• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, October 8, 2014

It’s here! In an October tradition that signals the start of the holiday season in the country’s most affluent ZIP codes, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out. And this year’s version — the 88th since the Dallas-based retailer created its first back in 1926 — doesn’t disappoint in its over-the-top offerings.

Among the most ooh-la-la of its gift ideas are a $425,000 “experience” with Vanity Fair and the Academy Awards, an invitation for two that includes a weekend at the swanky Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, drinks at Sunset Tower, and dinner at Chateau Marmont. In addition to attending the Vanity Fair Party (and the chance to mingle with Hollywood royalty) the lucky buyer also gets hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling, as well as jewelry on loan.

Another experience -- priced at $475,000 -- is a bespoke “fragrance journey” that includes a trip to Paris and the House of Creed atelier, where a sixth-generation perfumer will whip up a signature scent. Another includes an ultimate five-day Mardi Gras experience for 12, priced at $125,000.

As always, there are automotive treasures, including the 100th Anniversary Neiman Marcus Limited-Edition Maserati Ghibli S Q4, described as “hot and sensuous,” at $95,000. 

There’s a six-foot-tall cocktail making machine called the Tanqueray No. 10 Imperial Shaker, for $35,000. (It comes with a year’s supply of gin.) And for $65,000, you can order up a large outdoor garden peacock, fashioned by designer Preston Bailey. The six-foot-tall bird has a 10-foot-long tail, which includes seasonal plantings and silk flowers.

Looking for something a tad less sedate? This year’s “His & Hers” gift tradition offers two Vilebrequin Quadskis, a Jet ski/ATV combo priced at $50,000 each, which transforms from water to land in just under five seconds. 

In its most recent quarterly results, the company, which is now owned by Ares Management and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, saw its comparable-store sales gain by some 4.9% for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year. But it posted a loss of $42.1 million for the fourth quarter, compared with net earnings of $2.9 million in the prior year.