This a nice store and the owner moved from Chinatown boston to Arlington. They moved from 44…read moreKneeland St Boston about two years ago. I can find all kinds of things here, including hand crafted jade, stress relief toys and table games. The owner is very friendly and very knowledgeable about the jade. He also showed me a lot of his own collection, which are very rare and hard to find nowadays. Plenty of free street parking for 2hrs on weekdays. And bus stop is also in the front of the store.

Maxima is an excellent, go-to destination for kids' and adults' novelty items. A short list of the…read morekinds of things one might find there would include (deep breath): books (kid and adult), cards, Sock Lady mismatched socks that rock my and my kids' feet, magic wands, cute onesies, Robeez shoes, art projects, gorgeous mugs, beautiful and funky jewelry, clocks, shawls, games, dress-up clothes, pencils, things that wind up and move in interesting ways, and... well, gosh. Probably other stuff, too, but I can't keep it all in my head, now can I? A true story: I went in a couple weeks ago to see if they had Robeez to fit my larger than expected toddler boy, who grew out of his size 12-18 month pair much earlier than 18 months (he's only 17 months now). They don't normally carry his size in the styles that I liked, because most kids who wear the 18-24 month size aren't still beginning walkers. But, after a quick discussion with the manager who was working that day, she agreed to order two styles in his size so I could look at them in person, since the catalog pictures were not clear enough about the details for me to choose. They arrived within a week, and presto! New, gecko indoor slipper-shoes now adorn his chubby feet and help keep them warm (in part by keeping his socks on :) ). I *love* supporting local, non-chain stores. I know that the bigger chains would never have offered to do something that they don't usually do for a single customer. Because they're a small, independent store, they don't buy in huge quantity, and so their prices are on the higher side; but they're certainly fair. They are not making any attempts to make extra money just because they carry cool merchandise. I know this because I know how much Robeez (and Sock Lady socks, and board books, etc) cost elsewhere, and that's how much I paid. Rock on, Maxima! We'll stop by frequently on our walks through the neighborhood to see what you've gotten in lately.

Such a variety of books and gifts. The shop has something for everyone and they can order books if…read morethey don't have them.

My daughter was asking for a simple silver ring after her friend showed up with a snake ring at…read moreschool. She was looking at some rings online but I was unsure about the quality and I always prefer to support local business. First we stopped by a different store in the center and they did not have any good quality rings so we kept going down mass Avenue towards the Heights until we got to the Artful Heart. I remembered from buying a sun hat at their old location that they had a good selection of jewelry. The location is about the same size as the old location. Maybe a tiny bit smaller. I would not necessarily call it a gallery, although they do have some pieces of art. It specializes in costume jewelry and small gifts. Lots of the jewelry is not quite my style, but my daughter was able to find a simple silver heart knot ring for about $25. While we were in the store, the person behind the desk was very friendly and sweet. One of my favorite songs came on the radio and it turns out it is one of her favorite as well and she has seen them live. Bottom line is that I would recommend the Artful Heart Gallery as a good local shop for purchasing gifts for people who like jewelry (including yourself!).

The Artful Heart is the successor to whatever gift shop previously occupied this space. I've been…read morepeering in the window at the "opening soon" sign for several weeks and finally as I wandered by today with another in tow, they were open! According to the owner, they've been open for more more or less 3 days. Both she and the other two ladies running the shop (one was her daughter?) were extremely pleasant and helpful, and invited us to their "grand opening" cocktail party on Friday. I don't know if I'll go, but if you read this in time and want to check them out... I am sure you are invited too. The goods are a mixture of OOAK art, art prints, unique 'gifty' things, scarves, pottery, and lots of jewellery. The concept behind the store seems to be a mixture of showcasing local artists and selling regular but unique goods. It's a little Etsy-ish, although I don't think you'll find anything as outrageous or weird here as you would on Etsy. I did not look at or enquire about the prices of the art, but everything else seemed to be roughly in the $20-$100 price range depending on the item... for instance, I bought a necklace that cost about $60, but a similar but less elaborate version of the necklace (pendant only) was somewhere around $20. The store reminds me a little bit of Firefly Moon, but with a better location and a slightly better selection (not to condemn FM in any way- they are a lovely store as well). My first impression is that I like them and I hope they flourish in Arlington Center.

At the recommendation of the funeral director, I contacted Derby Farms on Friday 7/31 to order…read moreflowers for my brother's funeral. I spoke with Lucinda. At my brother's request he wanted a simple wake with minimal flowers but we wanted one for "Brother" and "Uncle". I explained I wanted something simple and more nature/natural than standard arrangements. My request was something I could look at and see same and/or similar flowers (think wildflowers) I would see on a walk. I also wanted it to be large enough without being gaudy and to make it something that would draw your eye to it and away from his simple pine box. Lucinda explained what she could offer and how it would be arranged and we talked about the pros and cons of keeping something like that fresh for the time we needed. I was not disappointed. The two arrangements were naturally colorful with an assortment of different types of flowers and displayed so beautifully. But what caused me to write this review is what happened at the cemetery. Almost immediately after they were put on the gravesite, bees began lilting on it, going from bud to bud. I felt that they were drawn to flowers that were not loaded up with chemicals to make them last longer and were obviously fresh enough that the bees found them tasty! it was a sight and more than a few people commented. I want to thank you for making the send off for my brother a little easier to bear knowing we did the best to make his burial as "green" as we could.

Their designs are always lovely, really creative and appreciated by sender and recipient alike…read more Delightful people, we've been using them for years and will continue to do so.

It's just the best place for fountain pens, paper, ink, gifts! Local owner. Great items for…read morereasonable prices. Love it!

What incredible service, Jenny helped me with choosing my first fountain pen and ink. She took her…read moretime answering all my questions, and even gave her recommendations. I was able to try different nibs, that's not a service you get from big box stores. Here at Paper Mouse, you feel like you're talking with a friend, they really make you feel valued as a customer. Shopping inside the store is like stepping back in time, before large corporations took over. Just browsing is an experience in itself. I highly recommend!

I call Westcott Mercantile my happy place. It's were I go when I need a special gift for someone…read moreeven if that someone is me. They have a wonderful selection of creative and thoughtful items. The owner is lovely and the sales help seem like friends. They always have great suggestions when you don't know what to buy for someone. The music adds to the atmosphere. I always find myself enjoying interacting with other customers. Like I said it's my happy place. If I could rate my experience 10 plus stars I would! Maria Murphy

This is an amazing store featuring jewelry, gifts for entertaining and specialty foods for most…read moreevery occasion. The owner Mary and her staff are always friendly and the environment very welcoming. A bonus is the upbeat nostalgic music that plays inside and outside. My go-to store for hostess and baby gifts. A local gem!

I recently went there today 01/03/2026 around 4:35ish PM and found a pokemon gatchapon that I liked…read morenear the front. I bought it and I didn't notice this until I got home, but the item I chose got swapped by the clerk since I looked down and was getting ready to pay on my phone. I got extremely disappointed after noticing the switch after opening the item that it made my day sad. Clerk was a long black-haired chick who tied her hair up, skinny, probably 5'4'' with glasses. I know this is petty, but I was really upset and disappointed. She clearly wanted the one I chose, but knew she couldn't buy until probably after the shift. To all the shoppers there, watch your boxes/gatchapon from the clerk who may switch it out. Mind you, this is my first time experiencing such a thing that happened and I've shopped there so many times, but nothing like that has ever happened.

They have a lot of stuff from pop mart and i dunno if they are affiliated or what but for the small…read morespace they have they have a whole wall of blind boxes, display of other figures, puzzles, phone cases, pencils, markers, pens, personal fans, stationary paper, notebooks and two claw machines. Looks like a neat store, aisles are a bit cramped but everyone makes do and shuffles along!

Dan the owner was super nice and shared a bit of the store and his family history ! 4 generations…read morehave worked and owned this shop ! Great prices and amazing service . It's also conveniently located next to Paul Revere's home , and in the middle of the North End of Little Italy !

When I searched for gift shops in Boston this was the first shop that came up. I am so glad it did…read morebc I would not have discovered this slice of Italian heaven in Boston! I found a license plate for my aunt and picked up a hoodie for myself.

I had a great experience at my glass workshop here! It was very fun and calming experience. The…read moreclass fits six people and it starts with an overview of glass cutting techniques. Then you get to make a creative piece of your own. I made a coaster with a flower design. It didn't come out perfect but I love it anyway!

THE CUTEST LITTLE STORE! You simply must visit. Unique, quirky, colorful homeware, most of it…read morehandmade. Lots of glassware, dishes, and other small home goods. Generally things are on the pricier side but that makes sense for handmade, unique items. A great place to shop for presents! They also have classes where you can make your own coaster or small plate from glass, which I can't comment on since I haven't taken one, but hopefully I will in the future!