If you're on the way to a child's birthday party and realize you still don't have a present, stop in at Wellesley Toy Shop, where you are sure to find something to fit your needs. The toy store, which is located on Central Street, has offered toys for all ages since 1994. Pop next door to sister store Wellesley Gift Shop for a birthday card, and you're on your way.
The Paper Source on Church Street offers a wide variety of printing services and a huge selection of custom products, including stationery, envelopes, invitations, announcements, craft kits, office products and much more. Overwhelmed by the options? The stationer even offers "how to" workshops! Located at 45 Church St., this paper haven is one of many friendly and welcoming Paper Source retail locations.
SeaGlassWear Jewelry is a seaglass jewelry store based in Wellesley and sold at such high-profile locations as the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Kendall Art Gallery and the Woodmere Art Museum. Owned by art directory, designer and fashion photographer Valerie Gates, jewelry sold include chain bracelets, stud earrings, necklaces, charm bracelets, cufflinks, rings and flower pins. Colors for items include cobalt blue, kelly and olive green, lavender, brown and white.
Visit SeaGlassWear Jewelry's website for more information on the business and store locations.
Wellesley Needlepoint Collection offers hand-painted needlepoint canvases along with a wide variety of stitching threads and needlepoint accessories. The store also offers group and private needlepoint classes, as well as finishing services, and sells a selection of gift items including rhinestone belt buckles, canvas tote bags and an exclusive "Fenway Park Canvas." The vivacious and friendly owner, Cindy Matthews, has been in business since 1996, and knows just about everything there is to know about needlepoint. Visit the Web site to find out more about the store's classes and services.
This neighborhood, family-owned pharmacy has been around for several generations. When you step inside, three things grab your attention: the large dispensing area where a clutch of pharmacists are churning out prescriptions, a large greeting card section and the basement, which is devoted entirely to toys. Michael Levy, owner, promises the personalized service that has kept this place thriving in the face of big box competition.
The 35-year-old artisans' cooperative is filled with unique and beautiful artwork and designs from the New England area. The gallery store's handcrafted items range from pottery and blown glassware to jewelry and wool sweaters. There is always a featured artist working who is knowledgeable about the items in the store, and the rotating selection means there's always a new treasure to discover. Visit the Web site for more information about the cooperative.
European Manor, a Wellesley fixture since 1986, sells a collection of home furnishings and decorative accents in a variety of styles. Items are displayed in natural groupings to help shoppers picture them in place in the home – lamps on end tables rather than shelves or racks, for example. The store has also started carrying a small selection of jewelry, some locally made. Visit the Web site to find out more about the store's eclectic inventory.
The independent, locally owned bookstore has been in Wellesley since 1999. Like its sister store in Brookline, the store sponsors regular events with both local and national authors. The store's friendly staff members are proud to be independent of any national chain, and challenge any other bookstore to provide better customer service. It buys used books on the first and third Friday and Saturday of each month from 1pm to 4pm.
Papyrus is a specialty retailer with stores located nationwide. It sells contemporary greeting cards, invitations and stationery and provides custom printing services. It also sells jewelry, scarves, hats, handbags and gift wrap.
Located in Wellesley Square amidst a variety of great shops and restaurants, the store has been selling unique and stylish furniture since 1985. It offers handmade products from all over the world that are sure to liven up any kitchen, living room or bedroom. Comina's products include leather sofas from Holland, dishware from Zimbabwe and glassware from Italy. Not only is the retail showroom stunning, but the staff is very personable and happy to help you with any and every inquiry that you may have.
You can decorate any part of your house with the help of this little boutique. Open since 1976, Cachet carries all of your bathroom, dining room, living room and bedroom needs. Customer favorites include the exceptional place-mats, linens and napkins, and you can always find a unique gift because most of the items come from exclusive lines by designers like Simon Pearce and MacKenzie-Childs. Co-owners Ginny and Bob Otto are acquainted with nearly everyone who enters their store, and are always happy to help with design tips. Visit the Web site to find out more about the store's unique selection of home goods.
Lux Bond & Green puts the "lux" in luxurious jewelry. Sparkling diamonds, pristine watches and crystal glassware line the shelves of the surprisingly large store found in downtown Wellesley. The jewelry shop is perfect for special occasion gifts and weddings, and the staff is on hand to give you all the guidance you need to pick out the perfect item. Other merchandise includes fine china and table accessories, all sure to dazzle your guests at your next dinner party.