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Colonial Drug
This old-time apothecary carries hundreds of scents, including many hard-to-find fragrances which are their specialty. Besides cosmetics, colognes and soaps they also stock old-fashioned shaving kits - complete with razor, bowl and brush - like your grandfather used to use.
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Condom World
Boston's best selection of condoms, in all sizes, colors and textures. Cinnamon-favored condoms are not the only way to spice up your sex life, however. Friendly staff can also help you pick out lubricants, adult toys and other sex paraphernalia. And for the easily amused: provocatively-shaped ice cube trays, pasta, and straws; X-rated fortune cookies; etc etc.
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Copley Place
Copley Place is a luxury indoor mall in the historic Back Bay area. It houses 100 stores, mostly from the top end of town such as Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Christian Dior and Montblanc as well as restaurants, offices and an 11-screen cinema.
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Curious George Goes To Wordsworth
In the olden days, there was Wordsworth, a great independent bookstore, and there was Curious George goes to Wordsworth, the separate shop for children's books. Wordsworth has since gone the way of the independent bookstore, but Curious George Store continues to thrive. Of course you can find your favorite story about that mischievous monkey, but there are also thousands of other books and toys.
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Dairy Fresh Candies
Walking through the doors of this tiny storefront is like entering Charlie's Chocolate Factory, with its unsurpassed selection of nuts, chocolates, candies and dried fruit. To some, it's baking supplies; but to others, it's an irresistible array of sweets.
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Eastern Mountain Sports
EMS is all over the East Coast, but it started right here in Boston, when a couple of rock climbers started selling the equipment they couldn't buy elsewhere. Now this tree-hugger retailer sells not only rock climbing equipment, but also camping gear, kayaks, snowboards, and all the special apparel you need to engage in the aforementioned activities. Additional stores are in Harvard Sq and on Commonwealth Ave near Boston University (BU).
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Eugene Galleries
This tiny shop has a remarkable selection of antique prints and maps, especially focusing on old Boston. Follow the history of the city's development by examining 18th- and 19th-century maps; witness the filling-in of Back Bay and the greening of the city. Historic prints highlight Boston landmarks.
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Filene's Basement
This grandmama of Boston bargain stores carries overstocked and irregular items which are automatically marked down the longer they remain in the store, so you could find a designer jacket for a fraction of the cost if you're prepared to fight for it. The huge Back Bay location of this Boston institution is upscale compared with the original, at 426 Washington St, Downtown, which is closed till 2009 for renovations.
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Flat Of The Hill
This girly-girl boutique is filled with 'cute' things: look for bright colors and bold prints, jewel-studded accessories and smelly soaps and lotions. Technically, it's a gift shop - but any she-shopper with a hint of prepster in her will be tempted to treat herself too.
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French Dressing
Crystal chandeliers, paisley prints and soft pink and blue hues make shopping for underwear the romantic affair that it should be. Putting the French accent in 'lingerie,' this sweet spot features light and lacy under-things, as well as luxurious loungewear. Great gift idea: membership in the thong-of-the-month club (now that's the gift that keeps on giving).
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Gargoyles, Grotesques & Chimera
'Goth boutique' seems like an oxymoron, but that's the most apt description of this dimly lit showroom of gloom and doom. Like the crypt of a medieval cathedral, the store carries a scary selection of gargoyles, sculpture and stained glass, much of which was salvaged from now-demolished churches.
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Garment District
If your memories of the fashion-conscious '60s and '70s have faded like an old pair of jeans, entering this store will bring it all back with a vengeance. Clothing aside, there's costumes, party accessories, music and pop culture ephemera, all priced to move. Downstairs at Dollar-a-Pound shoppers wade through piles of clothes and pay by the pound.
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Geoclassics
Geoclassics showcases minerals, fossils and gemstones in jewelry and other decorative settings. The natural beauty of the stones is enhanced by their artistic presentation. The collection of fossils - from dinosaur eggs to dragonflies - is incredible.
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Globe Corner Bookstore
In new digs, the Globe Corner Bookstore specializes in travel literature, guide books and specialty maps. There is no better selection of books about Boston and New England. Also, a great source of topographical maps. Look here for the latest Lonely Planet guide.
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Grolier Poetry Bookshop
Founded in 1927, Grolier is the oldest - and perhaps the most famous - poetry bookstore in the USA. Through the years, TS Eliot, ee cummings, Marianne Moore and Allen Ginsberg all passed through these doors. Today, Grolier continues to foster young poets and poetry-readers. Besides selling written and spoken poetry, the store hosts readings and festivals. Perhaps you are a poet and you don't know it!
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Harvard Bookstore
Family-owned and operated since 1932, the Harvard Bookstore is not officially affiliated with the university, but it is the university community's favorite place to come to browse. While the shop maintains an academic focus, there is plenty of fiction for the less lofty, as well as used books and bargain books in the basement.
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Harvard Coop
Harvard students started this cooperative bookstore back in 1882, when they needed a place to buy books, school supplies and wood to stoke their stove. They don't sell wood here anymore, but you will find three floors of books and other 'essentials.' At the branch on Palmer St, anyone can buy just about anything emblazoned with the Harvard logo. Alas, the place is now owned by Barnes & Noble.
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Harvard University Press Display Room
For all the latest releases from Harvard University Press, stop by their little showroom in Holyoke Center. The Bargain Alcove sells slightly damaged books for half-price or less.
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Harvest Co-Op
Socially conscious shoppers will appreciate this cooperative market. Besides being community owned, Harvest also supports sustainable agriculture, certified organic, fair trade, and local and small family farms. In front of the store, the Café @ Harvest is a pleasant place to stop for lunch (and there is free wi-fi access).
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Helen's Leather
You probably didn't realize that you would need your cowboy boots in Boston. Never fear, you can pick up a slick pair right here on Beacon Hill. (Somebody is buying them, because this place has been in business for over 30 years.) Helen also carries stylish dress boots and work boots, as well as Birkenstock sandals, gorgeous jackets, classy handbags and sharp wallets and belts are all crafted from soft, supple leather.
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Hempest
All of the products at the Hempest are made from cannabis hemp, the botanical cousin of marijuana. The idea behind this store is to bring hemp products into the marketplace and 'counter the misinformation and ignorance that has surrounded this plant.' It's all on the up and up: men's and women's clothing; all-organic soaps and lotions; and fun home furnishing items.
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Hilton's Tent City
It's dusty and musty, but it boasts four floors of tents (set up to test out), as well as outdoor apparel, camping gear, backpacks and just about any other outdoor accessory you might need. From water shoes to snow shoes, from sleeping bags to duffle bags, Hilton's has it. Prices are competitive and staff members are helpful (they have to be because it's nearly impossible to find anything on your own).
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In Your Ear
In an out-of-the-way spot on the edge of the square, this underground (literally) record shop is everything it should be. Crammed with LPs and 45s, there's also a huge selection of CDs, DVDs and even eight-tracks. The albums on the wall will catch your eye, but they are expensive; look down below for unbelievable bargains.
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In-Jean-Ius
You know what you're getting when you waltz into this denim haven. Offerings from over 30 designers include tried-and-true favorites and little-known gems, and staff are on-hand to help you find the pair that fits you perfectly.
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Jasmine Sola & Sola Men
With multiple stores in the Prudential Center and on Newbury St, Jasmine Sola has a devoted following of fashion fans, who are effusive about its great selection of sexy dresses, cool jeans and funky jewelry. This outlet is the largest and it keeps expanding, now offering shoes, denim and men's fashions. If you are put off by the high prices, visit the warehouse store on Commonwealth Ave in Brighton.
