionally outrageous Neiman Marcus catalogue, for instance, which offers a topiary dragon with golden claws and blown-glass eyes (starting at $35,000). Or, how about some liquid gold? For a cool $2 million, the Robb Report offers a one-of-a-kind, century-old barrel of Louis XII cognac.

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Still, some believe that no amount of cash can guarantee the perfect gift.

"I think holiday gifts are often about demonstrating how well you know the other person and what they like-there is a level of flattery to it," says Deidre Woollard, a blogger for Luxist.com. "The best gifts for someone who has everything have to be the nth degree of whatever hobby or interests they have."

Woollard rates the Robb Report highly on that score. "They've worked with the most respected brands in a variety of categories to create very specialized offerings," she says.

When money is no object, what does one buy for the man or woman who has everything? Well, here's betting she doesn't have her own robot. International Robotics can manufacture a range of made-to-order robots, including Millenia, who can be programmed to greet guests, recite poetry, deliver your favorite speeches, or simply remind honey dearest to take out the garbage. Nag no more, lovebirds.

If techno-toys aren't your thing, consider a more personal gift. "Every man-hopefully-has a bespoke suit," says Joe Lupo, author of "Nothing to Wear" and partner at Visual-Therapy personal stylists and shoppers in New York City. "But if he hasn't, you should buy him a bespoke suite from Oxford Clothes on 56th St in New York." Depending on the fabric, the suit could cost somewhere around $5,000.

For her, Lupo recommends a VBH envelope clutch or the Lorraine Schwartz Caviar Collection diamond earrings. For the home, he suggests the Russian sable or sheer mink bedspread reversed in cashmere by J. Mendel.

You could make it all so much easier, though, by giving someone a few hours with Joe Lupo himself, courtesy of a $5,000 Visual Therapy gift voucher that includes a total wardrobe edit along with an expertly crafted shopping list. Keep reading-we have a wealth of ideas on how to have the richest holiday ever.

See our slideshow of Over-the-Top Holiday Gifts.