All craft roads lead to Playtime--an unassuming yet remarkable arts and crafts supply store in…read moreArlington Center. As a gifter, I don't fully understand how I didn't know about this place before, but I'm so glad I do now. I went for a family project recently when closer craft shops didn't have what we needed. There's an abundance of arts and crafts supplies here, housed in two interconnected basement rooms, along with an impressive paper and picture frame selection (among other items) on the first floor. The atmosphere is one of a kind--more like an arts-and-crafts boutique curated by the owner, with items you won't easily find together elsewhere. Because of the sheer breadth, some categories (like fabrics, for example) have a smaller variety, which is just an observation, not a critique. Ribbons are unrivaled. If you don't have time to wander, ask--the best part of our experience was the owner, Carol, and the staff (thank you, Lilly). They are wonderfully kind, patient, and creative, offering thoughtful, gentle advice for your projects and genuinely care about their customers. Tip: There's a parking lot in the back or bus 87 drops you off right in front, literally. Highly recommended local business.

How in the WORLD have I lived in Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge for decades and not known about…read morethis place. A friend recommended coming here w/ my mom to look for yarn for her knitting projects and my friend prefaced that this place was the BEST for any type of arts, crafts, decor, etc. Well, WOW!! And funny enough, my mom used to go to this store when she was a little girl in the late 50s-60s to get Nancy Drew books. She said it was EXACTLY how she remembered as a kid. I was awe struck by everything this store had. I will definitely be making this place a regular stop for gifts for people and for fun. Forget going to places like Michaels. Come to this local, family-owned business which I guarantee will have whatever you are looking for. It's an incredible place.

Amanda was great! She kept in touch with me and followed through with my vision!…read more The man who delivered the balloons was awesome and helpful; knew exactly where to jazz things up!!! THE BEST service ever; you can't go wrong :) xoxo

Unbelievable! Highly recommend. Amanda communicated often and even came to the venue to preview…read morethe space and walk through with my daughter for her Bat Mitzvah. The space was large and Amanda created a magic with the balloon centerpieces, arch and balloon trees. The room took our breath away. Her mix of different purples with silver was exactly what we requested. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. I would recommend The Party Lab for any size event and for any occasion. It was a true pleasure to work with Amanda!

I had a great experience renting from Mario's Party Company. I needed a throne chair to fit the…read moretheme that I was going for and when I entered Mario's establishment that throne chair stood out. I will definitely be using this company again in the future.

I don't know were to began. I called this guy last minute for my baby shower. Me and my wife was…read moresuppose to do the balloons our self we did not have time. So I called the number the guy was able to squeeze me in. It was very clutch and what a great job this guy did I will recommend to anyone nice person. Thank you Xavier Casiano

I stumbled upon this place during the week when I was getting prepared for the #stationerystoreday…read moreunfortunately they weren't on the list of shops to browse for the official day (I think they missed the deadline) but I am hoping they will be included next year. The store owner is absolutely a pleasure to have met! and you can tell that all the items purchased for the store reflect her love of entertaining. Stationery of all sorts - greeting cards, note cards, journals, letter writing sets, themed notepads, etc. My goodness, the selection of paperware alone is quite impressive. What I am saying is if you are having a party and wish to have quality paper plates, napkins, and décor this is the spot to start. They have helium tanks here and a HUGE array of any occasion party balloons. If you follow me you already know that I have a 'thing' for gift baskets... whether it is for a Housewarming, "Thank you' to a client, friend or employee. I only wish I lived closer because this store had EVERYTHING all in one location - higher-end body products, unique regional souvenirs, sturdy creative artwork gift bags, toys for children, candles that are known to have that lingering scent, gorgeous tumblers both ceramic and stainless steel. The culinary treats section is plentiful as well, and at the risk of repeating myself, I'll say it again great store for putting together gift baskets! Curbside metered parking directly in front of the store as well as on the side streets. I return home in a few weeks and I am looking forward to seeing what they have for the Fall merchandise. Respectfully Reviewed

Despite living in Natick for decades, today I went to Paper Fiesta for the first time - and what a…read morejoy! They carry The Best greeting cards, which are getting harder and harder to find, at least those of the A+ variety. I immediately selected the two cards I went in for, and I also snagged a gift for our nephew. It's a wonderful gift shop. I'm glad I gave myself a browse.

My favorite bakery for cakes! Party Favors has been my go-to bakery for delicious and beautiful…read moreready-made and custom cakes for over twenty years. I recently ordered a high school graduation cake. Mary Lynn was so helpful in creating a beautiful custom design. There was a last minute mix-up with the order (my fault), and Netty and the cake designer went out of their way to ensure that the cake was ready for the graduation party. Thank you to an amazing team!

My mom swears by this place. She always wants to go here when it comes to birthdays or events…read more Their sprinkle cupcake with white buttercream frosting is delicious. Lots of flavors and they do all types of sweets. You can order ahead and pickup at the store.

It'zaparty has been my go to place for balloons for the past few years. I usually get one or two…read moreclusters of balloons to put on either side of doorways for special events. The last few times I've gotten the balloons, they've lasted less than 10 hours. It was a little disappointing, but I thought this is probably standard. A week ago I needed two clusters of balloons again. So I went to my favorite balloon store. I happened to mention to the young ladies behind the counter about noticing how short of a time the balloons last. One of the young ladies asked, "you don't get the spray inside of the balloons?" I was intrigued so I asked, "what spray?" She explained that there is a pump spray that they put in the balloons before inflating them that will help the balloons to last 24 hours instead of 8 to 10 hours as I had experienced. it was a few cents more per balloon. But I thought, "what the heck? Why not?" I purchased my balloon clusters on a Friday at four in the afternoon. It is now the following Thursday at four in the afternoon. A full seven days. The balloons are still inflated, still bright and colorful, and still impressive. A little bit of the shine has gone. But that's not a big deal. I'm so happy they told me about the spray. It has made a huge difference. From now on, I will always get the spray to make sure the balloons last this long and possibly longer! Do yourself a favor when buying balloons at It'zaparty and spend the extra few cents for the spray. Thank you It'zaparty!

This location was so clean and well organized! I went on a busy morning the Saturday before…read moreHalloween and the manager was awesome, super helpful, and they had plenty of stock in all of the costumes and accessories. This is a great one stop shop for costumes and decorations for sure

Ocon, spelling may be off, could not have been better in directing me to his store, and fulfilling…read moremy balloon order. They've lasted now for 2 days as promised, for my open house showings. In the words of the Terminator, "I'll be back!" Great store with balloons and more.

From the owner: Official Licensed Character Balloons Giant Number & Letter…read moreBalloons Helium Filled Balloons Birthday Ballons

Clean store i couldn't find the cards i was looking for but overall organized, workers were…read moreconstantly stocking the shelves and they have a little bit of everything. I must admit i was imagining a straight model trains, cars, planes type store but they have a little bit of everything decor, holiday goodies, arts and crafts, model cars, blank tee shirts for screen printing and even trading cards. Prices didn't seem too crazy, just have to know what you're looking for!

Horrible service in the fabric department. They don't like you to bother them or ask any questions…read more Customers should not have more than 3 fabric cuts!