The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Can Make Your Holiday Road Trip an Exercise in Perfection
Scotty Reiss
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You need a bit of luxe in your life, this year more than ever.
Every year, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus curates a select group of Fantasy Gifts, an exclusive group of products and experiences that come with an over-the-top price tag. But for a less pricey investment, the company curates a Christmas Book with a (slightly) more accessible offering of luxury gifts and goods.
Just look at it shine! Photo: Bowlus Road Chief
Yes, There Used to Be a Car… But No More
Until recently, a car was part of the Christmas catalogue offerings. Not this year; the closest we get is this Bowlus bespoke aluminum travel trailer for $225,000. But in the past Neiman Marcus has offered BMW, McLaren, Rolls Royce and others in its catalogue.
Not that you need Neiman Marcus to help you select a luxury car; we can do that for you. In keeping with the NM brand, our pick for the Fantasy Gift car would the the Aston Martin DBX, though the Land Rover Defender, the Dodge Durango Hellcat, Corvette C8 or Mustang Shelby GT 500 would also make a wonderful ‘fantasy’ gift. No recipient would be disappointed.
However, Neiman’s expertise in selecting the perfect accompaniments for road travel is welcome. We perused the 2020 Christmas Book for the ultimate items to make your holiday road trip a perfect one. Here’s what we found:
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Get Comfy for the Drive
Recycled cashmere is the thing this year: It’s shredded, sorted and respun for less demand on the furry friends who supply it and the supply chain and landfills that absorb post-consumer leftovers. We love this TSE for Neiman Marcus recycled cashmere pair of drawstring pants and a long-sleeved sweater for extended time behind the wheel. ($435 per piece)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Snuggle Up in the Back Seat –and Let Someone Else Drive
If you’re not driving, sit back, relax and take a nap or read a book. This Fabulous Furs vintage velvet-lined Persian lamb throw blanket is machine washable and soft enough to snuggle up in. ($225)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Stay Hydrated
Larq’s water bottle actually purifies your water for you. Just pour it in and go (cold water only). This is great for travel, especially these days; refill it with tap water and remove any chemicals, bacteria or other ills that may ruin your trip. ($78)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Have a Snack
Probably the best way to road trip safely these days is to bring your own snacks with you. The perfect balance of sweet and salty can be found with these snacks packed in tins, so they’re perfect for travel: Neiman’s Snowflake Pretzels ($21) and Cheddar Pecan Biscuits ($12) Yum.
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Bring Your Java to Stay Alert
Nothing fits better on a long drive than a warm caffeinated beverage in hand. We love the Copper Cow pour over coffees — our choice is lavender, but there are other flavors as well. These packets are a great travel companion; just pour boiling water over the packet and into a cup or tumbler, add the flavor packet (milk, sugar and flavor, depending on your selection) and voila, you’re on your way. ($17 for 5 packets)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Bring All Your Essentials in the Perfect Suitcase
We are fans of spinner bags; the four wheels make it easy to sweep along hotel hallways and airport corridors. The hard sides offer resiliency and the flex dividers inside snuggly hold your things in place. Plus, this chic white color of the Rimowa bag will look great in the cargo area of the Aston Martin DBX. ($820)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Stay Charged With Your Own Unique USB Cable
Don’t you hate that everyone has the same charge cables, and yours always seems to be the one that’s missing? Now, you’ll know which is yours; this Maison Kitsume USB cord has a unique and stylish woven cover and a leather band for bundling. No one else will be able to claim it. ($35)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Travel-Perfect Jewelry
The right jewelry for travel is jewelry you never take off (or risk losing it). Gorgeous 64 Facets diamond studs are perfect (even at $11,120). Put them on before leaving home and assume the perfect look throughout your trip, from casual lounging to fancy dining. And when you’re behind the wheel you need something to delight your eye besides the counting down mile markers, this David Yurman bracelet ($3,900) in 18 k gold with diamonds hits the mark. You’ll constantly be delighted.
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Don’t Starve: Sustenance Upon Arrival
You need a reward for your long, dutiful day of driving, right? And there’s nothing worse than arriving to find that room service is closed and the only options are fast food or worse, convenience stores. The Bella Cucina Antipasti basket fixes that. Relax, unwind and have a healthy snack at the end of your drive. ($245)
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Don’t Arrive Empty Handed
You can bring snacks, wine or candles for your hosts, but if you delight the kids, you win. And of course, we believe that teaching kids to love cars can’t start too early! The Best Ride On Cars Kids Bentley will do the trick, and keep the kids spinning around the drive way all day while you catch up with friends and family. ($299)
Best of all, you’ll already have all the things you really want this holiday season, so you can be genuinely grateful for another pair of argyle socks. Happy holidays!