Jay-Z reportedly bought Beyonce Knowles $350,000 worth of designer handbags and purses for Christmas.

The millionaire rapper went to the Hermes boutique on Madison Avenue, in New York City, on Christmas Eve to pick out a number of gifts for his pop star wife.

He purchased a selection of Birkin handbags - which can sell up to $150,000 each - and other items including purses.

A source said: "Jay was in a private room of Hermes doing last-minute shopping. He had a guard standing watch outside."

The 'Empire State Of Mind' hitmaker spent so long in the store he had to cancel a lunch reservation and instead telephoned the eatery to arrange to have his food delivered to the exclusive store instead.

It seems Jay-Z wanted to spoil his spouse after she splashed out $2 million on a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport car for his 41st birthday.

The 'Halo' singer presented him with the vehicle - which is the world's fastest road car - when he reached the age on December 4.