BUYER BEWARE: We went inside this store and was not greeted by the 3-4 people crowding behind the…read moreregister, no other customer was inside the store. I believe they were training a new person and as we walked by we were still not greeted (it did not bother us, unfortunately we are quite used to this in these suburban towns). We took our time browsing the store as they had a selection of baby related items towards the very back of the store that we found cute yet (albeit very expensive). We spent about 10 mins. As we were leaving we see one of the (presumably new) employee with green hair walk towards the section we were in. He went past us and awkwardly followed us without uttering a word, made us feel like shoplifters. We were deeply offended and and felt disgusted as we exited the store. Apparently we are not the only ones who experienced this, I attached a screenshot of a 56 year old woman who was also followed. This store really needs to reduce their hubris, there is literally nothing of great value to steal from in this store. An apology to this review would be nice, however we do not plan on returning ever and the lack of accountability based on other replies does not provide us with much hope. TLDR; we went in this store and without any verbal interaction, was followed by an awkward employee. We felt offended and disgusted. It's 2024 and I would hate to imagine what the chain of events would be, if we were of a darker skin color.

We were killing time before a delayed flight walking around some downtown areas and landed here as…read morewell. I hadn't been to Lexington in years and seem to remember there being more shops to check out. Sadly, there aren't many, or at least not many we found. Luckily, we did find this place and it is excellent. If you are looking for a gift, especially jewelry, definitely go here. They have excellent displays of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets from numerous artists. Each one quite different so you will be sure to find something that suits you. There is a small room in the back with kids toys and puzzles, stuffed animals, etc. This shop also has candles, soap, gloves, hats, scarves, fun wooden puzzles, amazing drinking glasses and serving platters and dishes. I remembered what my girl pointed out and went back the next week to buy it. (That's how you do it, guys.) I know things are especially tough for stores like this that you really have to see in person to believe. I hope you will check it out - it is most definitely worth a visit!

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.

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.

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.

Disrespect customer and so rude hanging up phone calls, don't give any explanation to cancel…read moreorders. Worst experience ever had.

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.

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.

Homespun is a cozy shop located downstairs in the Waldorf School of Lexington's main building. The…read morebroad selection of toys, educational supplies, home goods, books, and gifts is thoughtfully curated and of the highest quality. I can always find something unique and lovely when shopping at Homespun. This is one of the best local sources for finely crafted items, sturdy wooden toys, all natural body care/aromatherapy products, play silks, and other Waldorf-inspired goods. The staff are warm, helpful, and friendly, and the children's book section is especially delightful. Homespun is well worth a stop for all manner of fun, interesting and beautiful treasures!

Homespun is my favorite store . Great selection of toys, books and crafts. The service is fantastic…read moreas well.

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

Kudos to Curate for braving the pandemic and bringing a new gift shop to Cushing Square at a…read morechallenging time! It's conveniently located in the heart of the Square near Savino's, Ovenbird, and the Spirited Gourmet, my other favorite neighbor businesses. Curate is a bright little shop with a variety of classy and fun gifts, stationary, and home items that change with the seasons. I usually pop in to buy a card and a chat with the owner. I've found gifts for hosts, housewarmings, and occasions in between. I especially like their candle selection, many of which are soy based. They carry amazing scents from a small business in Rhode Island, with candles and lotions that smell exactly like the seashore. After a cousin fell in love with one of them, I bought a bagful at the end of the season clearance to treat relatives to a scent party. They also carry British Christmas crackers when in season (like now!). These are so hard to find! The crackers (beautiful wrapped cylinders that pop open when pulled to reveal little gifts) delighted my family when I brought them to our holiday gatherings last year. (Note that crackers contain a tiny amount of gunpowder and technically can't go on a flight, something I had tried before...!) Curate's products tend towards the classy side with mid to higher prices to match. Sometimes I just go to poke around and see what's new. They have some baby gifts and customized items for Belmont and Watertown, but if you want a wider selection, I would go elsewhere. The owner has also kindly offered to order things that I couldn't find directly in the shop, but I haven't tried that option yet.

I found a very thoughtful selection of gifts and items I wanted for myself at Curate. The…read moreshopkeeper was personable and friendly but not intrusive. I look forward to seeing what other treasures are offered from this shop.

Lovely Pastry shop in Winchester, with some more offerings…read more This place is one part pastry shop, one part charcuterie shop, one part wine shop and one part European market. It's open and airy. They have seating in the back. The pastries were so good. Looking forward to trying more stuff there. They also have coffee and specialty drinks they make. The cheese and meat area is a separate counter with all your charcuterie needs. The cheeses looked so good. There are meats as well. Beyond that is a little nook of wine and spirits. The front of the store in like a little European market. They have oils and candies and sauces. This place is great for pastry but I would come before hosting a party to get wine, charcuterie and pastry all in one place. Love everything about this place. Service was awesome. Staff so friendly.

Came for the croissants and it was definitely worth the trip. I had the ham and cheese croissant…read morewarmed and my partner had the chocolate croissant - both were well-laminated, very buttery, flakey and tasty. I also grabbed a tomato pesto pastry for later and will have to return for the savory scone! Service was friendly and prompt, and the space is classy, French-inspired, and very clean. It's bigger than it looks on the outside and as a foodie I loved looking at all the cheeses, meats, wines, and goods. This is a nice place to pick up a gift and/or snack for a dinner party. They also have a few outdoor bistro tables. It's conveniently located right by the newly accessible Winchester commuter rail in a nice little part of the downtown area. A bit spendy, but I'll be back!