You will be amazed by the selection of items from Israel in Kolbo. Handmade wooden toys for children smile from their perches, while rows of shelves house books and magazines. Framed paintings and other works of art decorate the walls, and bins offer both classical and contemporary Jewish music. This is a great place to explore and learn about Judaic crafts and culture.

Walk down the steps to this Coolidge Corner antique store and you will find one of the best selections of Art Deco antiques in town. The specialty here is decorative glass, and you will be amazed by the vivid colors and shapes of the glassware, stained glass pieces and other assorted home goods. Most items date back to the 1930s, bringing a special air of nostalgia to this hideaway from the bustling street outside. You will find some great gifts here for yourself, your home, or anyone who appreciates fine antiques.

With 100 stores and restaurants to browse through, one can find just about everything within this multi-level complex. Neiman Marcus is a featured store with polite sales clerks who actually take your name and number if they are out of desired stock. There are Gucci, BeBe, Kenneth Cole, Williams-Sonoma, Mark Cross, fcuk, Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren Polo stores as well as the ever-familiar GAP, Banana Republic, J. Crew and Victoria's Secret.

Ari Boston is the perfect location for corporate men on the fast track to success, or for those who just want to dress like they are. It has everything you need to look good at the office, at home or at an elegant function. European suits are ready-to-tailor by ARI's staff, and the store offers a vast collection of silk ties, tuxedos, dress shirts, slacks and leather shoes to complement the look. The prices are not cheap, but the quality is fantastic and the service just as good.

You will find everything you need to play in all seasons here: soccer and hockey equipment, lacrosse sticks, rugby shirts, tennis rackets, swimming gear, in-line skates, exercise gear and winter clothing for the slopes. This crowded, old-time sporting-goods store also carries athletic shoes and popular backyard games such as croquet, volleyball and even bocce.

Looking to try your hand at tennis or squash? Get the proper attire at Tennis & Squash Shop, which has the clothing, equipment, and accessories you will need to get started. The store also carries rackets, balls and shoes, as well as designer garb. Tennis and squash enthusiasts will find everything they need to outfit themselves for serious battle on the courts.

This small, indoor mall is an urban oasis for shoppers. The interior offers a pleasant atmosphere, with marble floors and glass ceiling. Slaves to fashion will appreciate the selection of upscale clothing shops. Design shops, stationery stores and gift boutiques are also on hand. For tickets to Boston Duck Tours, get in the line that forms in the center of the atrium. Dining includes Legal Seafoods Restaurant and the renowned Top of the Hub. For a quicker meal, the food court has plenty of cuisine to choose from. A bank, post office and market are also on premises.

Ideally located across from the Boston Public Library, this store's tagline alone-rare and unusual books-is enough to make many stop and take a peek. You'll be glad you did when you see the weird and wild selection of volumes for sale here: literary first editions, science fiction novels, juvenile literature, private collections, limited signed editions, miniatures and much more. If you can't find it elsewhere, you may well be able to find it here.

Proceeds and donations from this used bookstore in Cambridge go to scholarship funds at Bryn Mawr College. The wide variety of used and rare books is certainly enticing, and the fact that the store's profits go to help out a worthy charity is a great bonus. The relaxing, unassuming atmosphere and helpful staff make this a great place to spend an afternoon browsing at some of the great works of our time.

Barbara's Bestsellers on the waterfront focuses on the latest and greatest hits off the bestseller lists. Mysteries, thrillers, romance novels and a few non-fiction titles find a home at Barbara's, which seems to be most commonly frequented by weary subway commuters looking for something easy to read on the way into work or home. Whatever the case, if you're looking for a great read and work near the waterfront, this is the place to drop by.