My best friend just returned from a shopping trip (I mean business trip) to Boston. And being the wonderful, kind-hearted friend she is (hugs), she didn’t come back empty-handed. Instead, she returned with a bag full of goodies for my young daughter who happens to be a HUGE Curious George fan. If you have a child obsessed with George, you may want to consider a trip to Boston.
I’m only half-kidding. The city that’s crammed with historical monuments and must-see museums is also home to some incredible shopping opportunities. (I’m not talking about cookie-cutter mall stores—-Beantown is filled with one-of-a-kind shops that leave my credit cards smoking).
Here is a list of some of my favorite haunts:
Curious George Goes to Wordsworth
Located in Harvard Square, this shop is a can’t-miss stop on your tour through Boston. Even if your kids are not head-over-heels in love with the curious monkey the way my daughter is they will still have a blast exploring the two-story building whose interior is decorated like a jungle complete with fake bamboo trees and huts. It makes you feel like you have been transported to monkey-heaven. The shop is loaded with a variety of children’s books (not just Curious George ones)—everything from touch-and-feel books for babies to Harry Potter for older readers. The rest of the store is packed with funky monkey items, including clocks, umbrellas, games, puzzles, stuffed friends, backpacks, and art supplies.
Cambridge Artists Cooperative
This is another one of my Harvard Square favorites. The three-story building is filled with handmade clothing, pottery, jewelry, hats, frames and stained glass. All of the items are one-of-a-kind creations crafted by hundreds of artists from across the country. The store is also manned by knowledgeable artists who happily give you background stories on each piece.
Devonia Antiques
Devonia Antiques is located in a place dubbed “Antiques Row” on historic Charles Street. It’s one of those places where you want to take a credit card with a zero balance. It is an antique-lover’s paradise. Not only does it boast a huge selection of English porcelain, it also features rare American and European stemware by some of the best artisans, including Baccarat, Steuben and Royal Worcester.
1154 Lill Studio
I love, love 1154 Lill Studio, and if you love unique handbags you will too. This store promises that you will walk away with a true one-of-a kind creation… because you design it yourself. You simply pick the style of bag you want (you can choose from more than two dozen shapes–from small clutch purses to diaper bags), you then choose from 300 embellishments to mix and match a desired design. Prices range from $25-$250, and are based on the style of bag, not the fabrics or options. One last note: You don’t actually get to walk away with your creation the day you design it… after placing your order, you do have to wait three to four weeks for your bag to be hand-crafted to your specifications.
Related Articles:
Visiting the World’s Largest Outdoor Shopping Center
A Trip to the World’s Most Visited Mall
Visiting the World’s Largest Mall