The 10 Best Gift & Specialty Shops in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA)

May 30, 2021 Roger Rusk

Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. Tistik

54 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138-3730 +1 617-661-0900 [email protected] http://www.shoptistik.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

The word tistik means “A warm welcome to you!” in the Mayan language and that is just how you feel as you enter TistiK which showcases the artisanal work of Mexican designers, many from the silver capital of Taxco.

2. Follow the Honey

1132 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-5225 +1 617-945-7356 http://www.followthehoney.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Follow the Honey

3. EHChocolatier

145 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 +1 617-284-6096 [email protected] https://www.ehchocolatier.com/
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

EHChocolatier

Our mission at EHChocolatier is to create bonbons and confections that are the very best they can be. When you bite into our chocolate, we want to put a smile on your face! Freshness and flavor is what makes our chocolates stand out. That is why all of our products are handmade in small batches with attention and care given to each ingredient. Our ganaches are infused with natural, fresh and dried ingredients. No artificial flavors or preservatives are used. We use classic techniques and craft each chocolate by hand to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture and simple beauty.

4. Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative

59A Church St Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138-3715 +1 617-868-4434 [email protected] http://www.cambridgeartistscoop.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative

Cambridge Artists’ Cooperative is located in famous Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1988, we remain an artist owned and operated Gallery of Contemporary American Craft showcasing the work of over 200 artists from across the USA.

Reviewed By Neuron18 - Newton, United States

This shop is situated right off one of the main streets of Harvard Square. They feature crafts by local artists and other hand made goods as well. I saw well done jewelry (but very little gold), excellent leather, glass and many textiles. The shop is quiet and the service is welcoming and warm. A place to see beautiful workmanship, and to shop for unusual and very appealing items.

5. Harvard Cooperative Society

1400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-3807 +1 617-499-2000 [email protected] http://store.thecoop.com
Excellent
46%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Harvard Cooperative Society

"The Coop" is the Harvard college store, known for its expansive collection of books, posters and University insignia merchandise.

6. Formaggio Kitchen

244 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-1328 +1 888-212-3224
Excellent
78%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Specialty food store located in Cambridge that features cheese and pasta.

7. Harvard Book Store

1256 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-3820 +1 617-661-1515 http://www.harvard.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 110 reviews

Harvard Book Store

Reviewed By 487srk - Alonnisos, Greece

Book stores in general are my favorite places. I had to be nearly dragged out of here. For me it was about the titles and selection of books. Hours could be spent in any section. I’ve never seen such a fascinating variety of topics in one bookstore. Blackwing pencils are also sold here, making it true bookworm nirvana.

8. World's Only Curious George Store

1 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138-4908 +1 617-547-4500 http://thecuriousgeorgestore.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

World's Only Curious George Store

We are the World's Only, brick and mortar, retail store for everything Curious George™. We also carry a wide selection of children's books, toys, and clothing that are not Curious George-themed. Located in the heart of Harvard Square, we pick up where the Curious George story left off. Visit our website to read about why Cambridge, MA is so important in Curious George's journey.

9. Raven Used Books

52B Jfk St Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138-4933 +1 617-441-6999 [email protected] http://ravencambridge.com/
Excellent
71%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Raven Used Books

Reviewed By travellingexpat_12 - Seattle, United States

great bookstore with some interesting finds. takes a little bit of digging, but the payoff is worth it. new arrivals stacked by the front door had some great books.

10. The Garment District

200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139-1944 +1 617-876-5230 http://www.garment-district.com/
Excellent
32%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 25 reviews

The Garment District

Reviewed By Savvysmitty

I cannot say I have ever been in a place like this! What a fun experience and found a couple of cool treasures. Definitely make sure you have time to browse...

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