Shake the Tree

Absolutely adorable, not a Boston gift shop but an actual gift gift shop. The owner is so sweet even openee the store early for us. Really bright and colorful atmosphere

I stumbled in here not expecting anything, but leaving with some beautiful clothes and home accessories! The blond girl working the counter (I am so sorry I don't remember her name) was SO sweet. I am not from the area and asked about store hours/locations etc. She helped with all of that. The store is clean, bright, and has a variety of unique dishes, clothes, jewelry, and trinkets. Very happy I stopped here!

I grew up in Boston and have been going to Shake the Tree for over 10 years. It’s still my favorite store and I make sure to visit every time I’m in Boston. Great for clothes, holiday gifts, etc. It’s a perfectly curated collection

Great gift shop, the owner really has a great eye and keeps it fresh. Gotta say my favorite time of the year here is the holidays because her ornament selection is so unique and good. I’ve purchased frames, books, cards, vases, candles, candy bars etc. as gifts from here. Really great options if you are in a pinch for that certain person you can cheap out on gift wise but you need to not spend a ton. This place is the perfect in between.

On a recent trip to Boston I found this little gem in the North End. I loved everything in the store and bough a great sweater and scarf. I want to take another trip back to Boston just to shop here again. It's the perfect mix of on-trend clothing, accessories and cute house wears.

My family and I always love to stop in here. They have a wonderful and wide selection of items. I recently purchased a winter hat from this store. It was a little expensive but after wearing it I have found that it is best quality hat I have ever owned. Will be back in the future!!

So cute, friendly staff!

Customer service was incredibly disappointing, not a reflection of the quintessential north end friendliness. I stopped in last week to pick up a present for my friend's thesis exhibit at massart after picking up dinner from Pauli's next door. Having previously worked in higher end retail on Newbury, you couldn't give me enough discounts to come in this store, see below 1. The saleswoman didn't greet me, she was the only one in the store. 2. Didn't ask me if I needed any help or why I was stopping in. 3. it was awkward as hell from there. 4. I tried making conversation with her about why I was buying the paper weight and she ignored me. 5. I asked her how long this has been in the north end, I just moved down the street a couple months ago - with a snarky reply "15 years" 6. I asked, "oh.. okay, is this a new store front" ... I already knew the answer, I order from Pauli's 3-4 times a week. Do better, ladies. Please.

Favorite boutique in Boston!! They have lovely pieces that are great for any gift - host, engagement, birthday, friend, etc. Love their cookbook selection and the clothes are gorgeous

Love this store! It has lots of beautiful women's clothing, jewelry, and gift items. The sales associate working there was very helpful and nice.

July 2020 I believe via their email blast, they are reopened/different hours via Stage Three Plan--to be certain, I would check web site and call first if you want to visit them in the North End. I believe with the return to the store they are in the process of shutting down/phasing out the online store.

This is a hidden gem of a shop in the north end. It has women's clothing and a bunch of cool gift type items - flasks, cookbooks, candles, etc. As others have mentioned, the prices can be on the higher side, but the quality of the items is worth it. They will validate parking for the Parcel 7 lot with purchase. $3 parking in Boston is a steal! The owners are also great about supporting their community. They were a stop on the City Solve Urban Race (scavenger hunt) in 2014 and they hosted a Just Us Gals Night Out recently for readers of the Just Us Gals blog.

I was incredibly disappointed with the selection. After reading all the positive reviews and seeing Shake The Tree on all the "Boston must visit" lists, I walked a mile out of my way to visit, and had such high hopes. Instead, I felt like I had walked into an Anthropologie. A lot of the things being sold were in fact also sold at Anthropologie (Voluspa candles, the Ottolenghi cookbooks, etc). The group I was with finished browsing in about 10 minutes, and we all walked out pretty disappointed.

I stumbled on this little gem while wandering around little Italy in Boston. So glad I walked in as I found my new favorite ring - a dazzling periwinkle stone with a gold band. It was definitely a splurge as I'm on a student budget; but you don't walk away from the 'this is it' feeling. Compared to the rest of the store, the ring was a bargain. My only complaint is that I wish the boutique were more affordable. But then again, it's in the heart of where tourists pass through. I particularly appreciated the store manager's friendliness and helpfulness. She was patient in answering my questions and I did not feel rushed to stop trying things on. It's a neat little store with great finds if you've got the budget for it or if you're looking to splurge on a gift or two for yourself or for friends.

Love the frames, candles, and other gifts. Pop in regularly for gifts. Fabulous shoppe!

I miss this boutique! I used to stop in whenever I had a few minutes before work. I love the unique jewelry, decorations, and beautiful dresses they carry! It is the perfect store to find a meaningful, one-of-a-kind gift for someone. The women that work here are also so friendly and helpful. I used to spend a lot of time browsing around and never felt uncomfortable or like I was being stared down, which is not the case for all North End boutiques!

I have insane jealousy! Jealousy this incredible boutique isn't in the town I live in!!! You know it's "your" store when you walk in and want every. Single, Thing. I'm not joking. You could potentially love solely off this store, if it had groceries... They had adorable eclectic home goods like plates, wall decor and lamps, plus a small selection of trendy women's clothes you'd find at a contemporary boutique. My favorite by far was the jewelry collection. While I DIED over this red gem statement ring (forgive me I don't remember the stone), it was a little out of my price range. Thankfully, the lovely store owner walked around and found another statement ring for $50 that I love and has become part of my everyday wardrobe. Every time I come to Boston I will be sure to stop in here... and if you live here, better get there ASAP. You're welcome!

Adam B hit the nail on the head - As a 20-something gal with a low level of expenditure, Shake the Tree tests my willpower in a way no other boutique does. The leather clutch selection is second to none - the staff I spoke to while picking mine out were extremely helpful - and I get compliments on my green latico clutch EVERYWHERE. The perfume selection reeks with excellence (ha!) - but seriously, I've probably tried on each one, and everything smells so sweet and classy. The kitchenware makes me wish HARD that I didn't live in clumsy village - the land where no glass can survive... Alas... someday... I'll reach that higher income bracket and truly indulge in all the finery Shake The Tree has to offer.

I've walked by here every week since July on my way to and from a class. On my way to class, I'm of course in a rush, and on my home, the store is closed. Woe is me. However, last night I left extra early so I had time to pop into the store. I wish I left myself more time. I only had about 5-10 minutes, and quickly browsed all the fun stuff. It reminded me of a mix between Absolutely Fabulous in Inman or Aunt Sadie's in the South End, but where AF is a bit more vintage-y and AS more homey, this place is more on the trend with everything a girl could want to shop for. I had zero time to check out the clothes in back so I'll have to go back soon, but I saw the Orla Kiely bags (I'm not that big a fan of her bags but loooooooove her clothes and wish they weren't so pricey!), the yummy candles, the adorable Parisian accents, the fabulous jewelry and decided I needed to buy SOMETHING to hold me over until next time I came in. I ended up getting a hand crafted card holder by a woman from New York. I can't remember the designer's name but I love it. It's perfect for when I go out and am carrying a clutch and only need a debit card, my ID and some cash, rather than trying to stuff my entire wallet into a small bag. What I love most is that the fabric is made from vintage textiles and every style is different. I'm so into that shit. I definitely want to go back so I could devote much more attention to the jewelry as well as sifting through the racks of clothes. I'm just puzzled as to why it's called a Gallery?

I'm in love. Total: 1 trip Items Purchased: 2 (1 dress and 1 clutch) Items Coveted: Ugh, tons. 1 effing amazing lamp, 1 set of mugs, 1 dress, etc. The owner was so hip and helpful.She told us about how they get new merchandise every day. Also, that lamp that I'm still drooling over could be ordered for me. The store would be a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift for a lady in your life. Between the candles, clothes, baubles, purses, etc. there's really something for everything. And if you are only in it for the booze, they haven't overlooked you either. The store hosts monthly cocktail nights in conjunction with the South End's delight Aunt Sadie's. Though my bank account may be frienemies with this place, my heart is attached. Watch out Shake the Tree, I'll be back.

A sweet little boutique tucked into the North End. I always find great hostess gifts (or just random gifts for friends and family) in this shop. I also can never leave without buying something for myself! Everything is appropriately priced, and there are always great items on sale. The perfume selection is extremely affordable and irresistible, as is the selection of digestif Roost glasses and quirky melamine platters. The shop also hosts a great mix of fashionable clothing and unique jewelry. Occasionally the shop hosts lovely parties that bring in local businesses (cocktails and Lulu's Cupcakes? Yes!) as well as local artists exhibiting their talents. The staff is very helpful and friendly, as well. Lovely, a perfect little shop! A must visit.

I'm intrigued by the poor reviews... makes me wonder if people made a mistake and are talking about another store. I have been to Shake the Tree countless times in the past six months since I work in the neighborhood. The owner (I gather from the Yelp reviews that her name is Marian) is gracious, fun, and down to earth - we often get into conversations about the products I'm buying. The store is full of funky and affordable gifts and clothing. I'm quite the bargain hunter and I have found plenty of surprising and fun items. Including: -a beautiful top by Splendid at 40% off -two Vosges chocolate bars -a small dish handmade by a local artisan -a clutch for a friend's birthday -a leather purse (ok, that one cost me, but I saw nothing like it in any other Boston stores) If you like Lush, as one of the reviewers does, then you might not like this place. It's much less mainstream - you might find something here that no one else has.

Shake the tree is a great boutique shop that offers fabulous fashion for all ages. I went in here just to browse at the fantastic jewelry they have here, hoping to treat myself one day, but I got caught up with these teeny tiny little socks. They had adorable socks from Tumpette that I had to get for my soon to be niece. They shop buyers have fantastic taste for everyone, of all ages! This just goes to show they they have everything here from clothing, jewelry, home decor, books, etc... this is a great place to get a gift, or something to gift yourself.

While I do think many of the items in here our unique, trendy and super girly...man are they over priced. I didn't experience any rudeness from the employees, though I did feel like I was getting the stare down....I guess that is typical of smaller boutiques... To be fair, if I had a gift certificate to shop here I would. They had some amazing jewelry and soaps. Yet, I would rather go to Lush for yummy smelling things....and as far as jewelry, I saw some kick ass glass blown necklaces as Costco for 1/8 of the price here. I can only give it two stars for the actual product. Never have I given a two star review because the price point alone is unfathomable. Until now.

I really like this place! It's a great place to go for gift ideas (mostly for women, but there are some things for men here too). The prices can be a bit high (that's why I'm not giving it five stars), but overall, the quality of the merchandise is great, and they have unique items that make great gifts. I like their handbags, wallets, jewelry, candles, soaps, cards, and books. I bought a book on how to make French macaroons! The Italian, leather handbags are really nice; I've bought a few there over the years. The owner is very nice and approachable, and all of the staff there are very helpful and friendly. Also, they have monthly parties where you can meet a local artist and buy her stuff while eating mini cupcakes or sipping a cocktail. The parties are usually from 7-9 on a Thursday or Friday night, and they are a nice way to mix, mingle, and shop! Check them out!! And you can grab a delicious cupcake at nearby Lulu's... :) Go for the red velvet ones!!

Very cute merchandise. Unique scented candles, jewelry & notebooks. A great place to shop and get gifts for stocking stuffers or for that person that has everything. They are hosting un upcoming book signing for Joanne Chang (owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe). Overall cool, trendy store, but I'll leave my review short & to the point so you are left wanting more...

What do I like about this super cute store? The staff - always friendly and helpful; and of course their merchandise items: *scented candles - I'm absolutely addicted to Yankee Candle, though I love candles sold at STT even more!!! *hand lotion *birthday cards! *leather goodies - totes, clutches and wallets! *unique tops/dresses! *home decor - flower vases, decorative bowls and trays! They have in-store events every month or so, so make sure you get their newsletter!

Do you like unique gifts, fashionable accessories, great decorative items for your home and fun clothes? What about friendly people who also host parties? What about parties that include discounts and free drinks? If you haven't said yes to all of these things, then why are you still reading? This shop has an eclectic assortment of fabulous things. It is not a North End tourist trap, it is a great boutique with plenty to offer. If you like Anthropologie's home section you will find that you like Shake the Tree. As other Yelpers mentioned, the prices are a bit high but they make up for it in other ways. They have a pretty unique offering and they do have discounts. Get on their email list to find out more! What most impresses me about this place is that they are good neighbors. They pull in other local businesses and host parties where they offer goodies from local spots like LuLu's cupcakes or Neptune Oyster . I have only had the pleasure to attend one such event and I definitely took advantage of the HOBO sample sale and some prosecco, too!

What an amazing shop! You can find such a selection of unique gifts (for others as well as yourself) and when I was there, I was able to find plenty of items in my moderate price range that were just as exquisite as the high ticket items. I will definitely return the next time I'm in Boston.

Such a cute gift shop. I frequented this shop almost every week to browse and or buy gifts. They have a great selection of jewelry, clothing, candles, and other gift type accessories. The sale women are always nice and friendly AND the owner was gracious enough to donate to my Marathon fundraising cause. She offered two beautiful vase/pitchers for a marathon auction. Whenever Ian would give me gifts from this place, I always knew it would be a good one. :)

I live in the North End, so I frequent this store, stopping in after work once or twice a week to check out the new stuff. It is definatly pricy, but I have never found any of the workers to be rude. Maybe it's because they recognize me now, but even observing them with others, they always have a smile and appear helpful. I have gotten some candles there and my roomate has gotten some jewlery, including a realy cute gold bird necklace. Clothes there are beautiful and always catch my eye in the window, unfortunatly, they are out of my price range. The other great thing about this store is the party's they have every few weeks. I have been to a few and got a really great henna tattoo! they have free drinks and they feature really intersting artists.

This is one of my favorite fun gifts stores. I started shopping here when they were in Brookline Village and have followed them to their now not so new location. Great selection of delightful, fun and funky perfect presents. I never leave Shake The Tree empty handed. The clothing is on the young side but they sell so much else that this doesn't matter to me. While most of what they sell is for women they do have gifts for guys - my brother loves the bicycle chain bottle opener I bought for his birthday. As a big artsy boutique shopper (& browser) I think the prices are reasonable for what you are getting. Staff has never been anything but polite and helpful to me and they do gift wrap. Check out Shake The Tree the next time you need a great gift.

I cannot say enough about Shake the Tree. It is my go to boutique for unique jewelry, beautiful cards, interesting home decor, and fabulous gifts. Marian the owner is lovely, and has expertly collected an array of designers in one small shop that could keep you entertained for hours taking them all in. I purchased 7 pairs of earrings here for my bridesmaids by at Texas designer, Nunu I couldn't have been happier with the quality, look, and packaging and my bridesmaids were thrilled. My sisters and I all own the gold initial disc necklaces and every year I exchange an ornament with my husband from this shop, it's a special place! I have been shopping here for years, whether I need a gift for my boss, mother-in-law, best friend, or me ;-) I always am able to find what I need. Shake the Tree in the North End is not to be missed.

I am a very goal-oriented shopper...as in, I need a dress and that's what I came for so I can't comment on all the knick knackeries. This is a sweet boutique that definitely reflects the sensibilities of its owner. Having said that, I also find the place a little schizophrenic and in many ways, it reminds me of Anthropologie on a smaller scale. There is pottery, purses, jewelry, chocolate, candles, soap, cookbooks, dresses, stationary, baby blankets, lotion, lamps...my god, what don't they sell? I agree with the previous reviewers that the store is targeting women in their 20s. Except I spent most of my 20s as a starving grad student. As with most boutiques, sizing is extremely limited. However, I don't think their prices are unreasonable. I found a dress for $170 and when I checked it out online, I found it for $198. The other nice thing (unlike Queen Bee and Mint Julep) is that they allow full refunds for up to 3 days. I also like the fact the sales person gave me very honest opinions on how I looked in the dresses, which is nice since I always shop alone. You just don't get that kind of attention at Nordstrom's. I'll be back, mainly because I like supporting independent stores that sell brands that aren't in mainstream stores.

Cute gifts, clothing, jewelry, home, bath & body, and stuff for baby too! I've walked by this place multiple times and finally stepped in today.. my favorite items were the jewelery which are originals made my local artists and the spiffy glass bird vase! Lots of retro styled home accessories and pretty tops & dresses - a little expensive but I will be digging the sale rack for sure! Worth a stop if you're in the area - get on their mailing list.. they have monthly events in-store with artists and cocktails!

Hey guys!! Did you forget your girls birthday again? Need a place where you can find unique gifts? Check this place out. Really cool stuff from everywhere. Trust me she'll realize your gift took a long time to find and that it came from the heart.. Their staff is extremely helpful too. If you need some options on what to get they will find you the perfect gift for any girlfriend. Also, every month they host a trunk show party showcasing local designers new stuff. Check it out!

I like this store quite a bit. It's very similar to Anthropolgie, but on a smaller scale and with the feel-goodness of being a small independent boutique. I've bought a beautiful Latico leather clutch here, which I actually saw later on ebags.com for half price. I got over my anger when I remembered it's better to give back to the small stores... As a college kid, I truly can't afford to buy any of the amazing clothes, so I try to skip them over completely. However, I cannot ignore the amazing jewelry. You can tell each piece is carefully chosen, as they are all fanstastic and unique. The earrings are especially stunnnig. If you're a germaphobe, just beware that customers are allowed to try earrings on, even if they're just browsing. Swab it up. Minus 1 star because I can barely afford anything, and the girl behind the counter gave my friend a dirty look because she just gotten out of work and wasn't dressed too well and had a large bag.

Lovely place with handmade jewelry. A bit on the expensive side, but where else are you going to find this sort of stuff in the North End?

Don't you love it when you walk into a boutique and feel like the owner selected everything in the shop specifically for you? That's how I feel when I go to Shake The Tree. I have a hard time not buying everything in there because it's all right up my alley in terms of style! I also visit Shake The Tree when I need to buy a gift for a friend. They have so many unique items that make perfect presents - candles, jewelry, soaps, perfumes, notebooks, wallets...the list goes on and on. You can find something for every girl in this store. It's truly a gem in the North End!

I am a huge fan of this place for unique gifts. The prices are not cheap, however you tend to find good quality and rather eclectic choices. They have a great selection of soaps, perfumes, accesories, and jewelry. I recently found some very unique Christmas ornaments, which were reasonably priced relative to other items in the store. They also have some handbags there, however one of the staff members of the store complained that the leather purse color faded once it was in the rain. I haven't had any issues with the staff being impolite.

I'll be honest, I sell Flauxy at Shake the Tree. It's the first store that started carrying my work when I moved to Boston after college. But, i'll be honest again and say that I would shop here all the time even if they didn't carry Flauxy. I love the vibe of the new location. Shake The Treet carries some amazing designers like Orla Kiely and Alexis Bittar. Super awesome fabulous staff! Oh, and Marian, the owner, is an amazing lady.

Cute little boutique down the street from Neptune Oyster. Homewares in the front, women's clothing in the back. It's chock full of little small things for your home, or for a hostess gift, like little dishes, salt and pepper shakers, etc. Nice price ranges on their items.

Love love love this shop! They have the most unique items! It's my favorite shop in the north end. Great jewelry, clothing, but their sweet spot is home decor. I have purchased a lot of wonderful thing here! Tea cups, necklaces, gloves, plates, candles... They also have fun, unique events (i.e. Chocolate tasting with a local company) so be sure to follow them on social media.

I adore this little boutique. When it first opened, I couldn't resist walking in because I loved the name of the place. Clever. I always find something in here that I like. They have a great selection of clothes, home décor, and beautiful jewelry. Everything has an artsy feel to it, and its less mainstream than a typical boutique. As Molly S. noted, the clutch section is awesome. Most other reviewers can back that up! My best purchase here has been a red Tano wallet/clutch. I snagged it several months ago, and I use it almost daily. If you're not familiar with Tano, check them out: http://www.tanobag.com/. Shake the Tree carries some of their products. I haven't come upon many places that carry these quality leather goods, so that is a major plus. They also carry an awesome selection of great quality clothes and jewelry that are fun, trendy, and a bit bohemian. The racks are best in the summer months when you can find really nice sun dresses and loose fitting shirts. There's a cute kids section in the back as well! The merchandise in the window displays constantly turns over which gets me in the door every time. Shake the Tree is a great addition to the North End. Sure it is pricey, but you get what you pay for folks :) Happy shopping!

This is definitely my new favorite store. I was pretty much ready to buy everything in it, but instead walked away with a small catch-all tray and a simple gold initial necklace (one I've been dying to make mine for months, but found this one at half the price I normally find!). This is a great place to buy gifts, from candles and knits to mugs and light switch covers. It made me long for my upcoming Paris trip and when I told the owner, Mary Anne, this, she and I started to talk about some of her favorite Paris spots. She was so nice and helpful and we told her we adored her store. Will most definitely be back again and again and again...

Cute shop on a small North End street with a nicely selected trove of merchandise that's ready-made for presents, targeted primarily for women. Not a souvenir shop, not for tourists. Reminds me of many of the smaller independent boutiques in my native Brooklyn. Makes great browsing, if you really look through the items. They have home fragrances (including Voluspa), soaps, decorative items, jewelry, handbags/wallets, accessories, books, cards, clothes, Vosges chocolates, and more.

Adorable shop! Tons of accessories, housewares, and everything in between! I did not expect a shop like this in the North End but was pleasantly surprised. Items are a bit pricey but browsing is free!

This store is lovely. They had great clothes, cute. But they also have wonderful gifts, soaps, bags, cards, etc. The people workign there are also so helpful. I gave 4 stars because they are expensive. But go in NOW they are moving up the street and are having a 40% off sale!

Cute little boutique that carries random everything. Pricey, but if you're looking for something odd/specific and happen to be in the North End, worth a check out. Cashier woman was super nice and helpful. Love it when sales people aren't all pushy/over-attentive to customers and basically harass them.

I walk by this store nearly every day and I almost always like what I see in the window. Drawn in by the display a few times, I was impressed by the eclectic mix of stuff, but HIGHLY dismayed by the prices. The jewelery is great and the knick knacks are unique. The clothes seem very feminine and trendy. I keep going in and hoping for a sale, but I haven't had any luck so far so I think I'll just window shop from now on.

One of the three places in the Boston area (the others are Topaz and Mint Julep) where I actually find jewelry that I like. The housewares and clothing are adorable too, but what's really incredible about this place is the impeccable taste the owner (who's awesome!) has in jewelry. Everything is unique, not-too-expensive (like, you're treating yourself to something nice but not like you're buying a freaking engagement ring), and nothing you could make yourself, if you're into that sort of thing.

Shake the Tree is awesome little shop in the North End with an eclectic mix of goods for sale - clothing, jewelry, books, home decor, candles, hand creams and lotions, etc.... Shake has been in the neighborhood for many years and is a neighborhood anchor. The owner is great, has a great personality, and a wealth of knowledge. She keeps the store well stocked, and continuously updates the product lines. She also throws a lot of evening events in the spring and summer that are worth stopping by! Shake is located at the Greenway Park end of Salem St, one block over from Hanover, in a neat little section of retailers and restaurants.

Cute shop but the clothing was outrageously priced, in my opinion, and most of the things in the store are non-essentials that you could buy knockoffs of from Target. To be honest, it was a weird mix of things (some homegoods, mostly clothing and jewelry) and nothing I saw as very unique- it's the same look as all the other boutiques in town, and all overpriced. The homegood items were also not terribly unique, I mean they are cute and I am sure there are some people who like the idea of buying from a boutique, but I'd rather pay a decent price for a comparable item since I'll never remember where I bought it in five years...

This is clearly a place to go on "Treat Yo Self" day. Although I suppose if you wanted you can treat others too. Very cute selection of stuff from bags, books, scarves, jewelry etc. Prices are high (hence the 'treat') but if you select the right item you would probably get to love it for a long time. I particularly loved their handbags.

This store is just OK, come on people. I walked by it everyday for 4 years and yes, they have really cute things don't get me wrong. But really, do you need anything from here? Absoultely not. Do you need to spend $200 on a shirt you can get someone else for $40? No way. If someone were to ask me about this place i would tell them don't even bother, their clothes are way overpriced and all their cute gatzi things I can get at Marshalls or some place else. It's cute to walk thru if you need to kill some time but that's about it.

Probably my favorite shop in the North End! My go to spot when I need to get a gift for someone. They have everything from cookbooks to beautiful clothes and accessories.. they even have a baby section! These ladies really know how to stock a store with staples and up and coming designers. I always find it hard to leave without buying something for myself.

This store is fabulous! I live in the north end and if you want funky cool gifts, go here! Great clothes, jewelry, cards, candles.. you name it.