Top 10 Most Expensive Christmas Gifts In The World in 2024

What is the most expensive Christmas gift ever in history? You’ll be hard-pressed to pin down an answer frost-crystal clear. But if gift-giving over the holidays is anything but to spread goodwill and happiness, some pieces of history trump their modern equivalents hands down. The next best thing is to collate the most expensive gifts ever, ranging from diamond jewels, precious artworks, even a golden bathtub, to the exquisite, often over-the-top expression of fathers’ love for their daughters.

Christmas is all about Santa, Christmas trees, noche buena—that’s Christmas dinner for the non-Spanish-speaking parts of the world. But nothing bears the spirit of Christmas like the giving of gifts. With centuries behind it, the tradition of Christmas gift-giving has found its way to even non-Christian cultures of the world. Why, you can give someone gifts outside of Christmas nowadays and the recipient would count himself having hit the Christmas wheel suddenly.

Unlike us ordinary mortals, however, the super rich and uber powerful have it all in them to indulge in fancy gift giving. Gems worth thousands, even millions? Check. Super planes and super yachts in the tens or hundreds of millions? Check. Rare art pieces and fancy handbags? Piece of cake. If they could put up Christmas trees worth millions for but a short time, what’s a grand vacation to an island?

Heck, they would even go with the ultimate sendoff, a trip to outer space. When someone has a pile of cash and has run of out typical ideas to spend lavish gifts, why not? In the spirit of the approaching season and the exciting gift-giving that comes with it, we turn to some of the most expensive gifts ever thought of by man in history.

Prepare for the ultimate level-up in Christmas gifting.

10. Mastiff Gem – USD 1.5 Million

Man’s best friend gets the nod on our most expensive Christmas gifts—though it’s no ordinary canine, not by any shot. We’re talking of a Tibetan mastiff, whose market price is probably going for its weight in gold. In 2014, for example, one of this precious pups went for a cool USD 2 million during an auction.

This one is no less extraordinary, and it couldn’t have gotten a better friend, master, or owner, whatever strikes your fancy: it’s Royalty. Which royalty, you ask? Why, Chris Brown’s daughter, of course!

So long story short, Chris paid a whopping USD 1.5 million for the mastiff, and had his precious girl find it tied to a lovely tree one Christmas morning. How long do these canines live, anyway? At that price, it should be good for a few generations.

9. Aaron Spelling’s White Christmas Gift – USD 2 Million

Even the worst of climate change has not yet conferred snow in California, but if you had a string of megabuck investments in some of the most successful television series on earth, then you certainly acquire the means to do something about it.

As the man behind such mega-successful TV shows The Love Boat, Charlie’s Angels, Dynasty and Beverly Hills, Aaron Spelling amassed quite a fortune that allowed him to make scorching-hot California chill like the polar caps for his kids. A giant snow machine did all the trick, producing mountains of fake snow which made for festive white holidays at the Spellings’ Beverly Hills residence.

One of the kids, Tori Spelling, loved it so much that she duplicated the feat in 2009—for her own kids this time.

8. The Waterfall Gift – USD 1.6 Million

While Brad Pitt has a number of top-selling films to his name, not many of his legions of fans know that the man had a passion for architecture. One that he really admires is Frank Lloyd Wright, especially the famed architect’s much venerated creation, the Fallingwater. Angelina Jolie knew, however, and before their eventual split, Jolie presented the actor a California waterfall and its adjacent lands, for him to realize his dream of recreating his own version of the stunning Wright work.

There is a question that we could ask about the amazing Christmas gift: did it come with a bow? For an inspiration, she could turn to another architectural wonder in New York: the Cartier headquarters.

7. Tyson’s Moment – USD 2.3 Million

Although former husband and wife Mike Tyson and Robin Givens hugged the limelight for the wrong reasons during their tumultuous marriage, there’s no doubt the couple had had their moments.

With an asset formerly running in the USD 300 million range, Tyson could certainly afford the best things in life. And he did, gifting Robins a 24-carat gold bathtub Christmas present with a price tag of USD 2.3 million back then. Who says the man did not have a golden heart?

6. Hong Kong Superstar Aaron Kwok’s USD 2.6 Million Christmas Present

Asian superstar Aaron Kwok and then-girlfriend Lynn Hung join our illustrious ensemble of passionate people who spare no expense to make that one Christmas gift something to be just a tad more memorable than the ones before it.

In Aaron’s case, it’s in the form of a luxury apartment that offered a dreamy view of sun and glittery sea spread just below it—surprising Lynn with the Christmas gift once he learned she totally fell in love with and wished to own it. The USD 2.6 million real estate could have been a perfect honeymoon place, too: too bad the story didn’t quite make it to the altar.

5. Spend It Like Beckham – USD 3 Million

As two of the most famous people on the planet, David and Victoria Beckham can pull headlines like black holes everywhere they go. Year 2005 proved to be a milestone for the couple, David surprising Victoria with Christmas presents no ordinary mortals could aspire for: a USD 100,000 diamond-encrusted handbag, a custom-built USD 500,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the best of the lot, a USD 2.4 million Boucheron ruby and diamond necklace.

Despite these mind-boggling amounts, remember that mega celebrities like the Beckhams also give one another gifts outside of the holiday seasons. Sometimes more expensive than the ones listed here, too.

4. Diamond and Ruby Ring for Liz – USD 4.2 Million

Given Hollywood goddess Elizabeth Taylor’s well-known colossal acquisition of diamond and other jewelry from her husband Richard Burton and well-heeled admirers, it’s not a surprise that she’d amass a sizable collection that would draw the attention of avid collectors all over the world. So it was told in December 2011, when the actress’s famous collection went on the auction block and collected a hefty sum of USD 116 million.

The Taylor collection included the storied La Peregrina, which passed from the African slave who found it at Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama to European kings and queens across hundreds of years. Another, an 8.24 Van Cleef & Arpels diamond-and-ruby ring, set a per-carat record for a ruby at USD 512,925, good for a USD 4.2 million total. As a Christmas present in 1968, Richard Burton delivered on his promise of a perfect ruby ring to his then-wife. Liz couldn’t agree more, beaming that it was the most perfect colored stone she’d ever seen.

3. Twenty-Two-Year-Old’s USD 88 Million Christmas Present

While some of Hollywood’s biggest names could afford to buy properties worth millions after compiling record-breaking outputs, a 22-year-old didn’t even have to lift a finger to snatch a property worth a cool USD 88 million.

But Ekaterina Rybolovleva is no ordinary 22-year-old: she is after all the daughter of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, and what do megarich fathers do but buy their daughters Christmas gifts worth millions. And that exactly is what Dmitry did, buying the famous Sanford Weill Manhattan property as a Christmas present for his daughter like it was the most normal thing to do in the world.

2. Evalyn’s Jewels, Star of the East and Hope Diamond – Upwards of USD 250 Million

The late American mining heiress Evalyn Walsh McLean once owned two of the most famous jewels in history, the Star of the East and the Hope Diamond.

The Star of the East came into her hand when she used the cash—given by her father as her 1908 wedding present—to purchase the 94.8-carat pear-shaped diamond, mounted on a chain below a hexagonal emerald of 34 carats and a pearl of 32 grains. She rationalized her enormous purchase as a shrewd investment, and the excessive price to cover not only her wedding but also her Christmas present. Three years later, her publishing scion husband bought her the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond.

Evalyn thoroughly had the most wonderful time wearing and displaying the glittering pieces at various events throughout her lifetime. When she got tired of the attention, she would have her favorite dog wear one of the two famous pendants. Imagine the chagrin of those who could not afford even the chain links that held these two magnificent jewels.

Diamonds are forever, but the human owner was not. When jeweler Harry Winston acquired the two gems after Evalyn’s death, he bequeathed the Hope Diamond to the Smithsonian’s in 1958. The famous institution quickly insured the Hope Diamond for USD 250 million. Since the Star of the East is almost double the Hope Diamond in weight, a USD 250 million estimate would be very conservative indeed. Where the Star of the East went, however, unfortunately remains a mystery.

1. The Orlov Diamond – Priceless

Russian Empire’s Catherine the Great was overly fond of diamonds, so when a 189.62-carat diamond in the shape of half a chicken’s egg from India came to her attention, she was smart to enlist the help of her lover, Count Orlov, to acquire it. Consequently she named it Orlov’s diamond and had it encrusted in the Imperial scepter.

While some stories had Orlov present the diamond to Catherine as a Christmas gift, in reality Orlov simply did not have the means to pay for the immense price of the diamond himself. Catherine could, however, but spun the Orlov gift story as a way to deflect criticism for her excesses, using the state budget on jewelry.

While there are many estimates to the actual price of the Orlov Diamond, its historical value far outweighs any valuation we would have of it today.

How to choose the perfect luxury gift?

Selecting the perfect luxury gift can be a daunting task, but with some thoughtful consideration, you can make an unforgettable choice. Here are some tips to help you find that ideal gift:

• Know the Recipient’s Tastes: It’s crucial to understand the preferences and interests of the person you’re buying for. Consider their hobbies, favorite brands, and styles. A gift that aligns with their personality shows that you put effort into your selection.
• Consider the Occasion: Luxury gifts often carry special significance, so consider the occasion. A significant milestone, such as a wedding anniversary or a birthday, might call for a more extravagant gift than a holiday present.
• Focus on Quality Over Quantity: In luxury gifting, the emphasis should be on the quality and uniqueness of the item rather than its price tag. Look for well-crafted items that stand out and offer something special.
• Personalization Adds Value: Personalizing a luxury gift can elevate its significance. Custom engravings, unique colors, or tailored options can make the gift feel more special and thoughtful.
• Set a Budget: Luxury gifts come in various price ranges, so it’s essential to establish a budget. This helps narrow down your options while ensuring that you don’t overspend.
• Think About Experience: Sometimes, experiences make the best luxury gifts. Consider gifting a lavish getaway, a fine dining experience, or tickets to a prestigious event. These create lasting memories that are often more valuable than material items.

Key Insights

• Extravagant Gifts Reflect Wealth and Sentiment: The most expensive Christmas gifts in history often involve extravagant displays of wealth, reflecting not only financial capacity but also deep sentimental value. Gifts range from luxurious jewelry and unique artworks to extravagant real estate and custom experiences, showcasing the diversity in how wealth can be used to express affection.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Many of these gifts have historical and cultural significance, such as the Orlov Diamond and Evalyn Walsh McLean’s Hope Diamond, which have become iconic over time. The stories behind these gifts often involve famous personalities and significant historical contexts, adding to their allure and value.
• Unique and Personalized Presents: The gifts are often highly personalized, tailored to the recipient’s tastes and interests, such as Angelina Jolie gifting Brad Pitt a waterfall or Chris Brown giving his daughter a Tibetan mastiff. Personalization adds a layer of thoughtfulness, making these gifts memorable and cherished.
• Impact of Wealth on Gift-Giving: Wealth enables the giving of gifts that are beyond the reach of ordinary people, often involving considerable resources and planning. This trend highlights how the super-rich utilize their resources to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories through gift-giving.

FAQ

1. What is the most expensive Christmas gift ever given? The most expensive Christmas gift ever given is the Orlov Diamond, presented to Catherine the Great of Russia. Its historical value makes it priceless, far exceeding any monetary valuation.
2. Who gave the most expensive Christmas gift in history? Count Orlov is credited with giving the Orlov Diamond to Catherine the Great, although it was acquired using state funds. The story of the gift was spun to deflect criticism from Catherine’s use of state resources.
3. What makes the Orlov Diamond so valuable? The Orlov Diamond is valuable due to its size, historical significance, and the intricacy of its cut. Weighing 189.62 carats and originating from India, it holds immense historical value as part of the Russian Imperial regalia.
4. How did Angelina Jolie personalize her gift to Brad Pitt? Angelina Jolie personalized her gift to Brad Pitt by purchasing a waterfall and the surrounding land, knowing his admiration for architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. This thoughtful gift allowed Pitt to fulfill his dream of building a similar architectural masterpiece.
5. What unique pet did Chris Brown gift his daughter for Christmas? Chris Brown gifted his daughter a Tibetan mastiff, an extremely rare and valuable breed, costing $1.5 million. This unique pet reflects both extravagance and a deep sense of personal connection.
6. How did Aaron Spelling create a memorable Christmas experience for his children? Aaron Spelling created a memorable Christmas experience by using a giant snow machine to produce fake snow, transforming their Beverly Hills residence into a winter wonderland, despite the warm Californian climate.
7. What luxurious gifts did David Beckham give Victoria Beckham? David Beckham gave Victoria Beckham a $100,000 diamond-encrusted handbag, a custom-built $500,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom, and a $2.4 million Boucheron ruby and diamond necklace for Christmas in 2005.
8. Why is the Hope Diamond famous and valuable? The Hope Diamond is famous for its size, deep blue color, and history, having been owned by various notable figures. Its current value is insured at $250 million by the Smithsonian Institution.
9. What did Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev gift his daughter for Christmas? Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev gifted his daughter, Ekaterina Rybolovleva, an $88 million Manhattan property, showcasing the extravagant nature of gift-giving among the super-rich.
10. What is the significance of Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond and ruby ring? Elizabeth Taylor’s 8.24-carat Van Cleef & Arpels diamond-and-ruby ring, given by Richard Burton, is significant due to its record-setting price and Taylor’s renowned collection of fine jewelry. The ring was part of an auction that fetched a total of $116 million for her collection.

By Nestor Gilbert

Nestor Gilbert is a senior B2B and SaaS analyst and a core contributor at FinancesOnline for over 5 years. With his experience in software development and extensive knowledge of SaaS management, he writes mostly about emerging B2B technologies and their impact on the current business landscape. However, he also provides in-depth reviews on a wide range of software solutions to help businesses find suitable options for them. Through his work, he aims to help companies develop a more tech-forward approach to their operations and overcome their SaaS-related challenges.