Top 10 Most Expensive Gifts In The History Ever Given

Ever wondered what the super-rich give each other for gifts? It's a fascinating question!

Finding the perfect gift for people who already have it all is no easy feat. That's why the world's most expensive gifts exist.

Let's dive in with CHUS and discover these lavish and unique items!

1. The Taj Mahal

Yes, you read that right. The Taj Mahal - a majestic mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage site -  is perhaps the most enduring luxury gift of all time. Built in the 16th century, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this architectural marvel to honor his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth. As a vow of eternal love, he promised never to remarry and poured his heart into this masterpiece. The Taj Mahal isn't just priceless in monetary value; it stands as an eternal monument of love—the most luxurious gift anyone could imagine.

The Taj Mahal mausoleum - a timeless and priceless symbol of love (Photo: Internet)

2. A Waterfall in Pennsylvania

In 2012, Angelina Jolie surprised Brad Pitt with an actual waterfall and the surrounding land in Pennsylvania as a Christmas gift. This high-end gift was inspired by Pitt’s admiration for architect Frank Lloyd Wright, renowned for his Fallingwater home, designed to integrate with nature. Pitt intended to use the waterfall as a foundation for building a house in Wright’s iconic style. At the time, this thoughtful luxury gift embodied both love and architectural ambition.

Angelina Jolie gifted Brad Pitt a breathtaking waterfall (Photo: Internet)

3. The Chanel Bicycle

When did Chanel start making bicycles? In 2008, Chanel introduced a limited-edition bicycle, with only 50 units ever produced, each priced at a staggering $12,000. Adorned with quilted leather trim and signature leather saddlebags, this bike became an iconic luxury gift. That same year, actress Courteney Cox gifted one to Jennifer Aniston for her birthday. Not only did it match Aniston’s love for cycling, but it also represented an elegant blend of practicality and exclusivity - a true high-end gift.

The Chanel bicycle - a limited-edition masterpiece (Photo: Internet)

4. A Shoe You Can’t Wear

A shoe you can't wear? That's because this particular “shoe” is actually a luxurious cake! Crafted by designer Debbie Wingham, this edible art piece was adorned with gold, diamonds, and a price tag of £11.5 million (around $370 million USD). The cake was a luxury gift for a client’s beloved daughter. While this expensive gift was far too opulent to eat, it demonstrated the boundless creativity behind personalized gifting.

An edible masterpiece worth millions (Photo: Internet)

5. A Handcrafted Wooden Carousel Horse

For Valentine's Day in 2010, Courteney Cox amazed her then-husband David Arquette with a high-end Valentine’s gift: a vintage, handcrafted wooden carousel horse valued at $45,000. Carved from solid wood with intricate details, this timeless piece featured hand-painted finishes and brass accents, exuding both elegance and nostalgia. While simple in concept, the craftsmanship elevated it to a unique luxury gift, demonstrating how thoughtful design can become a work of art.

The handcrafted wooden carousel horse - a Valentine's Day masterpiece (Photo: Internet)

6. A Golden Bathtub as a Unique Christmas Gift

Mike Tyson, the legendary boxer with a net worth of $400 million, made headlines by surprising his wife with a unique Christmas gift—a golden bathtub worth $2.2 million. The inspiration came from a casual comment his wife made about her wish to bathe in gold, and Tyson turned that dream into reality. This extravagant and bespoke gift symbolizes both luxury and Tyson's opulent lifestyle, standing out as one of the most expensive gifts in his remarkable collection.

A golden bathtub as a unique Christmas gift (Photo: Internet)

7. The Kohinoor Diamond Crown

Raja Duleep Singh, a billionaire, made history by presenting Queen Elizabeth with a luxury gift of immense historical and financial value—the Kohinoor diamond-encrusted crown. This masterpiece, adorned with dazzling gemstones, holds an estimated worth exceeding £10 billion. Beyond being a work of art, it is a symbol of reverence and admiration for the Queen, emphasizing the grandeur of a high-end gift fit for royalty.

The Kohinoor Diamond Crown is an expensive gift full of honor (Photo: Internet)

8. The Star of the East Necklace

As a wedding present, billionaire Edward B. McLean stunned everyone with a truly high-end gift for his bride: the "Star of the East" necklace, valued at $11.9 billion. This extraordinary necklace features a 95-carat centerpiece diamond, accompanied by two additional large diamonds and a series of smaller ones. This luxury gift remains an unmatched symbol of elegance and power, setting a benchmark in the world of luxurious gifts.

The Star of the East Necklace is one of the most remarkable diamond gifts (Photo: Internet)

9. The Tian Yacht

In 2008, billionaire Anil Ambani, heir to the Reliance Industries fortune, made an unforgettable gesture by presenting his wife, Bollywood actress Tina Ambani, with a birthday gift: a 34-meter yacht named Tian. Crafted in Genoa, Italy, at a staggering cost of €78 million (approximately $83.8 million), this luxury gift is not only a testament to opulence but also solidified Tina’s place among the world's elite yacht owners.

The Tian Yacht is one of the most luxurious birthday gifts in the world (Photo: Internet)

10. A $760,000 Painting for a 1-Year-Old!

In 2014, to celebrate their daughter Harper’s first birthday, power couple David and Victoria Beckham spared no expense, commissioning a one-of-a-kind artwork. The gift was a 2-meter-tall heart-shaped painting by renowned artist Damien Hirst, adorned with intricate butterfly motifs and worth $760,000. This unique and artistic Valentine's gift to their child exemplifies the extravagance of the ultra-wealthy, redefining the boundaries of what constitutes an expensive gift.

The $760,000 painting as a gift for a 1-year-old made waves (Photo: Internet)

Conclusion

These examples are just a glimpse into the world of extravagant and luxurious gifts, showcasing the remarkable lengths people go to express their love, admiration, and wealth. However, don’t let these examples deter you from giving your own thoughtful gifts! After all, the true value of a gift lies in the care and effort put into its preparation.

At CHUS, we believe that the most meaningful gifts don’t have to be the most expensive but should instead carry a rich spirit and personal touch. That’s why CHUS proudly offers you a wide range of handcrafted and artisan products made with love and precision in Vietnam.

Discover your idea of the most luxurious gift today with CHUS and redefine what an extraordinary gift means to you!