Gift List Galore
When Price is No Object, Finding the Perfect Gift is Easy
By Gwen Moran
He has more sweaters than fit in his closet and enough gadgets, gizmos and electronics to open his own version of The Sharper Image. He's always outfitted with the latest equipment for whatever hobby or pastime has caught his interest at the moment. "He" is my husband and finding just the right gift for him is my annual holiday challenge.
So, as I dove into my gifting dilemma this year, I found a number of surprising alternatives to the same old standbys. By thinking outside of the foil-wrapped box, I uncovered a list of some definite possibilities for even the toughest gift recipient.
For the Daredevil
Performance driving lessons from Red Bank-based Driving Dynamics make the perfect gift for those who lives life in the fast lane -- literally. With a sticker price of $595, this two-day high-performance driving school, held in Englishtown, teaches drivers how to better handle their cars on the track and off. The course is the first step in certification by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), which allows amateur drivers to participate in SCCA races around the country. But the classes aren't only for Mario Andretti-wannabes.
"We get a lot of people who are tired of getting tickets on the Turnpike, but don't want to race. They come to find out what their car can do and how they can handle it," explains Paul Hubbard, president of Driving Dynamics. "We've had people come in everything from Chevy station wagons to Ferrari's. Of course, the faster your car is, the more fun you're going to have."
For a different kind of day at the races, what could be more thrilling than watching your own racehorse circle the track? For between $5,000 to $15,000, you can buy a share of ownership in a thoroughbred racehorse. According to Mary Jo Herbert, thoroughbred breeder and owner of Hopewell Heritage Farms, Hopewell, this is a great way to gain some horse sense.
"You hear about these sheiks paying four or five million for a horse," she explains. "Half of those horses don't even get to the races. Owning a share allows you to get some experience and learn what you're doing before you buy your own horse."
In addition to the up-front cost, you'll shell out about $2,000 per month for expenses like training, boarding, veterinarian bills, etc. Herbert suggests chatting up officials at your local racetrack or consulting listings in trade publications such as Bloodhorse or Thoroughbred Times for opportunities. She advises buyers to check out those involved with industry associations like the Thoroughbred Horseman's and Breeders Association of New Jersey and, of course, run all agreements by your own attorney.
While hot air balloon rides are all the rage, Clinton-based Aviation Adventures will actually teach you how to pilot one on your own. Pilot trainees need a minimum of 10 hours at the helm and Jack Ponticelli, Aviation Adventures' chief pilot and proprietor, estimates that most need about 30 hours before they are truly proficient. Lessons run $150 per hour plus equipment rental. If you want to purchase a balloon as part of the package, used systems come with a price tag of about $5,000 to $7,000 while the most sophisticated systems sail to a sticker price of up to $150,000.
If you're just looking for a trip over the treetops, check out Phillipsburg-based Have Balloon, Will Travel, especially if your balloon ride is a romantic way to pop the question. Have Balloon, Will Travel will fly its "Will You Marry Me?" banner. For birthday trips, the owner's wife bakes her famous chocolate birthday cake. Either will set you back $395 per couple.
For Those on the Move
Bring your beloved back in time by purchasing the same muscle car he sported as a teenager. Black Tie Auto Classics, Berlin, specializes in locating vintage and unusual automobiles. But get the facts before you go shopping warns John Bertino, president.
"You have to make sure that you get the exact year and the exact make of a car for it to really hit home," he explains. "If your husband wants a '66 GTO, he won't settle for a '67." You can expect to drop between $8,000 for '79 Mustang and as much as $80,000 for a '65 Rolls Royce. Black Tie has a large stock of vehicles in-house as well as a vast network of independent sellers, but unusual requests may take up to six months to deliver.
Some prefer to cruise in the water rather than on the highway. Nelson Sailing Center offers chartered sailboat trips that allow you explore the bay or the coastline. If you're sufficiently skilled, you can go on your own. Otherwise, they'll provide the crew. The experienced staff arranges for meals and stops at local points of interest. Plan on spending a week to ten days on a trip to Martha's Vineyard at about $5,000 to $8,000 per couple, depending on the size of the boat.
For access to the open seas all the time, consider investing in your own vessel. Prestige Yacht Sales specializes in high end power boats ranging in length from 25 to 60 feet, including sportfishermen, cruisers, motor yachts and runabouts. Be sure that you're clear about how the boat will be used, i.e. fishing, water skiing, cruising the shoreline, so the salesperson can help you determine which type of boat is the best bet.
Arts and Antiques
Homebodies might appreciate an addition to an antique or art collection. New Jersey boasts a vast array of antiques for every taste and inclination. Two of the most popular antiquing destinations are Lambertville and Mullica Hill, where you can pick up a perfect addition for nearly anyone.
Suzanne Cooke, proprietor of Mullica Hill's Kings Row, a small co-op of antique dealers, as well as her own shop, Queen's Inn, says that it's important to know the taste of the recipient before buying antiques. And be sure to buy the best quality you can afford.
"Going on a false window shopping expedition might be a good idea," she advises. "That way, you can watch what the person would choose for herself."
Artist Leslie Ficcaglia suggests creating a new heirloom. Ficcaglia's subjects include Governor James McGreevey and she has created images of individuals, couples, children, pets and families. Working from her own photography as well as favored family pictures, she will create original backgrounds and works to capture the "true essence" of the individual. Portraits take an average of two months to complete.
Just for Them
Hand-tailored clothing is a gift that's guaranteed to fit. Westfield's John Robert creates custom menswear, including suits, sport jackets and shirts. Customers choose from a wide variety of fabrics and styles. Robert measures the individual, taking into account everything from a man's build to his posture and the clothing is cut accordingly from painstakingly hand-drafted patterns. Shirts range from $160 to $400 and suits from approximately $1,400 through $2,000, depending on fabric and style.
Marie Sarmanoukian, proprietor of Boutique Chantal, Dumont, consults with women on body-flattering styles as well as colors that work best for them. After choosing the proper fabric and taking measurements, she creates everything from glamorous evening gowns to business-smart suits. Plan on spending about $900 to $1,500, again based on fabric and style, for a suit. Since customized clothing can take up to six or more weeks to complete -- although Sarmanoukian once delivered a rush order in two days -- and requires that the individual be available for measurement and fittings, you might want to make arrangements for a gift certificate or pre-payment.
When nothing but the most personalized gift will do, how about a gift certificate for a one-of-a-kind fragrance? Glen Rock-based fragranceur Gail Adrian formulates individualized perfumes from all-natural products. Adrian's services range from a simple combination of scents done in one session (cost: about $50) to her Ethereal Journey ™, which involves combining a complex myriad of scents into a custom blend over a month-long process (cost: $250). Or, perhaps the music in your heart will inspire you to commission a song in honor of your beloved. Westwood Music Group will work with you to compose an original song in honor of your sweetheart. From a soulful electronic mix to a knock-their-socks-off orchestral accompaniment, pricing will start at about $5,000 and can go as high as $150,000 -- or higher if you have your heart set on a superstar crooning your tune.
After all of this legwork, you might wonder what my darling husband will open this holiday season. Now, if I told you that, I'd spoil the surprise. Let's just say it won't be socks and underwear.
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