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.

Have you been naughty or nice?  Well, hopefully you're on Santa's good side, considering we have quite the holiday wish list, courtesy of Neiman Marcus. 

What’s your fantasy?  NO, all you dirty minds…I’m not talking about that kind of fantasy; rather, the ones money can buy.

You know, if green grew on trees, what would you spend it on?  Well, we have a handful of lavish options you might want to put on your Christmas wish-list.  Thanks to the newly released Neiman Marcus holiday catalogue, Santa’s upcoming season just got a little more pricey. 

Ok, that was an exaggeration…a LOT more pricey.  The recession isn’t hitting the elite retailer too hard—Neiman’s outrageous array of expensive stuff will fill your mind with day-dreams.  While it’s nothing compared to other year’s offerings like 2008’s $10 million thoroughbred stable, 2011’s holiday gifts are still flaunting hefty price-tags.

So your naughty better turn to nice, bettering you chances for the following…

Take your pick: one of Neiman’s $25 lipsticks, or a $395,000 Ferrari.  I know, tough choice.  Yep, your hot new ride is only a click away—you can simply order the car online.  The 2012 model is one of only 10 made. 

But if you prefer the sea over the street, you might want to consider this: a $250,000 Hacker-Craft speedboat.  The 27-foot water-glider is made of pure mahogany, and you can have the side inscribed in gold-leafing.  Decisions, decisions…what to name your new mode of transportation?

However, if you’re a homebody, buy this: your very own library.  For $125,000, you can order an entire room full of reads designed by the publishing house Assouline.  Yep, they’ll stack your room floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall, with custom everything…carpet, art, and framed prints.  And to top it off, you’ll score 250 vintage books. 

And here’s one my fiancé might want to consider, as he knows how much I love the Vegas Bellagio’s dancing waters.  So darling, if you’re reading this, start saving.  For a mere $1 million, WET, the fountain architects behind the Bellagio water spectacular, will custom design your very own fountain, complete with “underwater robotic nozzles” that spray water like a “dancing couple.”  (That, per Neiman’s description.)   But if you want a bonus gift to go along with your fountain, tack on $500,000—that will get you the opportunity to guest-choreograph one of the Bellagio’s water dances. You'll be flown around the country training with fountain designers, and once you’ve reached perfect, you’ll head to Sin City to witness your creation’s anticipated debut. 

But of course, Christmas is no time to be greedy…don’t forget the little ones.  For the ultimate children’s present, give your kid the ultimate fort—a $75,000 yurt.  Your son, daughter, or both will savor sleeping under the stars in their tent-like structure complete with hand-painted décor, 18th century scroll work, and an irreplaceable crystal chandelier. 

And don’t forget about dad; your dear hubby!  He’s spoiled you rotten, so why not pay it forward with a $45,000 black ping-pong table.  The table tennis creation is 100% rubber, designed by artist Tom Burr. 

However, if you’re not on a $45,000 budget, consider forking out $420,000 for an all-inclusive 10-person flower show tour, courtesy of JetWay Private Air.  You’ll see all kinds of plants in the most appealing of destinations:  Switzerland, France, London, and Greece.  It’s quite a treat for the low-key nature lover. 

And if you’re looking for a savvy accessory, how about a $4,795 egg?  Yes, you read right…for nearly $5000, you can get the Judith Leiber bejeweled egg-shaped clutch coated in Austrian crystals.  Or what about $245 salt and pepper shakers?  The checker-printed culinary must-have is quite a splurge for your kitchen table.  And it just wouldn’t seem fair to exclude the $700 blow dryer from your holiday wish-list.  The Icon Prive dryer is super fast, super hot, and totally ionic—in other words, releasing heat that’s “ok” for your hair.

Finally, if you’re really on budget but craving a sweet treat, go for the $84 tin of sugar-glazed apricots.  Trust me, you’ll never buy fruit this expensive.  However, they’re displayed quite tastefully in a nicely-sized tin. 

So spend at your own expense—indulge if you recently hit the jackpot.  And as for the rest of us, well, have a good night’s sleep dreaming of Ferraris, boats, trips, yurts, ping-pong tables, and apricots.  Sweet dreams…

A portion of Neiman's most expensive offerings benefit cancer research and other organizations.

For more information, visit www.neimanmarcus.com.

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