Decking the halls in Boston is a charm like no other. Cobblestone streets are draped in lights, and the festive buzz is intoxicating. Dive into Boston’s rich selection of stores to find gifts this holiday season that encapsulate the city’s unique flair. This guide, curated by Simplified with over 20 years of experience, will help you navigate the city’s best shopping spots. As a trusted resource for both locals and visitors, our team of Boston natives — born and raised in the area — brings a true insider’s perspective to curating the best holiday shopping experiences the city has to offer.
Best Holiday Gifts for the Boston Foodie
Boston is a paradise for food lovers, especially during the holidays. Craft a hot chocolate set composed of stone-ground chocolate discs with a stylish mug, fluffy marshmallows, and a whisk for a cozy treat, or curate an indulgent holiday charcuterie gift set, featuring locally made cheese, cured meats, artisanal crackers, and a bottle of wine. Explore these Boston businesses listed below to find everything you need to bring these thoughtful foodie gift ideas to life:
- Taza Chocolate: A local treat that’s rich, bold and delightful.
- The Holiday Market at Snowport: A festive space where artisanal craftsmanship and gourmet goodies meet.
- Eataly: An Italian market in the heart of Boston, offering delicacies that will transport your loved ones to Italy.
- Boston Public Market: This market is filled with local produce, handcrafted goods and more!
Top Toy & Book Stores in Greater Boston for Kids
Searching for gifts for kids can feel like a magical adventure, and Boston’s toy stores and bookstores offer endless inspiration. Encourage creativity with DIY craft kits like friendship bracelet makers, build-your-own rocket sets, or watercolor painting kits. Pair an interactive storybook with a matching plush character to make bedtime reading even more magical. Or, spark curiosity with hands-on science kits, coding robots, or engineering sets that inspire young minds to explore and learn. These local spots are sure to delight the little ones on your list:
- Trident Booksellers (Newbury St.): A cozy place where the magic of storytelling comes alive.
- Brookline Booksmith (Brookline): A bibliophile’s delight for kids and teens from picture books to novels.
- Beacon Hill Books & Cafe (Charles St.): A warm atmosphere to enjoy an afternoon while perusing the books for the perfect story.
- Henry Bear’s Park (Multiple Locations in Boston and Greater Boston): An independent toy store dedicated to providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate toys and games that foster creativity, imagination, and growth.
- Boing! Toy Store (Jamaica Plain): A beloved fixture since 2001, offering top-quality toys with a focus on exceptional customer service.
Boston Pet & Pet Lover Gift Shops
The holidays are a time to celebrate everyone in the family—including your beloved pets! Show your furry friends some extra love this season with unique gifts that make them feel special. Put together a gift basket filled with gourmet treats, squeaky toys, and a new tartan collar, or assemble a pampering package with bath products, a cozy towel, and a gift card for a grooming session, ensuring your pet looks and feels their best this season. Below, we’ve gathered some of the best spots for shopping for your four-legged companions:
- Polkadog Bakery (Chestnut Hill): Gourmet treats and toys your pet will adore.
- The Fish & Bone (Newbury St.): High-quality accessories and gourmet pet food.
- BYOD (South Boston): A boutique with cute gifts, plus you can give your pup a quick grooming if needed.
Best Boston Home Decor & Gift Shops
When searching for the gift to elevate any home, Boston’s home décor and gift shops offer a wealth of beautiful and timeless options. A custom engraved cutting board paired with a set of premium olive oils or gourmet salts makes a charming and practical gift for anyone who enjoys cooking or entertaining. A beautifully crafted candle in a warm winter scent like cinnamon or spruce, complemented with a handcrafted candle holder or a set of matches, will bring cozy vibes to any home. And, a set of hand-thrown ceramic mugs offers a unique and functional gift, great for enjoying a warm drink on cold winter nights. These stores offer something special that will enhance any home this holiday season:
- Didriks (Belmont): A curated collection of elegant home décor.
- Local Root (Newton): A haven for kitchen enthusiasts with refined tastes.
- Bos. Shop (South End): A boutique gift shop filled with sophisticated and stylish finds.
- In Good Company (South Boston): Locally made gifts with an extra personal touch.
Best Men’s Wear Stores in Boston
Shopping for the special men in your life can feel like a tall order, but Boston is home to an array of stores that offer everything from timeless classics to the latest trends. Consider a high-quality leather wallet or belt to add sophistication to any outfit, a limited-edition pair of sneakers or trendy streetwear to keep him ahead of the curve, or a stylish graphic hoodie that combines comfort with cutting-edge style. Here are a few standout stores in the area that are sure to impress:
- Ball And Buck (Newbury St.): Classic American staples and more for timeless style.
- Bodega (Kenmore): Trendy sneakers and streetwear to make any outfit pop.
- Sault New England (South End): Streetwear and accessories.
Best Women’s Fashion Boutiques in Boston
As the holidays approach, finding the right gift to elevate her style becomes a delightful challenge. Boston’s fashion boutiques offer an array of chic and unique items that make gifting a joy. Gift a cozy, oversized sweater paired with a statement scarf for a stylish winter look, or, surprise her with a designer handbag from a past collection, a luxurious silk blouse, or a unique vintage coat that will add timeless flair to her wardrobe.These shops are the go-to fashion spots that will bring a touch of sophistication and flair to her wardrobe this season:
- Mint Julep (Brookline): Chic women’s clothing from dresses to accessories in a one-stop fashion delight.
- Flock (South End): A curated collection of trendy and classic pieces.
- Covet (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Southie): High-end consignment shop with many unique pieces and other treasures.
Spread More Holiday Cheer in Boston by Giving Back
The holidays aren’t just about giving presents — they can also be a time to spread kindness and support your community. Boston offers many meaningful opportunities to give back and make a difference from volunteering at local shelters to participating in toy drives and donating to food banks. We’ve come up with creative ways to give back during the holidays to help inspire you this season.
The Secret to Gift Shopping in Boston
The hustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With Simplified by your side, the festive rush transforms into a joyous stroll. Whether it’s personal shopping, gift wrapping, or even gift recommendations, our team is poised to make your holidays radiant and hassle-free so you can have more free time to enjoy what matters to you. Dive into the festivities with confidence, knowing we’ve got your back. Contact Simplified Holiday services today and make this festive season one to remember!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.