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.

Balloonantics did centerpieces for my daughter's bat mitzvah service and party this past weekend…read moreand were incredible to work with. They created exactly what we envisioned, were so great to work with, and both rooms looked beautiful. I highly recommend working with them!

I had Ballonantics do the arches for my nieces wedding shower. They where gorgeous. They do…read moreexcellent flower work as well . I have used them for memorials, holidays and just because. Creative and beautiful! Walk in or call, tell them what you're looking for in what colors and be amazed with the delivered result.

We called them last minute (an hour before we needed the bounce house) when another company took my…read moredeposit, didn't show, and wouldn't answer the phone the day of my 6 year old's birthday party. They literally saved the day! We are so thankful and will use them going forward.

From the owner: We take fun seriously by offering the latest, most popular choices in the market place, as we…read morecontinually add new equipment to our inventory. No matter what the occasion you are hosting, a birthday party, school/church fair, town carnival or corporate event, we have what you are looking for. Rental items include Bounce Houses, Obstacle Courses, Water Slides, Dunk Tanks, Carnival Games, Sno-Cone Machines, Popcorn Machines, Cotton Candy Machines, Hot Dog Steamers and all your party supply needs!

This little shop is a great place to stop if you are looking to rent items for an upcoming party or…read moreevent. This store specializes in table covers and runners, but they also have a huge selection of decor items and tables. We recently stopped in here to look for some nautical items for a family members baby shower and we were happy with what we found. We ended up ordering a ton of nautical table runners, decorative boats and we will be back to look again for some more items. The prices here are reasonable and unlike some of the larger rental shops, the staff here is polite and receptive. Mary who owns the store is incredible and every time we have shopped here she has always had what we needed.

This is the best store for you if you are looking to get party rentals and favors , they also have…read moremany truffle wrappers and ballons for you to choose from , will definitely go there again , very friendly owner and staff

I needed to rent 5 cocktail tables....Talk about easy, inexpensive, amazing service, linen white…read moreperfectly pressed table cloths, drop off and pick up without an issue..... I highly recommend Yani at Big Balloons

From the owner: Party planning, party decorators and party supply.read more

A terrific company with GREAT customer service, super pricing and a wonderfully helpful and…read morefriendly staff.

Eric, the owner of First Class Parties is friendly and reliable. We rented a bouncy house/slide for…read moremy son's birthday party. We live in Newton, MA and out of a handful of other local companies, Eric gave the best price. Eric and his brother arrived on time to set it up in our backyard and came back to take it down. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for renting a bouncy house. Two weeks later, we used them for our Elementary School PTO run Halloween Festival. First Class Parties was $175 cheaper than the Newton-based company that the PTO used for the last few years. We will be renting from First Class Parties next year for sure!

From the owner: Moonbounces, Slides, combosread more