Cheryl Richards
Awarded "Photographer of the Year" by the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts, this talented Boston newcomer wowed the judges with her wedding album, which took top honors. Artful black and white photographs capture the day in all its candid glory and charm, from prewedding jitters to frolicking flower girls, to Daddy's last dance with his little girl. 105 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Tadpole
Baby-lust-inducing clothing (Pixie Lily onesies, Trumpette 'cowgirl boot' socks) and accessories (Skip Hop diaper bags, Dwell crib sets) make this whimsical South End shop our favorite answer to big-box hegemony. Whether your limit is $20 or $200, staffers are happy to brainstorm presents, and wrapping is free. Even if your gift isn't on Mom's registry, she'll probably wonder why she didn't think of it herself. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA 2116, shoptadpole.com.
City Sports
The urban athlete is a creature who takes many forms. Thankfully, in these parts there are half a dozen City Sports locations to clothe and equip them, no matter their athletic proclivity. Though the local chain keeps everything from outerwear to footwear on hand, it avoids the warehouse feel that cripples many a labyrinthine sporting-goods retailer. And the cheery employees who patrol the aisles know that chief among the things you're looking for is a quick return to the game. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, citysports.com.
Louis Boston
We hate to break it to you: Your dog is definitely getting laughed out of the park in that chain store sweater. Louis's fashion-forward wagwear—print collars, camo rain vests, skull-and-bones hoodies—will have your mutt looking catwalk ready. The store also sells handpainted ceramic food bowls and (very civilized) squeaky monsters. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Shreve, Crump & Low
Special occasions call for spectacular jewelry, and this Boston institution's got it covered. Popping the question? Buy a Shreve Astral Cut diamond. Celebrating an anniversary? Look to designer collections by the likes of Marco Bicego and David Yurman. Getting a divorce? Take home something deliciously sparkly for yourself. A helpful, attentive staff and a wide range of choices—from estate pins to Mikimoto cultured pearls—guarantee you'll always walk out satisfied. 330 Boylston St., Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Kitchen Arts
A good cook knows a sharp knife is the fundamental ingredient of any recipe, and Kitchen Arts is the place to find a knife that will satisfy your inner Mario Batali. (It also sells sharpening steels for gourmands who want a surgeon's edge.) Once you get past the knives, you're ready for the nirvana of kitchen tools and accessories here, from tea strainers and seafood forks to copper pots and pans. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bob Smith's Wilderness House
For many Bostonians, summer is a savored moment wedged between the brutal bookends of the New England winter. For skiers, it's an interruption. They're already dreaming of the first snowstorm. Bob Smith's Wilderness House caters to these people—novices and experts alike—because the staff feels their pain. Völkl, Salomon, Rossignol: The employees here know them all and can discuss at length the merits of each brand (and the best slopes to break them in). Custom boot fitting puts the icing on the cake. 1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Optica
Four eyes never looked so good. Optica offers homegrown and imported couture for the face, as well as a staff that bends over backward to match a customer's eye shape and face size to the right pair of high-quality specs. Exquisite frames by Cartier and Sama share shelf space with the store's own designs, which range from nearly weightless modern shields to new takes on iconic classics, Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
La Ruche
La Ruche owner Brooke Laughlin gives Martha Stewart a run for her questionably earned money with the precious stationery and invitations she stocks at her colorful Newbury Street shop. More creative than stuffy, the lines by Dempsey & Carroll, Surtout Pour Vous, and the Wren Press run the gamut from monogrammed note cards to customized printed invitations. Choose from sweet ribbon-topped birth announcements, pony-shaped children's party invitations, even sophisticated cocktail invites. 164 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Ski Market
With easily the most extensive and high-quality selection of gear in town, this enormous store hasn't just cornered the Boston ski market, it is the Boston ski market. It's got everything a powder hound could ask for, including the latest and greatest skis, boots, bindings, gear, and helmets. Prices are fair (and during the end-of-season sales, dirt cheap), and the informed staff is comprised of helpful, die-hard skiers. What's more, the year-ground repair and tuning shop renders the store an all-inclusive resource. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Audio Concepts
After you're done drooling over Audio Concepts' fantasy home-theater setups—massive TVs, booming speakers, George Jetson-worthy remote controls—find a salesperson and tell him your audio-visual dream. No matter the budget, be it $1,000 or $20,000, he'll briskly and breezily sketch out a plan to turn your underutilized family room or basement into the neighborhood cinema. 870 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA audioconcepts.com.
Luke Aaron
Luke Aaron's sophisticated, ladylike gowns and separates look theatrical for a reason: The budding couturier honed his craft in the costume shop at Tufts, later working for renowned costume designers in New York City. Aaron is especially adept at creating dramatic shapes by ruching and draping fabrics—grace notes that can be seen in his expanding bridal collection. Handmade pieces are available at his North End showroom, inside a restored preindustrial building. 38A Fleet St., Boston, MA lukeaaronboston.com.
Pawsh Dog Boutique
It's no wonder Gisele Bundchen stops at Pawsh with her handsome Yorkie: The couture collection of doggie apparel and upscale grooming services makes the daily walk look more like a runway strut. There are necessities like nail clipping and tooth cleaning, but there's also an assortment of healthy organic treats, and two-legged customers are rewarded with dog food delivery and a return program for chewed-through toys. 31 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 2115, pawshboston.com.
David Vendetti, South Boston Yoga
If you had told us a few years ago that one day we'd be scrambling to get to a yoga studio in Southie, we'd have thought you were nuts. Yet here we ar—and it's all a testament to David Vendetti. After his flowing, challenging class, we're sore but ready to take on the world, and looking forward to meeting him on the mat again. 36 W. Broadway, South Boston, MA southbostonyoga.net.
Odessa Instant Shoe Repair
Our poor, overloved clogs—not much left of the heel but a few pieces of chewed-up yellow foam. Bracing for a lecture on proper shoe care, we nervously carried them into Odessa. To our delight, the kindly proprietor lifted them up lovingly and assured us they would be fine. And a week later he delivered a perfectly handmade new heel for each, plus fresh soles and heels for several equally battered pairs of boots. 3 Center Plz., Boston, MA 2108, .