The Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping in Boston

 

Wow! Cyberweek came out of nowhere! I made the fatal mistake of heading to TJ Maxx on Black Friday. The crazy shopping frenzy is just not my scene! It can be overwhelming and difficult to stay focused on what you actually need to buy. I prefer to make a solid Christmas list and shop online! I do like to make a few shopping trips just for fun though because – that’s the holiday spirit.

Keep scrolling to see the best places to shop in Boston!

PS – don’t forget to label your gifts with one of one of my gift tag printable downloads!

(Option 1 & Option 2)

 

 

Local Shopping Destinations:

Assembly Row

The one-stop shop is accessible on the T, and it has all your favorite factory outlets like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft and so many more! Expect some great sales this holiday season – plus, if you’re a student like me, that student discount surely comes in handy! Read about my recent shopping experience at Assembly Row here. 

Burlington Mall

I grew up going to this mall (about a 30-minute drive from Boston), so this is really a no-brainer for me. It has the closest Nordstrom, plus a lovely Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, J.Crew, Madewell, Kate Spade among others! You’ll get the suburban mall experience here!

Cambridge Side Galleria

Another T-accessible shopping center for those who can’t easily get outside of the city. It’s a gorgeous mall with everything you can think of. I love this mall for stores I can’t find elsewhere in the city, but don’t want to go too far.

Newbury Street

A Boston classic. The quintessential shopping district lined with designer shop after designer shop (think Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton), this is the perfect place to go to splurge on your loved ones. On a budget? No problem! There are lots of affordable and lower end shops as well (think H&M, Zara and Forever 2) and everything in between!

The Shops at the Prudential Center

I live close to the “Pru” (as we Bostonians call it), so I’m often cutting in and out of this building to avoid the cold on my way somewhere else. This is so dangerous because there are so many of my favorites here, like Club Monaco, Kate Spade, Sugarfina, Sam Edelman and Vineyard Vines. Plus, if you haven’t been to Eataly yet, this is a MUST.

Copley Place

Connected to the Prudential Center via a catwalk over Huntington Ave, this mall has a very upscale vibe. Here you’ll find Barney’s, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Céline, David Yurman, Jimmy Choo, Saint Laurent, Tiffany’s and Vince – just to name a few. A great destination if you’re looking for a luxury gift.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

I know lots of people who head to the outlets at midnight on Black Friday. I know the deals are great, but that scene just isn’t for me. Too many people and too crowded. That being said, the Wrentham Outlets are still a great place to shop the remainder of the season. About 40 minutes outside of Boston, this location is fairly easy to get to. Just make sure you don’t go on a day when the Patriots are playing or you will be stuck in traffic (the worst!).

 

Online Shopping Destinations

Here’s where I thrive. I much prefer shopping from the comfort of my own laptop where I can fully explore ALL the options before making a purchase decision. Maybe it’s the control freak in me, but I really like to read customer reviews, check other sites for the best prices and let items sit in my cart for a while just to make sure I really want them. Then, and only then, do I place my order. It’s true that nothing quite beats feeling materials and trying outfits on before buying. My secret? Shopping the retailers that offer free shipping and free returns.

Here are my favorites:

Amazon

The return policy varies, but is usually very accommodating, if needed. Plus, you can’t beat a one-stop-shop for literally everything you could ever need.

Nordstrom

Free shipping and free returns. Need I say more? Nordstrom has one of the best selection of gifts for her, gifts for him and gifts for the home. Get 20% of select items through 12/2!

Shopbop / East Dane

These hers and his designer boutiques owned by Amazon have all the hottest styles. Plus, free shipping and free returns. Get your holiday party outfits and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list! Use code WOW35 for an extra 35% off sale styles!

 

 

Happy deal hunting!!

xo