A Charles St. staple for more than 30 years, Blackstone's owners Jennifer Hill and Mark Duffy have created a store and an atmosphere that will win you over instantly. Carrying books, gifts, and home accoutrements by local artisans, Blackstone's is a Boston-centric gift shop, with just the right amount of humor, and the warmest possible customer service. Mark may even tell you a childhood story or ask you to make a wish before you depart.

I may've missed the boat on this, but hurricane Sandra Dee just got me thinking about candles. A lot of stores in ...