When I went into GrayMist Studio & Shop today -- and not for the first time -- the manager's dog…read moregreeted me in a very confrontational way, barking shrilly even before I entered the shop. The manager leashed her dog after I requested it, but that should not have been necessary. Years ago, Susie also had a shop (with the same name) on Huron Avenue and her dog, Bella, a Doberman Pinscher was also there for protection. Difference is... Bella was polite, well mannered and friendly to customers who walked in. For sure, if someone had touched even a hair on Susie's head, the dog would have been all over them but Bella knew her place. Today is my birthday and I went into Gray Mist, with every intention of purchasing a Sola cube. But after the unpleasant interaction with the dog and manager, I left. I will never patronize GrayMist again. I have run a pet sitting business for over two decades, and if a shop dog frightens me, rest assured, it will frighten other customers. Excellent guard dog yes, good shop dog, no!

Terrible attitude for starters. When I walk into their shop, they never say hello. Their…read morecondescending attitude is off putting. And they overcharge for products that other stores carry. In the past, they had a great assortment of unique items and it was my go-to place. No more. That changed with the new manager. Compare that to Mobilia, just down the street, where nothing costs less than $4,000 and yet the owner is always warm and welcoming. Although I may not purchase anything, they always answer my questions and treat me like a queen! What a difference!

This was my first visit to Tibet's Jinten, and I came with a friend--what an amazing experience we…read morehad! Warm Welcome: The peaceful and inviting atmosphere made us feel comfortable from the moment we walked in. Tsering's Kindness: The owner, Tsering, was incredibly compassionate and understanding. He offered me a complimentary sound healing singing bowl session and a cleansing ceremony, which left me feeling truly refreshed and cared for. While only I received the sound healing, Tsering generously offered to cleanse every item we purchased--including gifts and personal pieces--sharing his good intentions for each of us through this thoughtful ritual. The shop is filled with authentic, beautiful items. I went home with a gorgeous wooden Buddha for my home, a bracelet and stunning crossbody cotton bag & amazing incense for myself, a protection ring as a gift for my friend, Each piece feels more meaningful after its special cleansing. A Truly Unique Store, If I had all the money in the world,I would buy the entire store! every item is authentic, carefully selected, and radiates positive energy. This wasn't just a shopping trip; it was a memorable and heartfelt experience. I'm grateful for Tsering's warmth and look forward to returning to Tibet's Jinten again soon! Francesca

Friendly service from the knowledganle owner and a wide selection of exotic goods from singing…read morebowls to clothing.

Fancy furniture store in neighborhood. Nicely appointed inside, a style that is modern but hearkens…read moreto traditional as well. Staff friendly. Worth checking out. But bring your wallet .... pricey stuff this is!

Reside is a neighborhood gem. I love coming in to browse and shop their new pieces. Their selection…read moreand the design of the shop show a clear dedication to curation. I always feel comfortable walking around and asking questions & the customer service is lovely - Chloe is a gem! I'll definitely be back.

How refreshing to have a store with great gifts and more and a much added "GIFT " they are soooo…read morenice! Fabulous experience and the energy in the store was uplifting. I purchased a few things and just loved the Frank and Eileen shirts... will definitely be going there often:)

I love this store! Best place for gifts- for yourself or someone else. Bonus points because they…read morehad treats for my little malshi but I absolutely love the practical cool stuff they sell.

As a former volunteer, I got to go to the pre- opening new thrift store at More Than Words. They…read moreare still selling books but have added gently used clothing for women, men and children and some shoes and bags. They also have some lovely household items including decorative pieces. I'm hard to fit but still found a gem and also found a perfect JCrew shirt for my husband. The place is beautifully organized and pricing - except for the highest end items- is uniform and easily displayed and very reasonable. I highly recommend this hidden gem!

More Than Words is a nonprofit bookstore that sells new and used books while supporting young…read morepeople ages 16-24 who are system-involved, including youth from foster care, court-involved backgrounds, housing insecurity, and more. The young people help run the store, learn job skills, and work toward personal and career goals--and it truly shows in the care and pride behind the space. The shop itself is small but mighty. I walked out with four excellent-condition used books (three of which had already been on my TBR list) and somehow also added two cookbooks because... no regrets. Everything was very affordable, and it felt good knowing my purchase was directly supporting youth in the local community. If you're near one of their locations (I believe there's another in the Boston area), I highly recommend stopping in or checking out their online storefront. Great books, great prices, and an even greater mission--absolutely worth supporting.

Gifts at Peppermint Place is absolutely adorable and supports a great cause!!…read more I stopped in on a whim trying to waste time before an appointment. They had really cool glass pieces hanging in the store front and I was looking for a gift for my super artsy bridesmaid. They sell local art, jewelery, crafts, knick-knacks and furniture - some even made by residents of Beaverbrook (a non-profit program for adults with disabilities). In fact, the store itself is a training module for its residents with developmental disabilities,helping them transition into the workplace with some confidence and skills. Everything is unique and I would highly recommended bringing your business there. Why not get some totally awesome art and do something good while you're at it?!

They have a lot of different things and at good prices. Last year I went in right before Christmas…read moreto do a little gift shopping and I managed to find some cute things to give as presents and a little something for myself. If you like stores like 10000 villages, you should check this place out.

Harvard Square's Holiday Craft Fair isn't just a great place for those who live in Cambridge…read morebecause it is conveniently located right across from the T. Small but filled with unique, homemade local items, it's perfect for gifts for loved ones during the holidays or even treats for yourself. With so many creative, local artists gathered together, it's hard not to give the craft fair five stars. Yes, it's on the tinier size and it's in a cramped basement in an old church in Cambridge, but I don't think that detracts from the point of the fair: to encourage community spirit, to strengthen the local economy and to support locals in their business opportunities.

I stopped by the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday afternoon, and I was impressed by…read morethe selection of items available. The fair is now both in the church basement, and in a few outside booths on street level in front of the church as well. It's at the corner of Church Street & Mass Ave, across the street from the Harvard Sq. MBTA stop. The vendors are varied, from clock & wind chime creators, to jewelry makers, glass artists, book makers, and even some jam purveyors. I had a great time browsing, and even found the perfect pair of earrings for a hard to shop for friend. (I usually get her a Christmas gift at the Bazaar Bizarre in Boston, but that craft fair isn't happening this year. Chain mail earrings from the Harvard Square Holiday Fair helped me fill the gift giving void.) I recommend stopping by if you're looking for gifts both for others and yourself.

Nesting is the shop that takes your breath away the minute you cross the threshold and you know you…read moremust see every single thing before you leave. And once you've seen every single thing, you go back through again to make sure. It is the loveliest store I've ever been in and is chock full of jewelry, stationery, home decor, gifts of every sort, and the sweetest owner you'll have the privilege to meet!

Nesting has never failed to deliver top notch customer service and amazing product selection,…read morepriced at a great value, in all my years of coming here. From books to jewelry, to vintage fashion pieces and children's toys, this store has it all! This small business is really unique, and it really speaks to what makes unique, independent businesses so special and important, because of the product diversity and quality. Middlesex Ma residents could not possibly ask for a better gift shop! Everyone should visit here once in their lives, I really believe that. It's a treasure chest of affordable, impressive and high quality gems. You truly never know what you might find here, but trust me, you will never want to leave empty handed.