Kim Kardashian or Angelina Jolie: who gives the most extravagant gifts? From Michael Jackson’s jacket to a US$2.4 million Boucheron necklace, 6 of the most OTT celebrity presents

Jan 7 , 2021

Angelina Jolie, Aaron Kwok and Kim Kardashian are all known for being extravagant gift-givers. Photo: Shutterstock, handout, Reuters

The Kardashians throw a backyard party, the Pitt-Jolie family open their stockings and buy presents for children in need, and the Beckham household used to eat a KFC bucket – these are just some of the ways Hollywood’s most influential families have celebrated Christmas in years past.

But for the rich and famous, gifts can be given any time of year – and the millions they unapologetically splurge on special occasions and birthday presents is enough to make us mere mortals green with envy. And when money is no object, A-listers can be especially creative and extravagant when giving gifts to their loved ones – we’re talking waterfalls, pre-owned celebrity clothes and even a gold bathtub.

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So how have celebrities flexed their spending power and who has given the most extravagant and unique presents over the years?

Kim Kardashian West bought a jacket previously owned by Michael Jackson for daughter North – for US$65,625

What do you do when you have millions in your bank account and your child idolises Michael Jackson? Buy memorabilia and belongings of the legendary pop superstar, of course. In 2019, Kim revealed via an Instagram story that she had gifted then-six-year-old daughter North the exact velvet jacket the King of Pop wore while out with Elizabeth Taylor. She explained that she and North won the item in an auction, and she had the jacket altered so her daughter could wear it.

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Kim Kardashian gifted this original Michael Jackson jacket to her daughter North. Photo: @Glaziang/Twitter

Aaron Kwok bought a US$2.6 million flat for ex-girlfriend Lynn Hung

In 2012, rumours emerged that Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok had bought a US$2.6 million flat for ex-girlfriend Lynn Hung. According to Yahoo Singapore, Kwok immediately bought the property after finding out Hung wanted it, and only then set up an appointment with a property agent.

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Angelina Jolie bought a waterfall for Brad Pitt — really

If you have all the money you can dream of, why not buy a waterfall in California, as well as the surrounding land? That’s what Angelina Jolie got for Brad Pitt in 2011 for a combined Christmas and 48th birthday present. According to media reports, the waterfall was meant to resemble Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, which Brad was a fan of.

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Actor Brad Pitt and actress Angelina Jolie arrive for the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2007. Photo: AP Photo

David Beckham bought almost US$3 million worth of gifts for Victoria

In 2005, at the height of their success, David Beckham didn’t shy away from showering wife Victoria with expensive gifts. He first gave a US$100,000 diamond-encrusted handbag and then followed it up with a US$500,000 custom-made Rolls-Royce Phantom. And to put the icing on the cake, Becks bought a US$2.4 million diamond necklace from Boucheron.

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Former English international footballer David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, on the red carpet at the British Fashion Awards 2018 in London. Photo: AFP

Mike Tyson’s outrageous US$2.2 million gold bathtub

At the peak of Mike Tyson’s boxing career, his net worth reached US$400 million. With such massive wealth under his belt, he did not hesitate to show off. Among his most ludicrous purchases was a US$2.2 million gold bathtub, a Christmas gift for his ex-wife, Robin Givens, who wanted to bathe in gold.

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A vintage 1956 Ford Thunderbird for Kris Jenner

In 2016, Kris’ kids – Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Rob, Kendall and Kylie – clubbed together to raise around US$40,000 to buy her a 1956 vintage Ford Thunderbird that rendered her speechless. However, she sold the car two years later for US$57,000 at an auction in Scottsdale. Although she sold hers, her mother, MJ, still owns a 1956 T-Bird.

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Fame and celebrity

Mike Tyson, Aaron Kwok and David Beckham are among the free-spending stars to have gifted everything from vintage cars and luxury flats to a waterfall (for Brad Pitt) and a US$2.2 million gold bathtub