Sam Morris / 2006 file photo
The lights of Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump are reflected in the hood of a limousine parked in front.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 | 2 a.m.
Las Vegas does everything a bit differently, and Christmas is no exception. Consider the recent Santa Run at Town Square in which 8,000 runners donned red suits and beards, or the 6-foot, 200-pound chocolate Grinch towering over guests at the Bellagio.
So why succumb to uniformity and give away scarves or slippers this holiday season? How about more unique gifts for your loved ones that reflect the city’s over-the-top sensibilities?
The Sun did a little shopping and came up with a few suggestions. They may not be cheap, or even appropriate, but they are most definitely Vegas.
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Poker with a pro
Learn how to bluff, raise and call from a World Series of Poker bracelet winner. For $399, you’ll get a two-hour training session with poker pro Annie Duke, two hours of live-play analysis from Duke and poker commentator Ali Nejad, a seat in the Epic Poker Super Satellite Tournament at the Palms, an Epic Poker League hoodie and hat and a signed copy of Duke’s book. Plus, lunch.
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Brothel gift certificate
Give the gift of, well, companionship, with a gift certificate to a brothel. Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump sells gift certificates online and allows clients to make reservations with a discreet click of the mouse.
The cathouse is connected to a hotel so clients can make a weekend of the trip. There’s even a gift shop.
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Coal from the Titanic
This isn’t just for the naughty folks on your list. It’s perfect for history buffs, too.
The Titanic museum at the Luxor is selling “coal keepsakes,” tiny pieces of the black stuff recovered from the Titanic shipwreck.
The remnants were part of the 5,892 tons of coal loaded onto the ship when it left England almost a century ago and, according to the museum, are the only artifacts salvaged from the wreck that can be sold to the public. A half-inch piece sells for $45, display box included.
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A Strip resort
Are you itching to rub elbows with Steve Wynn or Jim Murren? Here’s your chance to start building your own Las Vegas empire, one share at a time.
OneShare.com, a stock ownership website, is selling single shares to Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts. For $117.63, you can own a piece of the Wynn or Encore. The Mirage sells for far less — $10.36 a share, as of Tuesday. Prices change daily depending on the market, and certificates of ownership cost an additional $39. Shell out another $600, and your proof of purchase can be framed in 18K gold brocade.
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Exotic car racing
Drive five of the world’s most exclusive Supercars — a Ferrari F430 F1, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, Audi R8, Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 997S — on the Inside Road Course of the Las Vegas Speedway. Reach speeds well over 100 mph and impress your friends as you take on the 1.1 mile, 11 turn track.
Twenty-five laps costs $1,149, 50 costs $2,249 and a full day of 100 laps costs $4,449.
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A custom song
Looking to give new meaning to the phrase “our song”? Now you can work with a singer/songwriter to craft a custom tune for your loved one.
For $1,500, a published musician will help you put lyrics to music about any subject and in any style you desire. Once the framework is set, the songwriter will cut you a demo, then record a master performance at a professional studio with piano or guitar accompaniment.
Take that, Elvis.
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