Kudos to Curate for braving the pandemic and bringing a new gift shop to Cushing Square at a…read morechallenging time! It's conveniently located in the heart of the Square near Savino's, Ovenbird, and the Spirited Gourmet, my other favorite neighbor businesses. Curate is a bright little shop with a variety of classy and fun gifts, stationary, and home items that change with the seasons. I usually pop in to buy a card and a chat with the owner. I've found gifts for hosts, housewarmings, and occasions in between. I especially like their candle selection, many of which are soy based. They carry amazing scents from a small business in Rhode Island, with candles and lotions that smell exactly like the seashore. After a cousin fell in love with one of them, I bought a bagful at the end of the season clearance to treat relatives to a scent party. They also carry British Christmas crackers when in season (like now!). These are so hard to find! The crackers (beautiful wrapped cylinders that pop open when pulled to reveal little gifts) delighted my family when I brought them to our holiday gatherings last year. (Note that crackers contain a tiny amount of gunpowder and technically can't go on a flight, something I had tried before...!) Curate's products tend towards the classy side with mid to higher prices to match. Sometimes I just go to poke around and see what's new. They have some baby gifts and customized items for Belmont and Watertown, but if you want a wider selection, I would go elsewhere. The owner has also kindly offered to order things that I couldn't find directly in the shop, but I haven't tried that option yet.

I found a very thoughtful selection of gifts and items I wanted for myself at Curate. The…read moreshopkeeper was personable and friendly but not intrusive. I look forward to seeing what other treasures are offered from this shop.

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.

Lovely neighborhood shop that adds such charm to the square. Elizabeth is warm and welcoming and…read morehas super positive, calm energy. She's curated excellent gifts at various price points. and she keeps up with the seasons and holidays. All around favorite shop nearby and wonderful for little gifts.

Such a great little store with wonderful staff. They have tons of gift options, but also plenty of…read more"I need this in my house stat" and "ooo I didn't know that was a thing, how handy/cool/lovely/pretty/tasty" options. You'll always find something you want/need here, and it's great for just browsing or going in with a specific gift or item in mind. Excellent place to shop local.

It's just the best place for fountain pens, paper, ink, gifts! Local owner. Great items for…read morereasonable prices. Love it!

Sweet little shop, just a bit outside Boston, but well worth the stop. I loved the sweet Japanese…read morestationery section, and the fountain pen case was beautiful with Sailor, Pilot, Kaweco, Opus 88, Esterbrook, and others that I hadn't yet come across.

Gifts at Peppermint Place is absolutely adorable and supports a great cause!!…read more I stopped in on a whim trying to waste time before an appointment. They had really cool glass pieces hanging in the store front and I was looking for a gift for my super artsy bridesmaid. They sell local art, jewelery, crafts, knick-knacks and furniture - some even made by residents of Beaverbrook (a non-profit program for adults with disabilities). In fact, the store itself is a training module for its residents with developmental disabilities,helping them transition into the workplace with some confidence and skills. Everything is unique and I would highly recommended bringing your business there. Why not get some totally awesome art and do something good while you're at it?!

They have a lot of different things and at good prices. Last year I went in right before Christmas…read moreto do a little gift shopping and I managed to find some cute things to give as presents and a little something for myself. If you like stores like 10000 villages, you should check this place out.

We are grandparents living in affluent Belmont looking to buy Christmas presents for 5 children 2-9…read moreyears of age. One of us is a person of color and both of us look old-ish. Every single time we have entered this store over the last few years we have been greeted with icy indifference and a reluctance to help. We went in for the first time in 3 years, nothing had changed - never again!

great local toy store with unique products and helpful staff. As a grandma...I definately…read moreappreciated the help and suggestions. I' ll be back soon!

I love jewelry and I love this place ! There is something for every taste. Every time I go Nanette…read morekindly cleans my rings while I shop and make a wish list for my birthday, Christmas or anniversary. Even my kids finds beautiful pieces they can start enjoying, earrings, lovely necklaces, sweet sixteen ring..... You are always welcomed and well taken care of and the sweet part,to me, is that you can find something unique and beautiful ! They will help you find the perfect piece of jewelry for you and will not let you get something that is not sizable to your size and would compromise the beauty and quality of the ring. Trustworthiness and respect is a key component to me and I never have a doubt when ever I enter Fancy flea. Thank you all at Fancy flea !

Rude associate. We came in to look for Waldo. I was browsing their selection and even signed up for…read moreemails n took a card bc my mom loves antiques. Then at the end before leaving, I asked if that's a restroom in the corner. A middle aged blonde lady said "yes but there is a restroom in the restaurant next door." I was gonna bring my parents here to give them business. Not anymore. Snobbiness is never tolerated in retail. And btw you're missing the point of the finding Waldo event. It's to promote your store n be nice to ppl. Not turn them off.

IStone is relatively new to the Newtonville community of shops. Have shopped there a few times,…read morehowever, and have found the selection of goods to be quite varied and wonderful. Pricing is very appropriate. Went in for gifts and was very happy with what I found. Yi, the owner, is incredibly friendly and nice and helpful. I highly recommend.

Such a fun store filled with beautiful crystals, essential oils, incenses, candles, distinctive but…read moreaffordable jewelry. Great for personal relaxation or fun, great gifts for folks of all ages. Storeowner was so nice and welcoming to me and my 10 year old. Can't wait to bring my 12 year old and also my parents. Fun spot and nice store for all ages in Newtonville.