Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Help Santa and hit the mall!  Check out what's trending when it comes to the hottest presents for this holiday season.

Do you find yourself aimlessly wandering around Fashion Square simply stumped on gift ideas?  Well, bid all cliché presents goodbye—we have a list of 2011’s last-minute purchase potentials to easily accommodate your shopping list.  I went to my go-to-girl for everything trending: Kate Birchler of Scottsdale Fashion Square.  She says the mall offers an array of fabulous finds for anyone on the hunt for the perfect holiday gift. 

Let’s start off with presents for any party host or hostess.  Birchler’s first rule of thumb: keep a stash of gifts and wrapping in a closet—that way you’re always prepared for any sporadic holiday soiree.  She suggests stocking up on festive finds any individual or couple would enjoy.  Her picks for this year include a decorative soap dish from The French Bee; a Vinturi wine aerator package from Crate & Barrel; a monogrammed wine stopper from Francesca’s Collection (accompanied with a bottle of vino); holiday pancake molds from Williams-Sonoma; and a Swarovski crystal ornament from Swarovski.  All these are perfect for anyone hosting a holiday get-together. 

Next, ‘tis the season of giving—and who could forget showing some love to those that put such TLC into loving you?  Birchler says going for gift sets are a great option for spoiling teachers, stylists, doctors, etc.  You can find great packaged deals scattered around Fashion Square stores, like Peppermint Bark from Crate & Barrel; winter-scented candles from Bath & Body Works or flavored Olive Oil from the Olive Oil Boutique.  And of course, you can’t go wrong with yummy Godiva chocolates. 

Truth be told, money doesn’t grow on trees (buzz-kill!), so if you’re on budget, there are still wonderful present options.  Birchler says the key to saving green is to seek items near the cash register; it’s actually the best spot to find cool stocking stuffers for an affordable price.  Consider a travel size Signature Collection fragrances from Bath & Body Works or hand and foot cream sets from 2BU Aveda Salon & Spa.  You can also head to Regis Salon and get The Art of Shaving shave kit, OPI nail polish, or even an outfit from the Build-a-Bear Workshop—a fun option for kids! 

And on the flip-side, if you want something totally sleek and luxurious, go for the gnome cufflinks at Ted Baker or the Serpenti Collection at Bulgari— jewelry; very nice jewelry.   In addition, a nice bra and panty set from Intimacy would also fold up nicely in a stocking.

If you’re still up-in-the-air about what to get, no worries,  There’s actually a Procrastination Station near Fashion Square’s Nordstrom for further gift ideas. 

Best of luck, my fellow shopaholics. 

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