Just 25 miles north of downtown Phoenix lies this wallet-friendly outlet mall, drawing people from all around for great merchandise at bargain prices. The open-air complex offers a playground, a food court, an ATM, and a rental center for strollers and wheelchairs. This popular outlet mall is home to more than 60 name brand shops. Representative stores include Izod, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Jewelry, accessories, rugs, and perfume are also for sale at select venues. On-site amenities include Guest Services, food services, ATM, clean restrooms, complimentary wheelchairs and strollers, curbside unloading, covered parking areas, a mother's lounge, and free wi-fi.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Outlets at Anthem is all decked out for the holiday season with some of the most extravagant Christmas decorations in the city.
Patricia's expert tip: The Outlet hosts a popular Tree Lighting Festival that takes place in November.
Tired of run of the mill mall merchandise? Head to Bunky Boutique, one of Phoenix's most unique stores specializing in apparel, accessories, and artisan-made jewelry and paper products. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind gift item, Bunky Boutique is a great place to find gifts for him and her, including books, candles, home hoods and paper items. You'll also find high-quality men and women's skincare products, makeup, designer eyewear, handbags, and garden gifts. For the hip mom and dad, Bunky's even has its own well-curated selection of baby and kid products. Check out the assortment of apparel from local Phoenix designers too.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Bunky Boutique is a hyper-local boutique with unique Made-in-Arizona gift items.
Patricia's expert tip: Come here for unique locally made holiday gifts from Arizona makers.
You never know what you're going to find at The Brass Armadillo, one of the largest antique malls in the metro Phoenix area. There are two locations: the Phoenix location is located conveniently off the I-17 and Cactus, and the second location is located near the I-10 & Dysart exit in Goodyear. You're going to want to put on your comfiest walking shoes for a vintage shopping expedition at either super-sized location, both of which feature a great selection of antiques and collectibles, friendly service, and well-organized shelves that make for easy browsing. Whether you're looking for nostalgic pop culture collectibles or antique jewelry, this is one of the best places in the Valley to find hard-to-find treasures and gifts.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: If you're looking for a unique vintage gift, check out The Brass Armadillo, one of the city's biggest antique malls.
Patricia's expert tip: The Brass Armadillo often posts its latest vintage finds on its social media pages.
The Newton is not your typical shopping center. The recently redeveloped midcentury building in mid-town Phoenix is home to one of the city's newest shopping and dining hot spots. The Newton is home to Changing Hands Bookstore, the city's top independent bookseller. The store carries a wide selection of eclectic and unique gift items, and regularly hosts nationally acclaimed authors and artists, plus, there's a nice bar right in the bookshop. The Newton is also home to Southwest Gardener, a local home decor and gardening gift shop specializing in desert flora. When you're reading to take a shopping break, step into Southern Rail, which dishes out modern southern comfort food.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: The Newton Shopping Center is central Phoenix's newest shopping hot spot, ideal for picking up unique book and garden gift items.
Patricia's expert tip: If you get hungry, The Newton is home to Southern Rail restaurant.
A desirable shopping destination for decades, Biltmore Fashion Park hosts an upscale contingent of shops in a gracious setting. Down pathways, amid landscaped beds and fountains, shoppers browse the offerings, which include Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph, Waterworks, and Escada. Along with fantastic shops, the complex features a number of well-received restaurants, both mid-range and more elaborate in intent. The opening of UNION Biltmore has brought a welcome new dimension to the fashion park. The new locally-owned independent concept offers shoppers an exciting mix of 18 small, distinctive boutiques ranging in size from 200-500 square feet, as well as the new casual eatery, Trattoria del Piero.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Biltmore Fashion Park is one of the most reliable spots for high-end gifts.
Patricia's expert tip: Stop at the Concierge Desk for a complimentary visitor guide courtesy of the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau and a free Shopping & Dining Visitor Rewards book.
Catering to residents in the west metro area, this refurbished shopping center creates a welcoming atmosphere with sleek wood accents, tiled floors, and plenty of seating. It's also ideal for a quick errand or wandering about for a while, looking for bargains. Anchor stores include Sears, JCPenney, Dillard's, and Macy's; other retailers range from Charlotte Russe to Claire's Boutique. A movie theater, a kids' play area, a food court, and several full-service restaurants complete the picture. The food court even has a colorful carousel. Outside, you'll find a sprawling greenbelt area, perfect for taking a relaxing shopping break with the whole family.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Arrowhead Towne Center in Peoria is one of the largest shopping venues in the northwest Valley.
Patricia's expert tip: For Lego-obsessed kids on the west side, a stop at Arrowhead Towne Center is a must.
It would be hard to imagine not finding what you need at this 110-acre outdoor mall, which occupies more than a million square feet of retail space. Naturally, the complex offers places like American Eagle Outfitters and Old Navy, but there's also a Pier 1 Imports, Kohls, and Target. A movie theater, rock-climbing wall, and entertainment center provide other leisure-time possibilities, and restaurants peppered throughout the property guarantee that hunger is never an issue. Outdoor fireplaces and unique water features deliver an interactive shopping, dining and entertainment experience in a bustling outdoor setting. A great destination for shopping, casual shopping and entertainment.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Desert Ridge Marketplace is one of the city's busiest and most scenic shopping centers, with free nightly snowfall shows during the holiday season.
Patricia's expert tip: Check out the free nightly snowfall at 7 pm and 8 pm every evening (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) while shopping at Desert Ridge.
This light-filled shopping center is the state's largest indoor, climate-controlled mall, and one of the most popular family-friendly value and entertainment malls in metro Phoenix. Bargain-shoppers who want to get out of the heat (or the cold, depending on the season) will appreciate the mall's various outlet stores, including names like Gap Outlet, Last Call Neiman Marcus, the Nike Clearance Store, Burlington Coat Factory, Old Navy, and a Disney Outlet store. There is also a Sears Outlet store located at the mall. In between window shopping, you can take a break from the store and hit the expansive food court, which features several casual eateries and an IMAX movie theater. Arizona Mills is also home to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and even an aquarium, Sea Life Arizona.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: Arizona Mills offers some of the best holiday programming events of metro Phoenix malls, including daily appearances from Santa.
Patricia's expert tip: Bring your furry friend for photos with Santa.
Phoenix is home to many of the southwest's swankiest malls and shopping centers, but it's also home to some excellent antique and vintage shopping destinations. The Melrose Shopping District (which is loosely based around Central Avenue and Indian School Road) is one of the city's best places to find unique, vintage finds. The small but thriving shopping district is home to dozens of independently owned boutiques and specialty shops, many of which specialize in antique and vintage furniture, clothing, books, music and gifts. From midcentury modern furniture to retro duds, come here when you're looking for a one-of-a-kind treasure. The Melrose District is also home to eateries, diners, bars and nightlife.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: The Melrose District in central Phoenix is one of the city's best destinations for unique and antique wares.
Patricia's expert tip: The neighborhood hosts an Annual Merriment in Melrose event every December at the Melrose Curve. The event includes live music, food trucks and more than 50 local craft vendors.
Historic Downtown Glendale is one of the best spots in metro Phoenix for antique and vintage shopping. Stroll the brick-lined sidewalks of the city's compact and pedestrian-friendly downtown and browse dozens of boutiques selling jewelry, art, crafts, collectibles, and home decor accessories. Historic Downtown Glendale is actually home to three distinct neighborhoods: Catlin Court (featuring white picket fences and rows of bungalows), Old Towne, and the newer Promenade at Palmaire, home to the Glendale Visitor Center. Guests are welcome to use the Palmaire parking structure, which features free covered parking and a growing roster of shops and eateries. During the holiday season, the historic downtown is lit up with Christmas decorations.
Recommended for Christmas Shopping because: For one of the most charming shopping destinations in metro Phoenix, head to historic downtown Glendale.
Patricia's expert tip: Enjoy Glendale's holiday light display while you shop. The display remains lit nightly through the first week of January.