A fixture in Coolidge Corner for years, Andre Shoes sells great men's and women's shoes in all the latest styles and colors. You'll find thick-soled leather boots, stylish pumps, relaxing suedes that go with everything and loafers, oxfords and elegant heels perfect for any occasion. A pampering staff can assist you with everything you need, from proper sizing to special orders, and they do it all with a smile.

Antique lighting fixtures are this Coolidge Corner store's specialty, and Appleton Antique Lighting is one that the owners obviously know well. Find turn-of-the-century crystal lamps, gorgeous chandeliers harking back to a different era and much more. The expert staff can answer any lighting questions you might have, such as what kind of electrical work will be needed to make these lighting marvels shine once again.

Israel Book Shop Inc is a fantastic resource for Hebrew literature, orthodox Jewish reading and anything to do with Israel and its culture. Catering to a diverse clientele from the large Jewish community in Brookline and surrounding areas, the store offers periodicals, books and even some small, traditional gifts. The staff is knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

A trove of Indian and Pakistani goods, this shop offers customers an abundance of food stuffs, gifts, novelties and candy, and probably the largest Indian video library in town. Music CDs and video tapes of movies and television programs line a whole wall. A small selection of clothing items, including sarongs and souvenirs from the Kashmir area, round out this unique and fun store.

If you run, whether it's for marathons, wind sprints or jogging, you know the importance of choosing the perfect running shoes. This interactive process demands that you test run several pairs outside and have a host of foot and stride measurements taken. It's as educational as it is rewarding when you walk out with a great new pair of running shoes. The store also has a variety of running clothes and post-run snacks. There are also store locations in Wellesley and Cambridge.

Do your prints justice with good-quality frames perfectly suited for them. This do-it-yourself shop in Brookline Village has an almost endless supply of frames and matting in a cramped and bustling atmosphere. Bring in your print and fix it up against a tan vellum mat, and set it off with an ebony wooden frame for a contemporary look. This place will give you another reason to "say cheese" while posing for photos or maybe even encourage you to become a better shutterbug.

This specialty toy shop has something for every prodigy on your gift list: science kits, challenging puzzles, model kits, old Radio Flyer wagons and an endless assortment of toys to develop those motor skills. Inspire a budding young artist with a new painting kit or pottery wheel. These gifts will inspire, enlighten and entertain your favorite child. Adults who are young at heart will enjoy a trip here as well.

Satisfy your chocolate craving at this wonderful confectioner. You will find a wide variety of dark and milk chocolates, hand-dipped in amazing varieties and shapes, raspberry creams coated in dark Swiss chocolate, milk chocolate coconut balls and hand-dipped strawberries. The staff will make attractive assorted gift baskets for your special someone.

This store offers the kind of clothes that make you want to spin around and be silly in a relaxed, hip sort of way. Flowing skirts and beautiful blouses go perfectly with an assortment of odd accessories and jewelry. You'll find some great hats here as well, the kind you can pull down over your ears, have a lick of hair peeking out and look ever so sexy. You should be able to find everything you need for a party here.

If you are looking for French antiques dating back to the 18th century, this store is a must. The owner visits estate auctions in France several times a year, and brings back formal dining pieces, sideboards, inlaid tables and chairs. Find antiques to outfit your bedroom two doors down at the sister store, Dreaming of Vieux. The atmosphere is warm and interesting, perfect for browsing.