Where This Shopping Expert Seeks Out One-of-a-Kind Gifts

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While the Back Bay boasts world class shopping, we also love to poke around our city's distinct neighborhoods for stores with flavor and finesse. We've asked some local gurus to offer hidden gems so you can try out boutiques beyond the usual suspects. Make room in your retail repertoire for these beloved spots.

Amanda Knorr has worn pretty much every hat when it comes to getting up close and personal with Boston's style scene. Before founding Spreedia.com—a detailed guide to shopping Beantown boutiques—Amanda was the former style and beauty editor at The Improper Bostonian, and also contributed to The Boston Globe, Fodor's Thrillist, Daily Candy, and more. We love her opinions and insights, which always steer us in the right direction for purchases. Here is her favorite spot to indulge in novelty candles and handmade jewelry:

I have to say Patch NYC in Boston's South End. It's boutique Narnia. The shop is in a tucked-away courtyard space in the South End, so when you turn the corner and catch a glimpse of the bright colors, artwork, jewelry, and home decor against the pristine white walls, it's pretty magical. The owners Don and John, the artists behind the majority of what you see, are sweethearts too, which only adds to that warm, local shopping vibe. I buy a lot of gifts here (for others, and myself): handmade jewelry from found objects, paper goods, scarves, and novelty candles (my most recent/frequent purchase). I try to stick to buying the smaller items, but they're just a gateway to the bigger things. I often find myself eyeing pieces that might not make a lot of sense for my tiny apartment (e.g. hmmm, where can I fit that awesome, paper mache gazelle bust?!). It's a slippery slope.

· Patch NYC [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential posts [Racked Boston]