Shop local for decadent chocolates, vintage finds, and more.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our retail vista and the embodiment of our metropolis ’s entrepreneurism . So while it ’s easy to get suckered intoonline shoppingon Black Friday and Cyber Monday , the topographic point to rule truly unique gifts this vacation time of year is at Boston ’s small-scale businesses .
We ’ve picked out 15 of our favorites around township that reflect the geographical and artisanal width of our local shopping scene . Fromdispensariesto voguish sneaker outposts andbookstores , there ’s something for everyone on your vacation shopping list , so go forth and spend while supporting the best artists and small concern in Boston .
Bodega
FenwayThis speakeasy sneaker store has n’t missed a step in its 25 years of existence . Hidden behind an unassuming facade that seems to be a run - down bodega is a storehouse defer the most newspaper clipping - edge sneaker on the mart . It does n’t end there though : shop women and men ’s wear and accessories are also available , as well as iron heel and outerwear , so there ’s something for everyone on your shopping inclination .
Covet
Multiple locationsImagine a 2nd - hired hand consignment boutique so popular that there ’s sometimes a tune to get inside — that ’s just how good the appeal is . Both fix of Covet feature the utter choice of intriguer shoes and bags , couturier sunglasses , and in - style dresses and separate — all of which turn out with every time of year so you and your giftees can be stylish and eco - friendly at the same time .
EH Chocolatier
Huron VillageThese are n’t your everyday chocolates — these are concoction in the grandest , most indulgent sense . With bon bons , caramelized peanut butter cup , artisan confect legal community , and extravagant solid barks , there are flock of incredible gifts if you’re able to manage not to eat them yourself first . Plus , if you shop on Small Business Saturday , you’re able to batten a luxurious advent calendar before December give up off .
Frugal Bookstore
Roxbury CrossingThis community bookstall puts Black authors at the heart of its collection and has an specially telling natural selection of untested - adult Holy Writ dedicated to activism , chronicle , and wash . Have we mentioned that co - owner Leonard Egerton and Clarrissa Cropper will order any Holy Writ for you that you do n’t see in the store ? Bonus : A niggling birdie tells us they ’ll be hosting a vacation soda water - up on Small Business Saturday ; keep an middle on Instagram for details .
House of Art and Craft
BrightonWhy purchase your giftee a candle when you’re able to make them one instead — withwine ? The lustrous new infinite inside the Charles River Speedway host veritable organic candela - making workshop for beginners , including one on Small Business Saturday ; the gift shop also sell the all - natural standard candle made by owner Steysy Clark .
Lekker Home
South EndIf we had a bottomless bank history , we ’d just render our entire flat at Lekker and call it a mean solar day . The South End home institution celebrates modern European - root on design in housewares both gravid and small — and in fact , many of the house decorator are really pocket-sized - batch Maker from places like Montana and Upstate New York .
Niche
South End and SomervilleHow favourable are we to have an indie boutique dedicated to the art and tutelage of the indoor flora ? Whether you ’re a seasoned light-green parent or just face to ascertain more about how not to wipe out bouncy plant life , Niche is a one - stop shop for houseplant browsing and teaching , from cacti to oversize fern . We say all this with a small snuffle , as the South End shop is closing on December 24 , so take the time now to visit the original placement before devoting yourself full - time to the Davis Square shop .
Ouimillie
Beacon HillLooking to lend a European panache to your press ? This bright store offers unequaled find from Denmark , Italy , and Belgium , along with a curated excerption of reduce - sharpness stateside designer . Even the sweatpants and PJs manage to be stylish AF — arrant for the WFH living .
Salmagundi
Multiple locations2022 was the year of the hat — but it ’s not too late to bound into the fray . Salmagundi in Jamaica Plain sells an equal turn of snappy hats for men and women , include many that are topically made .
SAULT
South EndThere is but one place to go when you ’re buy at for a dude in your life sentence , and it ’s this cozy subterranean space with a absolutely curated collection of clothing , menage goodness , outerwear , woodsy add-on , and manly candles . There ’s also a smaller assemblage of cleaning woman and children ’s clothing and accessories , and the dwelling house accessories and endowment musical theme are spot - on .
Seed
Jamaica PlainJamaica Plain ’ first grownup - usance dispensary was well deserving the hold . The collections of edibles let in gummies , chocolates , and more . Do n’t give without claver the Core Social Justice Cannabis Museum house inside , which search the effect of the war on drugs and the nation ’s marihuana laws , particularly their disproportionate impacts on community of interests of color .
Shake the Tree
North EndIt ’s the small shop that could . For more than 20 years , the longtime North End storefront has offered a niggling something for everyone : home base accessory ( wall decor , stationary , pillows , charcuterie table ) and candles along with jewelry and a curated aggregation of fair sex ’s wear .
Sophie Hughes
South EndThe tiny jewellery dress shop spotlights the work of independent Godhead who work in sustainable textile . Owner Sophie Hughes is a jewellery designer herself , often working in gold to spirt jolty - hewn yet delicate splurge pieces , including custom - designed engagement incorporate recycle materials . The shop also take in its own custom pieces , including take an existing heirloom from a client and reverse it into something far more forward-looking and wearable .
The Urban Grape
South EndYou do n’t need to use a shopping holiday as an excuse to pop inside this divine BIPOC - possess vino shop . Spend an hour or more chatting with the employee and last overcoming your oenophile fears ; the entire experience is welcoming even as the recording label go far beyond anything you ’ll run into at your local packie . Co - owner Hadley and TJ Douglas have even launch their own label , Progressive Wine Co , lionize small purveyors from Sonoma County . veritable in - store tasting , especially around the holidays , entail you ’ll be the hit of your parties this season .
Vinyl Index
Union SquareCalling all analog geeks : The record store is a liquorice pizza paradise , with album both vintage and new and evening disk-jockey events that highlight all sorts of staff filling . And did we advert that they serve drinks inside the entrepot ? If you want to be the coolest auntie or uncle in the world this holiday season , signalize the kid in your life up for the Kids 45 cabaret , a monthly 7 - inch disk subscription .
SAULT New England
EHChocolatier
Lekker Home
Niche
The Urban Grape
