The Cambridge location of this national chain has a huge inventory of arts and crafts supplies. There is a great selection of paper, from stationery to mattes, in a kaleidoscope of colors and designs. Fine art supplies, such as paints and brushes, are on the second floor, pens and books are on the first floor, and craft materials are packed into the basement. Best of all, if they do not have it, the friendly staff tells you who does.

Among its many truly exotic gift ideas, this store offers a most impressive array of musical instruments from around the world-pan flutes, pipes, drums and cymbals, xylophones and Chilean rain sticks are just a few. You will also find Latin American paintings, tapestries and blankets, Southeast Asian pottery and ceramics, and small objects d'art from remote African nations like Ghana.

This bookstore has one of Boston's most exhaustive selections of New Age books and paraphernalia. Soft music and wafting incense will greet you as you enter the store. Crystals, incense, books and videos can be found here, and you can also get a psychic reading. This is a major meeting place for Boston's large New Age community. The place has a good vibe and a specific theme. All in all a great store to mingle with the locals and to find good reads.

They are serious about the name-there are real vinyl records, and most of the music (in any format) is inexpensive. The LPs include lots of jazz, blues and folk, as well as rock and pop. If you have the patience to flip through boxes of CDs without jewelcases, anything you pick up is reasonably priced. Even box sets are affordable at these prices. In addition to the records, tapes and CDs, there is a small selection of videotapes.

Since 1986, Cambridge's biggest second-hand store has helped thrifty souls outfit themselves for proms, job interviews, costume parties and everyday life. Suits, jeans, and shoes comprise the front section of the large store; the back room boasts Austin Powers-esque 60s and 70s vintage threads. If you do not mind picking through piles of rejects, try the chaotic Dollar-A-Pound store downstairs, which also sells books and assorted oddities.

Tired of bookstores with paltry science fiction sections that offer you the cliched and limited collection of books? Shop at the Pandemonium Books & Games, because it knows that there is more to fantasy and science fiction than Star Wars, and more to horror than Stephen King. New, used and autographed books are the main attraction, but expect to be tempted by assorted role-playing games and toys. No request is too obscure; no question is too weird.

Looking for a truly unique gift? Then stop by OMEN: Psychic Parlor & Witchcraft Emporium for everything one-of-a kind in Salem. You can find anything you need for magic and divination thanks to the wide variety of items for sale in-store and through their online store.  You can also arrange for psychic readings while in the shop with many of the on-hand fortune tellers.

Okaidi is a Parisian transplant offering that je-ne-sais-quoi to the Natick Collection and your tyke's wardrobe. The clothes offer effortless quality and adorableness, while erring on the not-too-precious side. Little Sara and Jake will be as comfortable in their Okaidi duds as Nathalie and Pierre. This is no Target, but the prices stay reasonable. Some of the styles are a bit obvious-striped rugby shirts, anyone?-and others impractical, referring here to the second-grader-sized bolero. But overall the fashion is geared toward real, live children. The store's manager touts the frequent arrival of new goods. - Anais Wheeler

Yes it is, at core, a furniture store, and yes, you can come here just to buy furniture. But Jordan's genius is merely hinted at in the store's slogan, "Not Just A Store an Experience." Indeed. The Natick branch has a New Orleans theme, which becomes obvious when you are handed Mardi Gras beads upon entry, or when the show starts at the top of every hour. Jordan's is a Boston institution for its innovative business model, which brings people in for the IMAX theater shows or to see Natick's own Disney-esque Bourbon Street and sends them home with visions of ottomans dancing in their heads. A New England must. - Anais Wheeler

Located in Burlington, the store for the outdoor clothing, books, home goods and equipment giant L.L. Bean offers an endless supply of goods for men, women, children and pets. Find the best quality casual and formal attire here at L. L. Bean. If you are the outdoor type and like to go to hikes and treks, then you should check out the stuff such as trapper blankets and backpacks. The store also offers adventure walks and tours, for more details about these you can check the website.