Gifted: Boston’s Best Stores for Holiday Shopping
Tired of the same old, same old holiday shopping? Check out this list of five favorite local Boston businesses where you can shop for unique gifts for your family and friends.
A Boston-based spa-grade luxury beauty company with an international presence. Lovely holiday gifts sets. The oval soap trio for $42 is a can’t- miss gift. And here's help for clueless guys- the Brown Sugar Body Polish is Fresh’s most popular product.
Another lux local purveyor with an international reputation. Fastachi specializes in selling nuts, dried fruit and handmade chocolates. The retail location is in Watertown, just over the Cambridge line. Their packaging is stunning- wood boxes, gift tins, and baskets, all beautifully beribboned and tagged.
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, and just steps from the Freedom Trail, the Brattle Book Store (established in 1825)is a Boston landmark. Brattle sells general used books as well as antiquarian books . If you are a patient browser the outdoor carts are where the bargains are- you can find books for just a dollar or two. Brattle is the place to get that absolutely perfect volume for the book-lover or bibliophile on your gift list.
Owner Ken Gloss along with his wife Joyce Kosofsky are local celebrities- you may know them from their work as guest appraisers on PBS’ Antique Road Show. But don’t be put off by the shop’s fame- most of the books cost less than $20.
It is the thought that counts! The Society of Arts and Crafts is an excellent place for one- stop shopping for high quality New England artisan-made gifts. Here you will find one-of a kind jewelry, fiber art pieces, and ceramic and glass objects for everyone on your gift list.
A “best of” holiday shopping guide is incomplete without a great local toy store listing. In business for more than 30 years, generations of Boston-area children have grown up playing with toys purchased from Henry Bear’s Park. The store only stocks the finest in timeless and award winning toys for children from baby to ten years old. Henry Bear’s Park stocks books and educational games, wood toys , the best in pretend and dress-up play, and classic brands like Playmobil, Brio, Lego, and Radio Flyer. Highly recommended.