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 .
Hollywood Express
Searching for an obscure miniseries by Brit playwright Dennis Potter? Or is Japanimation more your taste? You've come to the right place if you're looking for those unrated, non-blockbuster, hard-to-find videos. And if the store doesn't have that special something in stock, it will order it for you—or give you an informed recommendation for a similar flick. 1740 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Bob Smith Sporting Goods
Just because it's not the biggest doesn't mean it's not the best. Anyone who shells out $1,000 for skis, boots, poles, and the attendant paraphernalia might want to come back for adjustments or advice—and at Bob Smith you can. The helpful salespeople won't give you the hard sell, but will listen attentively when you describe your skiing needs and what type of skier you are. 9 Spring Lane, Boston, MA .
Marathon Sports
Thinking about next year's marathon? Here's the place to start your podiatric strategy. One fan writes: "The service I received from the hyper-knowledgeable staff verified everything I had heard about the store—the selection was truly vast, and they were able to explain to me which shoes were best suited to my needs." They're also great with, er, irregular shapes and sizes. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Mystery Train Records
Mystery Train in Gloucester houses perhaps the most eclectic assemblage of music and tchotchkes in eastern Massachusetts. A Gustav Mahler postcard here, a Charlie's Angelslunch box there—now that's culture. Looking for Arthur Miller reading from The Crucible and Death of a Salesman? How about Patsy Cline on Decca vinyl? You've come to the right place. 306 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Garment District
The best selection of the good old classics (read: second-hand clothes) can be found on the second floor of the Garment District. Leave the dollar-fifty-a-pound first-floor stuff to the true scavengers, and head upstairs to neatly racked selections of retro-to-contempo clothes of all styles. There you can also take your pick from the store's rich jean pool, including Lee, Levi's, Guess, Jordache, and so on. 200 Broadway St., Cambridge, MA .
New England Silks
Every imaginable variety of flower, as well as towering ficuses, bonsai, and bushes. This is the place to come if you don't have a green thumb or a southern exposure. Many fancy retail establishments shop here for their store display sand silk-flower arrangements. They'll do custom arrangements in your container, or you can choose among their own extensive selection of pots. 322 Reservoir Street, Needham, MA .
E.P. Levine
A no-frills used-camera store on the fringes of Boston's photo district, Levine's is a collector's Toyland. Wend your way through the mounds of merchandise scattered on the floor, or climb the 15-foot shelves randomly piled with used goodies. Amidst the chaos you're likely to find the best used photo-equipment in Boston. If you're looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to call in advance. Boston Marine Industrial Park, 23 Dry Dock Avenue, South Boston, MA .
Treasured Legacy
Rosalyn Elder opened this gallery/bookshop almost four years ago to make African American culture both approachable and affordable, and to foster a sense of artistic heritage that had been lacking in the community. Elder offers reproductions by such celebrated African American artists as Romare Nearden and Jacob Lawrence, as well as handmade wares form Africa and original art by local artist. There's also a great selection of African American books, toys, games, and note cards; the store is both an inspiration and an education. Coplely Place/The Dartmouth Street Shops, Boston, MA .
Bloomingdale's
Whether your career calls for Armani suits or just well-cut khakis, Bloomie's can outfit you in style. Special kudos to James Palazza, in Place Elegante, many well-dressed women's secret weapon: he can find you the best suit, at the best price in the place, and make you feel like Claudia Schiffer in the process. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, MA .
Just For Pets Superstore
Two huge aisles of rawhide chews, a doggie "salad" bar, fish food, cat food, dog food, rabbit food, plus all the gear you need to keep your beast in luxury, from rhinestone collars to skunk-odor shampoo, are at this supermarket for pets. A large selection of beds, travel cages, and toys, plus on-site grooming services and low-priced vaccinations on weekends. Route 114, Peabody, MA .