The New Art of Giving Gifts and Immortality

Gift giving can be “art” in itself. Commissioning a portrait painting of your loved one is so yesterday. But commissioning a film about your loved one, now that’s memorable. Mint Lifestyle’s (an exclusive, members-only luxury concierge service based in Los Angeles) produced a mini gift guide this year, and cites that its most popular item is a commissioned biography, which wives are buying for their husbands. The books cost around $30,000 to publish a person’s life and business story. “It’s perfect for that someone who is no one, but made a billion dollars selling his widget business,” says Gordon MacGeachy, Mint co-founder. (It also appeals to big egos who are thinking about immortality).

This years holiday gifts are more about the entire emotional experience – focusing more on the spiritual than the material. Aston Pearl, a New York concierge firm recommends giving your minted loved-ones personalized services, such as life coaching, or consultations with a philanthropy advisor or image advisor – not to counsel them on their physical appearance, but help them think about the person they want to become.