All craft roads lead to Playtime--an unassuming yet remarkable arts and crafts supply store in…read moreArlington Center. As a gifter, I don't fully understand how I didn't know about this place before, but I'm so glad I do now. I went for a family project recently when closer craft shops didn't have what we needed. There's an abundance of arts and crafts supplies here, housed in two interconnected basement rooms, along with an impressive paper and picture frame selection (among other items) on the first floor. The atmosphere is one of a kind--more like an arts-and-crafts boutique curated by the owner, with items you won't easily find together elsewhere. Because of the sheer breadth, some categories (like fabrics, for example) have a smaller variety, which is just an observation, not a critique. Ribbons are unrivaled. If you don't have time to wander, ask--the best part of our experience was the owner, Carol, and the staff (thank you, Lilly). They are wonderfully kind, patient, and creative, offering thoughtful, gentle advice for your projects and genuinely care about their customers. Tip: There's a parking lot in the back or bus 87 drops you off right in front, literally. Highly recommended local business.

How in the WORLD have I lived in Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge for decades and not known about…read morethis place. A friend recommended coming here w/ my mom to look for yarn for her knitting projects and my friend prefaced that this place was the BEST for any type of arts, crafts, decor, etc. Well, WOW!! And funny enough, my mom used to go to this store when she was a little girl in the late 50s-60s to get Nancy Drew books. She said it was EXACTLY how she remembered as a kid. I was awe struck by everything this store had. I will definitely be making this place a regular stop for gifts for people and for fun. Forget going to places like Michaels. Come to this local, family-owned business which I guarantee will have whatever you are looking for. It's an incredible place.

I'm so grateful that this place still exists. It's an old time fabric store that sells a wide range…read moreof fabrics plus will service your machine. The owner is super nice guy. The whole place is old school.

Great folks with infinite knowledge. They didn't have what we needed but they gave us information…read morethat led us to finding the product we needed.

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.

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.

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 place is a very nice gift store run by very nice people. There is a great assortment of gifts…read morehere, even the hard to find items for the special people that you love. The local community needs a place like this since other chain gift stores have been closing down in the bad economy. I highly recommend this place.

Fancy Flea came highly recommended by a friend who had recently bought several gorgeous pieces from…read morethe store. I was so excited she shared where she got them and immediately stopped by. I had been in the market for a new ring and was blown away by how much beautiful jewelry they carry. When I walked in, the two ladies were quick to offer assistance and answer any questions.They were kind, helpful, and patient as I tried on many rings and then had trouble choosing between two blue topaz rings. They offered great advice to think about--when I'd be wearing it, to take a couple of photos and send to friends for advice, and--the smartest tip--to see how it looked on me in the full-length mirror. That's what sold me on my gorgeous oval blue topaz ring. I love that they offer the option to "trade up" your ring. Keep your receipts because the amount you pay can be used as credit towards a new piece in the future. I look forward to stopping in again soon. Thank you ladies!

I love jewelry and I love this place ! There is something for every taste. Every time I go Nanette…read morekindly cleans my rings while I shop and make a wish list for my birthday, Christmas or anniversary. Even my kids finds beautiful pieces they can start enjoying, earrings, lovely necklaces, sweet sixteen ring..... You are always welcomed and well taken care of and the sweet part,to me, is that you can find something unique and beautiful ! They will help you find the perfect piece of jewelry for you and will not let you get something that is not sizable to your size and would compromise the beauty and quality of the ring. Trustworthiness and respect is a key component to me and I never have a doubt when ever I enter Fancy flea. Thank you all at Fancy flea !

Ali Shaffi is the best and his store is unique…read more I have bought lots there over the years with no problems David

Have you ever been wandering around the Garage in Harvard Square and seen a tiny little shop filled…read moreto the gills with trinkets and jewelry and exotic looking boxes and pipes and pins and all things metal and ornate, all displayed in the window? Yep! This is the place! So small you do most of your shopping on the outside by looking at the display in the window, then walk sideways through the inside to actually select your items, chat with the owner, and pay. 'Tis an experience. I have found some awesome stuff here-- great bronze chandelier earrings, for example, for $20, and multiple amazing bangles and filigree cuff bracelets to add to my extensive collection. Need a bonus? He sells shisha and coals for your hookah! Cheap! I buy mine here. I recommend going and just browsing around without looking for anything specific, but with an open mind to find something you'll love. Lurk around the windows outside, or brave the interior and get lost among one of the most packed little jewelry and goody stores you have ever seen. Some of the strange findings here will surprise you; I can nearly guarantee you won't be disappointed.

I love this little store. It's the second - 4GoodVibes store, with the other in Somerville…read more They have all different local vendors selling things: Kids clothes, home decor, Book Wonder books and comics, food gifts, and other fun stuff. The vendors at this store are different than Somerville, so check both stores and find a unique gift - for a friend or yourself!

4GoodVibes has become a Medford institution. Family own and run by Medford sisters, they now have 3…read morelocations, hundreds of vendors and great selection of handmade local crafts, foods, treats and products for home, men women and children and also pets. My favorite are the BookWomder book store inside, great selection of Medford, Massachusetts and Mustang wears, as well as wonderful handcrafted earrings and candles in tea cups. It's a must visit when in Medford.