Best of Boston

April Gabriel opened the permanent location of Boston General Store three years ago with the goal of bringing back the type of shop she remembers from her childhood: one that sells simple items made to last. In today’s ever-cheaper, disposable retail landscape, Gabriel’s old-fashioned vision is a welcome change. Pass along the nostalgia with high-quality, well-made gifts crafted by artisans both near and far—think pocket knives from Japan, a wool picnic blanket from the U.K., and shave oil made just down the street.