F. Kia
The majority of these specialty items are produced by local artists. From frames made of old printer's type to revamped dressers with industrial-size wheels in place of legs, you're sure to find a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. The tasteful, free gift-wrapping is a welcome service during the frantic holiday season. 558 Tremont Street, Boston, MA .
Harnett's Homeopathy & Body Care Store
There is no product too esoteric for this homeopath's heaven: essence of sage, soap salad-bar, pump-your-own-shampoos, natural health remedies, vitamins, New Age magazines, and for those who prefer to get their vitamins in the most natural way—a juice bar. 47 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA .
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Trident houses an eclectic and interesting collection of books, as well as tarot cards, bonsai trees, and the little cafe area where you can look through magazines and have a cup of tea without being bothered. Try their vegetarian chili! 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
LouLou's Lost & Found
If you've always regretted that you didn't snitch that ashtray from your favorite restaurant in Paris, you may find it here, along with a slew of other restaurant and hotel chinaware, new and used silver, glass, and other interesting ephemera. 121 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Dewberry Dogs & Cats Too
Pets can get dirty in a matter of seconds. So why does it often take months to schedule a groomer appointment? This cozy spot offers greyhound-fast service (often in the same week you called) and an assertive yet warm touch that will help bring out your buddy's best look. 357 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 1217, dewberrydogs.org.
Karen Golden Skin Care
While some beauty pros are notable for what they add to your look, Golden stands out for what she takes off: untamed hair, wherever it may lurk. With extreme precision and a good azulene wax, she restores beauty and order to brows, backs, and nether regions with minimal pain. Hair apparent? Not if she's on the case. 308 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brazillianwaxingboston.com.
Xtend Barre
<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-283919714/stock-photo-in-the-hall-girl-doing-stretching-near-barre.html" target="_blank">Photo</a> via Shutterstock It might be 6:30 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning, but the staff at Xtend are all smiles, laughter, and encouragement.The positivity doesn’t stop at the barre; even as you pulse, squat, and tap your way toward a quivering mass of muscle, the instructors cajole instead of scold. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, xtendbarre.com.
State Room
Courtesy of Longwood Events Perched 33 stories above the city with glass walls overlooking the Custom House Tower, the State Room is a blank canvas with personalization options galore. Chef David Blessing, meanwhile, serves up customized menus that are as breathtaking as the views—think tuna poke in mini cones and adorable s’mores tartlets. 60 State St., Boston, MA longwoodevents.com.
Blue Dry Goods
The menswear shop of your yacht-club dreams exists in Concord Center (naturally), where you’ll find all the gear necessary for a Nantucket weekend or a day on the links—from little boys’ blazers to cuff links to a massive selection of Vineyard Vines pants and coats. 16 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, bluedrygoods.com.
Lexington Venue
In a world of plush megaplexes with cushy seats and cocktails, there’s still room for classic cinemas like Lexington Venue, with its healthy mix of indie flicks and new releases. Screen your movie of choice, then stroll to Rancatore’s for ice cream. 1794 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02420, .
Lux Bond & Green
The display cases in this Boylston Street showroom house brands that have literally stood the test of time—classics like Baume & Mercier and Patek Philippe. The shop also employs a helpful, honest sales team more interested in finding you the right ticker than the most expensive one. 416 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, lbgreen.com.
Elisabeth Accardi, Upon a Star Events
If your precious tot longs for a Wizard of Oz–themed hayride or a Lego Minecraft–inspired bash, call Elisabeth Accardi. The bubbly former actress has brought childhood fairy tales to life for 17 years, including a soiree for a former president’s daughter. uponastar.net.
Formaggio Kitchen
Photograph by Marian Siljeholm If your idea of heaven smells like stinky blues and buttery Comté, welcome to paradise. True nerds du fromage shouldn't miss Formaggio's classes (some of which are held in its underground cheese cave) or its cheese-of-the-month clubs. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Neatly Nested
It's impossible to miss Neatly Nested's white exterior and yellow awning along West Broadway. Inside, interior designer Danielle McClure stocks goods worth crossing a bridge for—tastefully refurbished furniture, linens from Scents and Feel, and hand-poured soy candles. 373 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, neatlynesteddecor.com.
Kitchenwitch
At this jam-packed shop, you'll have trouble turning around without bumping into something you need (coffee filters for your Chemex), want (handcrafted Shun knives), or are happy to learn exists (bunny-shaped bento picks). 671 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, kitchenwitchjp.tumblr.com.