This is a fantastic store. The games are really unique and were all chosen because they stimulate…read morespecific parts of the brain. Some games that are found at Marbles are a spin-off of a popular game, such as chess and tic-tac-toe. The prices are great and not any more expensive then a really well made game. The staff is really friendly and are really approachable. In my experience, I've tried out some games with a sales associate just to narrow down my gift search. All in all, really great selection and a perfect location.

Marbles: The Brain Store:…read more Excellent place to buy games and toys that challenge your brain in different ways - the store is divided into different sections: memory, coordination, visual perception, word skills & critical thinking. The staff is enthusiastic and fun to play with haha. I spent almost an hour playing a number of games with them and bought 1 game and 2 toys (going back for another game next week - I need to pace myself!) Will come in handy during the holidays (they have a wide price range from $10 to over $200). They just opened yesterday - my only complaint is that I wish they'd been open before the hurricane left us with an 8 hour power outage.

I went today to pickup a book at Wellesley books. When checking out, at the front register of…read moreWellesley Books on Washington St. Wellesley, the woman who is tall and in 60s put on the so sweet fake attitude. I said it was a hard book to find. She said it's popular and everyone loves it. Be sure to come back and tell us what you thought of it. When I brought up a historical fiction book I had just finished, related to current times, her attitude totally changed and a condescending disapproval shown through clearly. I don't go to book stores for that and I will not go back.

Classic independent bookstore. Staff was super friendly, space is bright, great selection. Basement…read morehas used books but we didn't have time to go through them-will be back

I absolutely love this bookstore! It's absolutely adorable and has adult books as well as kids…read morebooks. They also have tons of cute gifts, funny stickers, puzzles etc. They run different monthly bookclubs and I love the romance one. Mary is so nice and it is really fun! There is street parking and it is right in downtown Natick. Be sure to stop by and check it out, as well as look at their events online!

Finally, a real local, independent bookstore in Natick! This is a sweet little store, with a very…read morenice selection of books, especially for its size. They have a good-sized selection of kids books (for a store of its size), so it's a good place to bring the kiddos. While it's right on Main Street in downtown Natick, you might miss it if you're driving, since, although it says Ten Trees Books on the door (window?), the big lettering on the building says "The Hive." The store is still kind of in its early days, I think, with plans to add events and such in the works, according to Kim, it's owner, with whom I've had a couple of very friendly conversations. They do currently host a Classics Book Group on the first Thursday evening of the month, but I'm not sure if they have any other book groups yet. I look forward to watching them grow and hope they're able to thrive....I know it's tough for independent bookstores in this day and age, but I also know that Natick is the kind of town to have the type of people who will try and support it. If you live in, or are visiting, Natick and you like books, I heartily recommend checking it out!

The Target in Framingham off Route 30 behind Shopper's World is a large format store with a…read moreconvenient location that makes it an easy stop whether we are coming from the highway or already in the area for other errands. We walked into a store that covers the full Target range including clothing, groceries, electronics, household goods, school supplies, and pharmacy, and the breadth of what is available under one roof is the primary reason we make it a regular stop. The store is generally well stocked and the online order pickup and return process works smoothly, which is one of the more reliable features of this location for anyone who shops Target both in person and through the app. The grocery and food section covers enough ground for supplemental shopping even if it is not a full supermarket replacement. Self-checkout availability fluctuates and on busier evenings the only open lanes have sometimes been limited to ten items or fewer with no full service registers staffed, which creates real friction for anyone doing a substantial shop. For a quick trip or an online pickup, it works well. For a full cart of groceries or household restocking, we plan around the checkout limitations or come during off peak hours.

Target is one of the places you go regardless if you have a list of things you need or not. More…read moreoften than not, you're probably walking out with something you just bought (even if you didn't originally plan on getting anything lol). Target in general a classic place to just walk around and browse. It basically has it all - home finds, clothing, toys, groceries, makeup, everyday essentials, the list goes on. I usually go to the Target in Watertown but whenever I'm in the area I'll come here. The two locations are similar: huge, has tons of parking, and items are generally pretty well-stocked.

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.