Adorable book store. Many options and affordable. I was able to buy a notebook while I was here for…read morea birthday gift. Brand new and under $10. The kids book has a great selection. I found a book I couldn't find elsewhere other than Walmart who I would prefer not to support. Friendly staff! Parking is a bit tricky, you have to find street parking somewhere around.

The best bang for your buck for book buying needs! I get new books, used books, antique books, and…read moretrade in old books for credit. Plus, I pick up cute gifts and cards every time I go in. They can order just about anything you are looking for too. Been a customer for 20yrs, hoping for 20yrs more.

Was shocked to find out that their gift cards have expiration dates! Watch out folks, dont get…read moretheir their gift cards. Was signed by dog and they claimed they didnt know this sales person yet his card was at the counter Take your business elsewhere terrible and embarassing

This is the local gem that seems like it's been there forever. It's definitely little old-school,…read morebut they have everything you need for a gift for a special occasion. They have things for babies first Christmas, nativity sets, all sorts of China, snow babies, and many other collectible items. Very cute shop To check out when you have some time to spare.

This store is the perfect addition to Melrose! Staff is always friendly! Selection is fairly big…read morefor a local book store! The design is super cute and welcoming. Highly recommend checking out this local gem!

This is a lovely welcoming bookstore for everyone of all ages. There are two floors of books. The…read moresecond floor is dedicated to children's -young adult books. The top floor is where you can find adult books across a broad list of genres. There are several reading books where you can take your time and read your book. I've wanted to visit this store for quite some time now and finally got the chance to. I wasn't quite sure what I wanted and walked around for nearly an hour just looking. Bam! Out of no where I remembered a birthday; so I purchased a book and a card. Just like that an item On my to do list was checked off. Check out was easy fast and helpful! I highly recommend that you take the time to visit mollys bookstore. I plan to return. A+

I started taking an adult morning pottery throwing class from Studio on the Common in winter of…read more2022. I had taken a pottery class before (in another state) and I was feeling "meh" about it after that - I didn't seem to get it and ruined more pieces than I finished. Turns out, it wasn't me - I hadn't found a great teacher. Knaide, who teaches the classes and runs the studio (@raticalclay on instagram), is that great teacher I needed. Since starting at Studio on the Common I have fallen in love with throwing pottery. Knaide is so clear in teaching instruction, gives very specific advice, will readily demonstrate useful hand positions, has been able to answer any question I've asked, and clearly is extremely knowledgable about the craft. While the studio itself is also very organized and clean, I admit I signed up for a second class mainly because I still want teaching from Knaide. As long as Knaide is teaching there, I will continue to sign up for future classes!

My son loved the art camp here this summer - and is so proud of what he made. Ms. Grace was so kind…read moreand cheerful with the kids. Great mix of learning new skills and having fun. Will definitely sign up again

I called for a family basket to be sent to my sister's home in Reading - her father-in-law had…read morepassed way. The very kind and empathetic floral designer (I've forgotten his name) helped me confirm a floral planter was the perfect choice. Phone engagement was quick but all questions were answered completely and patiently. The designer was spot-on when he told me the plants they had were good sized and healthy. I thought I wanted a 12" planter but they had 10" or 14". He suggested that the 10" planter would be fine, which I appreciated. However, it was folk a few of us so I went with the 14".. I thought delivery fee was a bit higher than I've paid in the past, BUT they delivered the planters on the same day, exceeding my expectations! The planter is gorgeous and plants look super healthy for a lasting gift. Worth it! I'd say great value!

While the arrangement photo in the advertisement was beautiful, the delivered arrangement was not…read moreas advertised, and the flowers were dying during the wake, and falling off. I specifically chose a local florist to support when choosing my bouquet to say farewell to a family friend, and to say I was disappointed at the quality is an understatement. Instead of just ignoring my complaint if she found it unfounded, Lori contacted me to retract the refund promised by Ben. My family was in mourning, and I'm 3,000 miles away, so we certainly didn't take a picture of the bouquet to confirm what I'm being told. There is nothing more unseemly than debating the "value" received for a funeral bouquet. It only takes a moment to take a snapshot of the arrangement sent, if one is not going to stand behind the quality of their creations delivered, and argue over a refund of any type. Neither of us wants to have a bad experience, so I'm chalking this up to Judge Judy's advice - I won't be using Affairs To Remember services again.

Had a great experience here when looking for boxes for some rather large gifts (boxes used for…read morebowls and/or vases). Angie was super helpful! She showed me the type box available, and even put it together for me, and when I went to get the item and tried it, it worked perfectly! I felt so happy to find these boxes, and bought several. Angie was friendly and very customer service oriented which I really appreciated. Karen also was helpful at checkout. Although I didn't look around too much on this visit, the store seems loaded with nice gift items! I highly recommend this Paper Store. Kudos to their outstanding staff!

Went in there after Christmas to return 2 items. One with a gift receipt & one with no receipt but…read moreall the tags attached. I knew I would have to accept the "sale" price for the item with no gift receipt. I brought the items to the register and showed the cashier and she said they would give me a merchandise credit and I was perfectly agreeable to that. I asked her to please hold them while I did some shopping. I picked up a few things and went to the register. It was all downhill from there. A surly cashier told me the gift receipt was from September so they wouldn't take it back. So I asked " if I walked in with no receipt you'd take it back?". She became more surly and said " it's from September, it's probably on clearance" I said "No it's actually still on the sales floor at full price". Then she went to the register and asked me the telephone number of the person who gifted me the items. I thought she was trying to help me. She actually pulled up my sisters purchases to confirm that the second item was also purchased in September. My sister would be livid if she knew they went into her account in order to justify poor service. The cashier stepped away to speak to a coworker and my niece and I heard her say "I'm being patient but blah blah blah" She then came back and tossed the stuff back to me and said " we can't take any of this back". It's okay that they start promoting Christmas in September but just know that if you buy a gift before November, even with a gift receipt, your gifted will not be able to return or exchange it. I should have paid more attention when the customer before me stormed out and I could hear the same unprofessional employee complaining about the customer. I'm done with the Paper Store. I have 40 years in retail management and have never treated a customer like I was treated.

Classically cute, locally-focused houseware store in Arlington. You'll find the most Arlington…read morebranded gods here. I also found a bunch of nice letterpress cards to send. There are ample jewelry and lotions /soaps if you're looking for a gift. Pleasantly laid out and something for everyone.

Arlington has a few stores where you can buy gifts, but Arlington Centered is the one where I want…read moreto gift all the things to myself. Its right on Mass Ave across from Kickstand Cafe and is affiliated with Davis squared in Somerville. Expect to pay for a meter if you drive. There's on street parking and the Arlington Center parking lot which always has space. I always buy my sister-in-law earrings here for Christmas, but really I want them. There are funny gifts, trendy gifts, beautiful gifts. Gifts for foodies, grandmas, babies, etc. Hostess gifts, birthday gifts, holiday gifts, white elephant gifts for your yankee swap. I would not come here to buy gifts for a child. There is Henry Bears Park down the street for that. But other than that you could pretty much buy anybody a gift here.

The owner of this truly sweet gift shop is also a florist. Liz did my flowers for my recent…read moreintimate wedding. I didn't provide photos of what I wanted but she is a true visionary and not only gave me exactly what I asked for, she exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Sweetbay to anyone who wants to support local businesses! Thank you again, Liz!!!!

Sweetbay is my go to for flowers , gifts and exploring for sprinkled vintage throughout the store…read more Both Beth and Liz and wonderful to work with not to mention the entire staff. Everytime I go there everyone is kind, helpful and fun to deal with. Wakefield is so luckly to have Sweetbay in our town. Support the local small family owned business!!

I used Pepperberrie florist for my daughter's baby shower, and the arrangements were breathtaking…read more I've truly never seen a bouquet like this before--the colors were beautiful, and the work was absolutely flawless. Every flower felt unique and high-end, and you could tell they were incredibly fresh. If you want something beyond the 'standard' bouquet, this is the place to go! John and team go above and beyond and create and deliver flawless bouquet every time! I highly recommend. Thank you again Pepperberryflorist Karen

I would not give this florist even a one star for the quality of their arrangements and the prices…read morethey charge for them. There are much better options in the Melrose area such as Evergreen Florist in Stoneham and Sweetbay in Wakefield. Both do a beautiful job, charge reasonably and you get what you asked for.

Lots of interesting antique pieces with a really quaint decor. The shop owner wants to make you…read morefeel right at home. She is very knowledgeable about the different pieces in her shop. Very reasonable prices. She also has really good tastes. She will help you pick out pieces for your own house. She wants to help people find what will make your house very pretty. I highly recommend checking out hideaway boutique for your antique shopping needs.