Located at the crossroads between Allentown and Elmwood Avenue, this salon is the only one in Buffalo specializing in professional body piercing. As well, the boutique sells both costume jewelry-surgical stainless steel, niobium and titanium-and 14-carat gold rings at competitive prices.Note: All potential piercees must be 18 years of age or older, or be accompanied by a legal guardian. Group and student discounts available on request.

Headquartered in Tonawanda, north of Buffalo, this long-standing firm provides reasonably-priced confections to private individuals and businesses. Its Elmwood Avenue outlet offers distinctive and delicious chocolate goodies for the connoisseur and the occasional partaker. Also available are special occasion baskets and selections such as sponge candy, sugar-free assortments, and Buffalo Bites. For that special or corporate gift, try one of their custom assortments, complete with chocolate logo centerpiece for that personal touch. Prices vary according to type and quantity.

Known for its selection of women's clothing, jewelry and accessories, this Elmwood Avenue shop attracts both locals and out-of-towners looking for something special. Both the clothing and the accessories are unique and elegant. The store also has a selection of purses. Prices range from inexpensive to expensive for once-in-a-lifetime purchases.

Stop by this Elmwood Avenue novelty shop for a gift that won't be found on every shelf of department stores across the country. Pewter push pins, a tin and handpainted glasses are a few of the priceless treasures in-store. They have great ideas for the child who has every toy mass-produced. A bath set with markers, water dye and bath toys are also available at great rates.

Located in the lively Elmwood Strip of Buffalo's West Side, not far from Delaware Park and the Buffalo State College campus, this gallery and art boutique has been providing customers with top-notch art, art accessories, and gifts at affordable prices since 1984. Among the services offered are limited-edition lithographs, custom picture framing, and plaque mounting for special occasions such as graduations, awards dinners and sports presentations.

This purse and accessory store is conveniently located in a new plaza in suburban East Amherst. In addition to a large selection of handbags, they carry scarves, including those designed for women undergoing cancer treatments who want to cover their hair loss and be fashionable at the same time. Also in stock are purse holders, jewelry, watches, and even children's jewelry and headbands. At Purse Sona you will find unique items that you won't see in other stores. You can even host a private purse and jewelry party at the store, including princess parties for little girls. -Christine A. Smyczynski

The Buffalo Beach House is the largest independently owned swimwear store in Western New York and Southern Ontario. They carry men's, women's and children's suits in all sizes, competitive swimwear, along with cruise wear and resort wear. This 4700-square-foot store has over 1000 swimsuits, from size extra small to size 26. They even carry Miraclesuit swimwear, which will help you look ten pounds slimmer. You can find a swimsuit here any time of year, as opposed to the mall, where they are only available for a few months. Some of the brands they carry include In the Shade, Bare Assets, Speedo, Panama Jack, and more. In addition to swimsuits, they have a selection of cover-ups, shorts, T-shirts, swim goggles, beach towels, and sunglasses. -Christine A. Smyczynski

Since it opened in the early 1990s, Paths, Peaks, and Paddles has grown to be one of New York State's largest shops specializing in outdoor items. They like to refer to themselves as The Candy Store for Outdoor People. The friendly and helpful staff really knows their stuff and all of them are NYS licensed guides. Products they carry include backpacking equipment, tents, and sleeping bags, along with kayaks and canoes, and in the winter, snowshoes. In addition they offer a variety of lessons, like learning to snowshoe or kayak. They offer hiking and backpacking tours, along with canoeing and kayaking excursions. They also teach classes in wilderness first aid, CPR, how to use a GPS, and more. Something broken? They do repairs for canoes and kayaks, tents, sleeping bags and camp stoves. -Christine A. Smyczynski

Feel-Rite is a local health food chain that features a large selection of organic foods, fresh organic produce, supplements, vitamins, natural bath and beauty items, books on nutrition and much more. If Feel-Rite doesn't carry a health product, it probably doesn't exist. The Transit Road and Maple Road locations also have a juice bar and deli that features many vegetarian items. Stop by and check out Feel-Rite if you are looking for a healthier way of life. -Christine a. Smyczynski

This three-generation family business has been a landmark on Grand Island since 1962, offering a unique shopping experience for young and old alike. Choose from souvenirs, cards, gift baskets, and even old-fashioned candies, like root beer barrels, peach stones and licorice. They carry a variety of chocolates, including sponge candy, fudge, novelty chocolates and sugar-free chocolates. Their Christmas room features holiday décor and even a live Santa prior to the holiday. the Easter Bunny pays a visit in spring, and the shop carries over 300 different Easter chocolate shapes made in-house for the holiday. - Christine A. Smyczynski