Vis-A-Vis is a small boutique in downtown Nantucket that offers an array of products by local and international brands. Female shoppers are invited here to pick the best of clothing, handbags, accessories, perfumes and jewelry. They also offer a wide selection of contemporary and classic home furnishing, and decorating accessories like rugs and quilts. Check out their online store to make purchases and for the latest merchandise updates.

At Nantucket Looms you can find a special gift for anyone, be it friends or family. At the store you can find a range of hand-woven fabrics, textile pieces, rugs, scarfs, blankets and jewelery with Nantucket themes. They also offer to create patterns and colors to suit your needs. The one-of-a-kind store employs local artisans and weavers to create traditional-style, signature designs. Head here if you wish to buy some souvenirs to take back home. Hours vary by season. Check website for more details.

Located bang opposite the Whaling Museum, The Sunken Ship offers a range of t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, hats, ties and sporting goods like fishing poles, surfboards, baseballs, skate-boards, scuba-diving gears, etc. You can also find a huge stock of Nantucket souvenirs and stickers. The general store houses everything under the sun, and it goes by the saying "If you don't see something, just ask...we probably have it!"

Nantucket is big on water sports and is one of the best places to go windsurfing and kayaking. When looking out to buy equipments for the same, head to Force 5 Watersports-a small boutique located in town. The store has a good collection of branded goods and some amazing choice of apparels and accessories for all ages. In fact, you will be amazed at the product line that it has to offer and includes the best in surfboards, wet suits, beachwear, sunglasses, footwear and bags.

It's not everyday that you come across a place like The Golden Basket. If you do, be warned, they're all imitations. The Golden Basket is the home to the original miniature Nantucket lightship basket, first designed and created in 1977 by Glenaan Elliott Roberts. The baskets are available in 14k, 18k, sterling and platinum silver. The Golden Basket also creates other assorted paraphernalia to suit all kinds of auriferous cravings.

Keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes is always a good idea when you are on vacation. Why not try something a trifle more elegant than the old baseball cap? Consider paying a visit to Peter Beaton Hat Studio. They will be more than happy to fit you into a chic chapeau. They also have a good selection of clothes, shoes, and other accessories available.

If you're staying with friends on Nantucket, you may look around at the decor-the classic furniture, the beach motif-and decide that you want your house to look just like that. Handblock can help you out. It is a purveyor of decorations and accoutrements in the Nantucket style. It offers furniture, glassware, linens, clothes, and other items to lend your home that certain something.

All year long, Nantucket Sleigh Ride keeps a little piece of Christmas alive. It is the home of artist Christopher Radko, who creates Christmas tree ornaments out of blown glass. These ornaments are of excellent caliber and will look impressive on your tree, not to mention they are collectibles and make great gifts. They are available in many different styles, including ornaments from spring, summer, fall and winter. Plan ahead and check it out.

Artist G. S. Hill has a rather unique setup. Upstairs, he has his artist's studio (which is open to the public), where he displays his paintings. Below, in Hill's of Nantucket, he combines art and commerce with a gift shop. This is not, however, merely a souvenir shop. Hill's offers gifts that are almost art themselves, including ivory bookmarks and Christmas tree ornaments (made from old piano keys) and other distinctly Nantucket gifts.

L'Ile de France French General Store establishment stands out even from the rather singular emporiums of Nantucket. L'Ile de France offers French imports of every stripe, including tableware, decorations, and select food products. If you are decorating your home and want to add the flavor of France, start here at L'Ile de France. Located directly across from the Visitor Information Center.