OK, so you have endless gifts to buy for everyone from your best friend to your parents to your boyfriend. It can be a lot of work finding the perfect gift. Lucky for you, we here at Blast have compiled a list of only the best stores in Boston. From the unique to the cheap to the luxurious, this guide will point you to the shop you need. Don’t settle for a gift card, pair of boxers or a bottle of wine. Boston has way more to offer!

Black Ink (Beacon Hill: 101 Charles St. and Harvard Square: 5 Brattle St, Cambridge)

logotypeIf you’re looking for something truly unique for that impossible-to-buy-for person, Black Ink should be your first stop. Hawking everything from a koi chopstick rest set to a space-agey magazine rack to a charcoal essence infused body towel, you can pick up cool kitchen utensils and old-school toys in the same fun to wander through store.

J. Press (Harvard Square: 82 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge)

j_pressFor the boyfriend, brother or even dad who is always dressed to the nines, J. Press in Harvard Square will outfit him perfectly (and, P.S., we’re jealous). They carry a wide range of ties for under $60, as well as classy cufflinks, sweaters, belts and other accessories. Consider it the new J. Crew for guys only.

Looney Tunes Records (1106 Boylston St.)

1161967336_lThose uber-hip Berklee kids duck into Looney Tunes for old LPs and every CD you could wish for. A little bit chaotic, but a music junkie’s dream, Looney Tunes is perfect for that friend who never takes off his headphones. Bonus: a lot of cheap finds are to be had.

Poor Little Rich Girl (Davis Square: 255 Elm St, Somerville and 166 Newbury St.)

poor_little_rich_girlThis vintage and consignment store is where to go for your best girl friend, your girlfriend, or your eternally cool grandmother. Stocking designer dresses, vintage clothes and accessories from the 1940s-80s, classic apartment furnishings, contemporary stores’ clothing and more, there is no girl who won’t find a treasure here.

Oak (245 Newbury St.)

oakbannerConsider this your one-stop shop for pretty much everyone on your list. Oak is an eclectic store with goods ranging from classy to crazy. We love the sterling silver scrabble letter necklace and the gin and tonic soap as well as the mix tape pillow and the Apple command key ring. Shop here for your techie boyfriend, glamorous girlfriend, parents, siblings, you name it. You can also find one-of-a-kind gifts for the kiddos in your life, like crocheted hand puppets and make-your-own plush monster kits. Plus, if you somehow don’t find what you need at Oak, you’ve still got the rest of Newbury at your disposal.

Formaggio Kitchen (244 Huron Ave, Cambridge)

formaggio_kitchenIf you haven’t been to Formaggio Kitchen yet, you’re so not our friend. Nationally known as a distinctive and delicious gourmet cheese shop, Formaggio is the perfect place to spend afternoon hours or to pick up the perfect gift for your favorite foodie or holiday party hostess. Here you’ll find hundreds of imported cheeses from around the world, as well as local favorites. They sell freshly made (and astoundingly delicious) baked goods as well as crackers, wine, jams, chocolate, produce and more. The shop is small, so try to duck in on a weekday afternoon to avoid the shoulder to shoulder crowds.

Blue Cloud Gallery (Ball Square: 713 Broadway, Somerville)

bclogoLooking for something artsy and unique? Blue Cloud has it. Carrying works by over 90 artisans, many local, this shop is perfect for someone like mom, who really deserves something special (especially if you still do your laundry at home). They stock beautiful pieces of pottery and glass blown decorations. Pick up some stunning photo tiles to give as coasters or a piece of handmade jewelry. Either way, pick something up here.

Know of any other great places to find holiday gifts? Comment below with your favorites and help other Blasties navigate the holiday minefield!

About The Author

Erica J. Marcus is a Blast Contributing Editor

3 Responses

  1. natasha elaine

    Say good bye to the holiday mall hassles, and hello to The Rockin’ Shop!

    The Rockin’ Shop is a holiday shopping party that brings you a host of musicians, indie designers and artists for one afternoon in Faneuil Hall for an afternoon of holiday kitsch and holiday fun. The Rockin’ Shop offers a venue for young professionals, industry types, families, music aficionados, singles and friends to rock out to some local musicians while shopping sustainable and indie this holiday season for original, one-of-a-kind holiday gift-giving.

    Besides shopping and live music, this event will be raising money for Project Bread, the state’s leading anti-hunger organization. Over the last four years, the organization has invested over $2 million in grants to Massachusetts community organizations that feed children where they live, learn, and play.

    The Rockin’ Shop also features a Naughty & Nice Santa for some fun and festive holiday portraits, as well as Personal Shopping and Gift Wrapping services to ease the holiday headaches, while you kick back with a drink.

    Join us for The Rockin’ Shop on Sunday, December 6th from Noon – 8 pm at Parris Club in Ned Devine’s in downtown Boston in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Tickets are available online for $10. For more information, check us out online at: http://www.therockinshop.com or on Facebook under The Rockin’ Shop.

    Happy Holidays and keep on rockin’!

    Reply

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