Dorfman Jewelers
The old-world charm of this boutique on the first block of Newbury Street harks back to a time when people dressed for dinner, casual Friday was something out of an Orwellian nightmare, and men really did spend a month's salary on trinkets for their wives. It's also a place where the collective gem knowledge of the staff goes way beyond the four Cs of diamonds. Its lines include Picchiotti for stones, DeVroomen for enamel jewelry, Tahitian and South Sea pearls, a Bulgari boutique, Patek Philippe watches, and Van Cleef & Arpels. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Skip Cuddy, Ermenegildo Zegna
Skip brought his expertise from Louis Boston and Saks to Zegna, where he will outfit the harried male, offering wearable advice on everything from casual Fridays to afternoon weddings. This personal concierge will make sure your clothes are altered on time an delivered; he'll even give you first dibs on new designs before they hit the floor. 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Links Golf Shop
Whether you're interested in a top-of-the-line steelhead, framed pictures of your favorite courses and players (the one of Arnie at St. Andrew's is priceless), or just a new shirt, Boston Links has the o fit. All of the top clubs are here, and you can try 'em out on its indoor range. You can even get a lesson from one of its on-staff pros. While you may find a better bargain at one of the discount outlets, you can't beat the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. 116 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
The Cambridge Artists' Cooperative
A mix of traditional crafts, whimsy, and fine arts endows the Cambridge Artists' Cooperative with unusual charms. On a magical mystery tour of its three floors, you'll find everything from blown-glass hummingbird feeders to pine-needle baskets to wearable art, with prices from $7 to $2,000. And you'll understand why craftspeople themselves voted the store one of the Top Ten Retailers of American Craft. 59A Church St., Cambridge, MA .
Beans
Forget your grandmother's china pattern. The selection of hand-blown glass bowls and glasses, hand-painted plates from artists and potters from around the world, knickknacks, and curios is more about divine decadence than restraint. Mix-and-match patterns and styles update traditional heirloom china and blend the conventional with the unusual at this eclectic store. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
Serenella
The boutique is a gold mine of designers-on-the-rise like Antonio Beradi and Lucien Pellat-Finet, as well as more established lines like Moschino Couture. For those who care about fashion, there's an interesting fusion of labels and attitudes for all ages. For those who care more about originality, the diversity of designs here reduces the chances that you'll bump into some wench wearing your dress at Aquitaine. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pageo Jewelers
Jewelry stores can be intimidating— a combination of security guards, glass cases with steel locks, and salespeople who do not encourage trying on the merchandise. But at Pageo, the jewelry is displayed invitingly, and the staff encourages questions and try-ons. With prices ranging from $200 to $20,000, the jewelry will make your pulse race— but the prices don't have to. 843 Beacon St., Newton, MA .
Louis Boston
A double winner here. The four-story style mecca is the arbiter of quality men's fashion for both those who are looking to stand out from the crowd and those who are classic and cautious. You'll find Italian made-to-measure masters, standard faves like Ralph Lauren's purple label, and Louis' own line. Fashion-timid men may require some education— not to mention a platinum credit card— but Louis' staff are masters in the art of dressing. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Kitchen Arts
A good sharp knife makes the difference between sawing through cooking chores and slicing through them. Don't get sucked into the manufacturer's preselected set of top quality knives. Kitchen Arts discounts all the top brands (up to 30 percent off three or more knives). Best prices around for Wusthof, the BMW of cutlery. Knowledgeable salespeople help you assemble your at-home arsenal. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Peter Capozzoli
Peace of mind is not typically something you buy along with a used car. But when Capozzoli sells you a '95 Lexus, you know there's no need for further haggling: He's fair, he knows what he's doing, and the cars at this small independent shop are in top condition. Bonus: No additional charge for processing your registration. and they service cars there, too. Cohasset Imports, Inc., 508 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Cohasset, MA .
Boston Book Annex
Signs of authenticity in the book world: the musty smell of old paper and bindings; the creak of the wooden floorboards; a house cat lounging on the counter as if she owns the place. Add seemingly endless warrens of well-organized books and you have the prototype for the perfect used bookstore. Room after room has been organized here into such eccentric but irresistible categories as "Polar Exploration" and "Disasters." The store also offers recent releases and first editions. (A larger collection of rare books is in the company's 705 Centre Street branch in Jamaica Plain.) 908 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Rugg Road Paper Co.
Whether you're looking for a gift or for your own personal use, no other store is more fun to browse in for writing, wrapping, and special occasion papers. Rugg Road carries an unusual and beautiful selection— sold by the sheet or by the box— that is a nice departure from the ubiquitous Crane's stationary, and great for customized invitations. Its heavy stock writing paper is email's most valiant enemy. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Fresh Eggs
After starting her stylish housewares store, F.kia, Ned Hand launched a second store stocked with chic furniture. But mixed in are some smart choices for gifts. Look for the stainless steel kitchen accouterments, beautiful glass items, tablewear, and linens. The bedding and hand painted pillows can't be beat. Here's your chance to give a housewarming gift that will get you invited back. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA .
The Dutch Flower Garden
You can't walk by without looking twice. The cascade of color beckons from the pavement, and spontaneity pays. For the romantic gesture of the moment, or a few blooms to grace your dinner table, pick a few posies by the stem or grab a tiny basket of flowering plants and vines. The whole shopfront reeks of romance and fresh beauty from the wrought-iron filigree to the lush sidewalk display. 164 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Blades Board & Skate
This is legit streetwear— not designer clothing posing as the original. Surfwear labels like Billabong, QuickSilver, Vans, and DC are the labels of choice. Accessories include skateboards, or, depending on the season, snowboards and Timbuktu bike messenger bags. For parents clueless about what their kids really wear, the multi-pierced sales help are hip to what your kids want. 222 Newbury St., Boston, MA .