A smoky, spicy aroma welcomes visitors to this quirky shop in the Highlands. Eccentric owner Jorge Castillo enjoys, and sells, perhaps the best sampling of incense in town. Almost more museum than store, the Crystal Dolphin derived its name from the amazing selection of arts and crafts that feature dolphins. Pick one out for the porpoise lover on your list or browse through the endless array of jewelry, crystals and fine art.

Not much escapes the eye of Vic Matich, proprietor of this throwback Highlands boutique. Take a while and cruise his collection of vintage furniture and accessories, ranging from genuine antiques to ultra-hip Art Deco pieces. A nice outdoors section features a variety of merchandise for the fashionable gardener. The 1950s are particularly well-represented here, so if you have a thing for retro-Americana, be ready to exercise some serious self-restraint. You may find yourself wanting to buy Vic out.

Shop owner Terri Hill has put together a stylish gift-giver's paradise. Treat yourself to one of the many lotions or bath salts or pick up a one-of-a-kind candle holder (along with a one-of-a-kind candle). For the serious lover of vintage clothing, head to the rear of the store. The collection of wild styles leans fancifully back toward the 1930s and beyond. Complete the vintage ensemble with a piece of period or artisan jewelry, and let the flapping begin.

If an afternoon of browsing through folk art in the Virginia-Highlands leaves you feeling inspired, then join the fun at this trendy pottery playhouse. Select a piece of unfinished pottery from the rack, then work your artistic magic to create a great souvenir or gift. Pottery comes in all shapes and styles, and is priced from USD3-50. Brushes and supplies are provided, as is paint. Kids are welcomed, but later in the evening, this is really more of an adult activity.

Perhaps the glitziest stop for women's fashion in the Highlands, this small shop is comfortably nestled among some of the city's trendiest shops and restaurants. Everything from high formal wear to casual chic is available, mostly in black, along with a considerable assortment of purses, belts and accessories. The jewelry case alone is worth a trip. If you are in search of high-profile shopping for a cutting-edge look, this is the place for you.

Cramped and dark, this hole-in-the-wall bookshop is like something right out of a movie. Row after row of old and slightly used texts beckons the serious lover of literature to pause for a while and explore. The haphazard arrangement of topics and crowded shelves make you work a bit to find what you're looking for, but it's all part of the charm. Deals range from great to not-so-spectacular, but you can usually get a break on trade-ins.

Finally, an independent video shop that keeps up with the big boys, and then some. All your favorites are here on display, from comedies to documentaries to the classics. But what sets this little shop apart is the expansive collection of fine art, foreign and lesser-known films. Looking for that low-budget Italian horror flick from the 1950s? Chances are good you'll turn it up here. The name on the door says it all.

This store houses an incredible selection of flatware odds and ends (mostly displayed in shoe-boxes, no less). Silver trays, spoons, tea sets and jewelry are all available at surprisingly low prices, as well as silver selections from Tiffany, Strasbourg and Sheffield. For a unique twist on your wrist, don't miss the shop's line of Paloma Picasso originals.

The newest addition to Buckhead's Peachtree Road mega-store block, this athletic warehouse offers an inventory that features nearly every popular sporting good known to modern man. With three levels of sport-specific equipment, the store caters to everyone from rock climbers to power walkers. Galyan's prices are comparable to most department stores and major sporting goods stores. The atmosphere and selection, however, put these pros a few steps above the competition (as does the in-store rock climbing wall). See website for online shopping and locations nationwide.

Proprietor Claudia Thompson's promise of "antiques and provisions" is not an empty one. She has searched the globe for the curious and unusual to stock her little shop in Morningside on the northern fringe of the Virginia Highlands. Hundreds of items you will not find anywhere else are on crowded display, from turn-of-the-century cabinets to beautifully embossed silver wedding certificate holders. Rare framed prints and foreign knick-knacks abound, as well as many unique gift ideas that'll fit right into your budget.