Dedham Women's Exchange Dedham, MA (part of Boston Guide)

In business since 1914, this non-profit, specialty store features a variety of hand made goods, mainly art 'n' craft gift items designed by folks from all over the country. It isn't easy to leave the store without making a few purchases. Check out the wood-carved jewelry boxes, Oaxacan woodcarvings, tin and alloy trinkets and commercial gifts. Prominent among the goods are Gourdaments: fantasy-like gourd creations, which are rare, and have won nationwide appreciation. The store makes annual donations to the community, to sponsor scholarships, programs for the disabled, library funds and civic causes.