The Children's Book Shop
Sure, it's a little dog-eared (we prefer well loved), but this Brookline Village godsend, serving young readers since 1977, will break you of your rote nightly reads with a fresh supply of soon-to-be family favorites spanning every era: In the Night Kitchen, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and the latest from Mo Willems. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA thechildrensbookshop.net.
Dorfman Jewelers
Otherwise known as "the best place to blow your bonus," Dorfman's is the kind of shop where the well-heeled go to buy their baubles. If you are in the market for a one-of-a-kind sapphire necklace, a Patek Phillippe watch to pass on through generations, a signature Bulgari brooch, or a knick-knack from Van Cleef & Arpels, this is the place to get it. 24 Newbury Street, Boston, MA dorfmanjewelers.com.
Michael "Bingo" Sears, Chanel
Michael's the kind of guy who remembers what you bought last fall and will help you find a way to make it work with something new this season. He'll stand at the curb with your purchases when parking is impossible. He's discreet, honest, and his sense of humor is legendary. 5 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Top Drawer
When you want to feel more like Cinderella than a sexed-up supermodel, step into this frilly fairy-tale world. Not only does it offer high-quality brands like Cosabella and Lise Charmel, it showcases adorable, top-quality children's clothes. Like stepping into your friend's bedroom. 112 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Anderson & McQuaid
For most of us, it's hard to distinguish between a good two-by-four and a bad one. What distinguishes Anderson & McQuaid is its selection of exotic woods, including purple heart and lacewood, and its knowledgeable, helpful staff. Novice woodworkers are welcome. 170 Fawcett St., Cambridge, MA .
Lester Harry's
This store offers a mix of apparel, bedding and accessories, furniture, and eclectic items for infants and toddlers. Other times include sterling silver charm bracelets for kids, handmade, quilts, spoons, Moses baskets—in short, not your standard mall-store fare. 140 Washington St., Marblehead, MA .
Dorfman Jewelers
If you know what you want— an eternity band with sapphires, say, or an exquisite set of braided guards to bookend your anniversary ring— come to the masters, in this intimate, opulent, vaultlike boutique. But first you must be worthy of the stones: Barbara will size you up. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Adesso
Adesso wins for its carefully edited selection of trendy pendants, sconces, lamps and track systems, all of the most refined design. Stainless steel, Murano glass, or paper fixtures satisfy even the most sophisticated of tastes. Fixtures to light up your life. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Alpha Omega
Hands down the best selection of watches in Boston. From inexpensive Swatches to twenty-thousand-dollar Vacherons, you're sure to find your new timepiece here. Look for new additions such as Piaget, Ebel, and Corum alongside old favorites like TAG Heuer, IWC, and Rolex. Harvard Square Galeria, 57 JFK St., Cambridge, MA .
City Sports
With so many locations to choose from, City Sports is the best stop for service and selection— sporting equipment from rollerblades to swim goggles as well as end-of-season sales worth waiting for. Check local newspapers for daily coupons. Guaranteed to unleash your inner jock. All locations, .
Emporio Armani
For one-stop shopping with or without your significant other, Emporio Armani can dress you from head to toe, including accessories. From jeans to beaded gowns and tuxedos, sunglasses and shoes, this store has it all. As a bonus, the cafe next door will revive you when the shopping gets tough. 210-214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Cambridge Auto Parts
Have you ever broken your parking light while trying to squeeze into that enviable spot on Newbury Street? For less than half of what you'd pay at most dealerships, these guys will provide (or order) most any spare part. 290 River St., Cambridge, MA .
Loulou's Lost & Found
No offense, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, but Loulou's is a great choice for funky place settings and accessories at a reasonable price. Some items are original, scavenged from old ships, hotels, and trains; some just reproductions; all are excellent for someone setting up house or just wanting to add to an eclectic collection. 121 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Chimera
Unusual, funky fixtures displayed in a Fort Point Channel warehouse showroom. This isn't the place to come for full-service electrical supplies, but check it out for that knock-your-socks-off fixture for the dining room or entryway, or an exotic lantern for the millennium like S.Y.O. Devesa's "Zen" brushed-aluminum table lamp. 319 A Street, Boston, MA .
Johnson Paint Company
The place to go when you must match the color of that faded clapboard, or need a specialty shade for your Victorian trim. A full selection of the better lines such as Benjamin Moore, Martin Seymour, and Ralph Lauren, as well as Martha Stewart's favorite brand, Schoeder Paint, an expensive—but worth it—import from Holland. 355 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .