It looks like someone tossed a giant color grenade into the store and did not clean up. Bring the children and let them paint their own pajamas, sheets and pillowcases. The adults will have as much fun choosing from painted sneakers, spectacular furniture and original artwork from more than 100 local artists, who list their goods here on consignment. Though most of the stock is for the kids, there are plenty of great gifts for everyone.

This shop is for those who have a taste for imported or hard-to-find specialty food items. Those tinned biscuits you enjoyed so much on your trip to Scotland are likely to be here, alongside wine-filled chocolates, tins of pungent candies and mints, coffees, teas, cheeses and hot sauces of every conceivable origin. There is a vast selection of gift baskets and samplers, and the deli has delicious and unusual meats and cheeses.

Do not expect to find books on the Boston Tea Party here; the revolution in question here is the Marxist, Leninist and Maoist kind. But you do not have to be a Communist; the bookstore also sells books on non-party issues like feminism, police brutality and the dubious conviction of Mumia Abu-Jamal. The staff is made up entirely of volunteers, so you are sure to find an enthusiastic and educated person to answer any questions you may have. The store sponsors occasional events, including video screenings and lectures.

Comics and science fiction melt into one giant maelstrom of fun at this popular Harvard Square store, where the shelves are lined with every conceivable comic and an impressive display of sci-fi novels. Superheroes and aliens keep watch over the entire store, which also includes a mighty poster selection, toys and T shirts. Not to mention the who's who of the comic world and Sci-Fi action figures. So head down to this store to add to your collection.

This Harvard Square tobacconist has been around for more than a century. Not only will you find a wide selection of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smoking accessories, but an array of other novelty merchandise. Like many other stores in the area, this store stocks Harvard University memorabilia. It also carries a fun selection of shaving kits, board games and antique toys.

Claiming to offer the biggest selection of foreign books in North America, this establishment is right at home in scholarly Harvard Square. The stock includes classics in original Greek or Latin, contemporary foreign literature and language education materials. The only translations available are for children's books. The most extensive selection is in French, Spanish, German and Russian, but hundreds of languages and dialects are represented. The store has been around since 1856, which is a long time in any language.

Have an afternoon to kill? Wildly disorganized, but lots of fun to browse through, the many books of this store spill out of their shelves into piles on the floor. Most bookworms enjoy digging through the stacks and discovering obscure volumes that they had forgotten existed. If you are trying to find something in particular, happy hunting. However, the proprietor will try to point you in the correct general direction.

Unlike the understated counterpart, WordsWorth Books, down the street, Curious George & Friends is slick and bright, and it sells more than just books. Crammed from floor to ceiling with children's delights, the selection of toys may seduce even the most reluctant young readers. Though the display of children's gifts is impressive, the book selection itself boasts over 20,000 titles, some of which feature the eponymous monkey.

Grolier Poetry Book Shop is a slice of literary heaven that sells nothing but poems. The cozy shop opened its doors in 1927 and was frequented by well-known poets of the day. The sales staff is very knowledgeable and can help you find even the most obscure works. It is piled high with more than 15,000 poetry volumes in several languages and hosts regular events and an annual poetry festival. If you're not a poetry buff when you enter, you may be one by the time you leave.

Founded in 1882, the Harvard Square Coop operates student-oriented stores offering a wide selection of textbooks, general-interest books, office supplies and school insignia merchandise, including Harvard and M.I.T. gear. Members are entitled to annual rebates based on their purchases. You do not have to be a member to shop here, however. Shop here and you are sure to vouch for the quality of goods and friendly service offered by this store.