Harvard Square's Holiday Craft Fair isn't just a great place for those who live in Cambridge…read morebecause it is conveniently located right across from the T. Small but filled with unique, homemade local items, it's perfect for gifts for loved ones during the holidays or even treats for yourself. With so many creative, local artists gathered together, it's hard not to give the craft fair five stars. Yes, it's on the tinier size and it's in a cramped basement in an old church in Cambridge, but I don't think that detracts from the point of the fair: to encourage community spirit, to strengthen the local economy and to support locals in their business opportunities.

I stopped by the Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday afternoon, and I was impressed by…read morethe selection of items available. The fair is now both in the church basement, and in a few outside booths on street level in front of the church as well. It's at the corner of Church Street & Mass Ave, across the street from the Harvard Sq. MBTA stop. The vendors are varied, from clock & wind chime creators, to jewelry makers, glass artists, book makers, and even some jam purveyors. I had a great time browsing, and even found the perfect pair of earrings for a hard to shop for friend. (I usually get her a Christmas gift at the Bazaar Bizarre in Boston, but that craft fair isn't happening this year. Chain mail earrings from the Harvard Square Holiday Fair helped me fill the gift giving void.) I recommend stopping by if you're looking for gifts both for others and yourself.

A Truly Extraordinary Boutique & An Even More Extraordinary Owner…read more I've been shopping at Karma for more than 15 years, and in all that time I've never encountered another boutique--or another human--quite like Phuni, the remarkable woman who owns and runs it. She is kind, inspirational, incredibly talented, and has an eye for style that feels almost magical. When I first wandered into Karma all those years ago, I remember thinking the clothes felt a bit expensive for me. What I quickly learned is that the quality is far beyond anything you find elsewhere. Every piece I've purchased has become something I wear joyfully for years. They hold up beautifully, they feel amazing, and I'm constantly stopped by people asking where I got them. Truly, each item ends up paying for itself in longevity and happiness. One of the best parts of shopping here is that Phuni knows me--my style, my size, what flatters me, and what will make me feel wonderful. She regularly brings me pieces I never would have even glanced at, and they end up being the exact things I fall in love with. Last year she suggested a jacket I never would've tried; I wore it - with a fabulous scarf and woven tote bag I also got at Karma, in NYC, snapped a rare selfie because it looked so good, and a woman on the subway stopped to tell me I looked adorable! Phuni also dressed me completely for the night before my daughter's wedding, and the outfit was so special. I continue to wear each piece with joy. In fact, I've asked my husband to skip the flowers for Mother's Day and my birthday-- instead I spend it at Karma. Shopping with Phuni is such a gift in itself. It's not just the clothing, either. I've found beautiful jewelry, scarves, bags, and truly meaningful gifts here. And what makes it even better is that Phuni sources everything she can ethically, sustainably, and through Fair Trade, supporting many women‑owned businesses, including artisans overcoming tremendous challenges such as sex trafficking. Her values are woven into every item she brings into the shop, and you can feel that integrity the moment you walk in. If you read her story (and you absolutely should), you'll understand why this place feels special from the inside out: https://www.cometokarma.com/about. Karma is one of my all‑time favorite places to shop, not just for the clothes but for the warmth, spirit, and generosity of the extraordinary woman behind it. If you're thinking of visiting, don't hesitate. You might walk in for clothes, but you'll walk out feeling seen, uplifted, and beautiful. Highly, highly recommended.

Phuni is amazing! She let me use her restroom. Her store looks amazing. Stop by now.read more

The selection at gateway is wonderful. Pieces range from greeting cards to larger purchases like…read morepaintings. This means you can support artists with any budget.

gateway arts is one of the best art programs ever of all time I first went here back in 2017 and I…read morehad a blast making stuff and having some of them being sold and make money from them while there is a part of me that's wanna go back I know there are times were you have to go to other places but I do go back and visit once in a while but I still come over to the events at times I have met so many awesome people at the place stuff, artists and even interns I have seen some of them go but a few are still there, gateway arts you are an amazing place now and forever.

Terrible attitude for starters. When I walk into their shop, they never say hello. Their…read morecondescending attitude is off putting. And they overcharge for products that other stores carry. In the past, they had a great assortment of unique items and it was my go-to place. No more. That changed with the new manager. Compare that to Mobilia, just down the street, where nothing costs less than $4,000 and yet the owner is always warm and welcoming. Although I may not purchase anything, they always answer my questions and treat me like a queen! What a difference!

Exceptional gift shop. Everything is curated with purpose and love. It's a great experience when…read morethe owner and the staff love the items they are offering. Check out their classes. This is a shop not to be missed.

Wow, fabulous little shop! The selection of yarn was extensive and excellent quality. The ladies in…read morethe shop were very kind and helpful as well. I'll be back for my next project!

I stopped in at this cute , "little" yarn shop while in Massachusetts for my brother's wedding and…read moremy niece's graduation. I was greeted warmly and felt at home as soon as I walked in "The Unruly Stitch" has a wide variety of wool , blended, and cotton yarns throughout the store . In addition, they have cute little extras that make for unique gifts at very reasonable prices.

I got my qipao made here 9 years ago for my wedding and LOVED it. I had fun picking out the fabrics…read moreand did a Western halter top cut, similar to a qipao I had made in Shanghai many years ago. 100% recommend

Incredible fabrics! Van's specializes in silks and they have a great selection of very high quality…read morebrocades and solids. The staff were friendly and helpful. I fully intend on returning for future sewing projects with some of the fabrics that caught my eye. Very very beautiful silks!!

Ancient Moon Beads is an amazing Watertown resource for people who create jewelry and those who…read morewant to buy unusual and fairly priced supplies or pieces of jewelry. The owner is very helpful and very skilled at jewelry making.

I am never disappointed when I walk into Ancient Moon Beads! The owner and the staff are always…read morehelpful and even give instructions on how to use the products!!! Whenever I go in-which is QUITE often-I always find that I leave with more than just the single item that I needed since the prices are great!!! The owner is always one step ahead of the trends bringing in fantastic beads, baubles and findings from every corner of the globe! I can't wait to go in again!!!

New England has a lot of talented artists, and the features at 13Forest Gallery are the most…read moreinteresting I have stumbled upon. Every piece, whether a painting, print, sculpture or other medium has an edge. You'll see a painting that's characteristically beautiful, but there is something that makes it unique. I have a handful of pieces in mind that I want to snag for myself, but I also want to share this place's existence. They have solo shows in their gallery section and do group shows as well ---- keep an eye of for open receptions. Good art isn't cheap, so don't expect to find flea market/amazon prices here. The prints (I like) start at $150. The paintings (I like) start at $1000. I met the owner Marc and he was really helpful. This gallery has been around around for 13(+) years and is an absolute must-visit. If you don't live in the Arlington area, there are restaurants and a theater nearby, so make a day out of it. Overall - this gallery is a gem.

Wonderful little slice of artistic heaven in a stark gallery-less region. Other than college…read moregallery's there are so few galleries left. I had a great conversation with the owner about the local artists represented here. They've curated a great collection. Worth the stop. I'll be back to purchase a few pieces with my husband. The current show, " continuum" is a delight.