So you are running out of time and need one or two more gifts before Christmas? Then stop into Panache Coffee and enjoy your favorite coffee and finish your holiday shopping at the same time.  Panache offers a new high tech way to give a gift.  You can send someone a beverage via text message.  Through a service called KangoGift, you can actually make a purchase on your cell phone, and a text message is sent to the recipient.  The person goes into Panache with their text message and can redeem their gift.  A portion of the proceeds is donated by Panache to a local Framingham school.  What a …

For more than 60 years, Monnick Supply has been selling hardware, tools and paint to the people of Framingham.  The family run business on Waverly St. has an abundance of great gift ideas for just about everyone on your list.  "If we don't have it, you don't really need it." says Debbie DeWolfe, whose father started the business.  DeWolfe and her brothers now run the two Monnick Supply locations – in Framingham and Marlborough.  Indeed, Monnick Supply seems to have just about everything from Snuggie Blankets (and lots of other "as seen on TV" items) to grills, snowblowers, and electric …

A relative newcomer to downtown Framingham, Carvalho’s Jewelers is making a name for itself. The shop is thriving and specializes in custom designed gold and silver jewelry.  The shop is owned by jewelry designer Mario De Carvalho, who opened the shop in a small Union Ave. storefront 2 years ago.  Carvalho’s specializes in custom designed jewelry, general repairs and even offer a scissor sharpening service.  When Framingham Patch stopped by, store associate Tamiris Queiroz showed us a few pieces, that would make great holiday gifts.

Since 1999, cigar and pipe smokers have been coming to Watch City Cigar Company on Route 9 west for the finest in hand-blended tobacco.  The store has 21 varieties of hand-blended tobacco, along with numerous cigars, pipes, and humidors. The full-service smoke shop also carries gift packs and lighters that are sure to impress. Watch City's manager, Ernest Quintiliani, showed Framingham Patch a few gift ideas: lighters for $60 and a hand-carved Turkish pipe for $450.  The store also offer a pipe repair service. "It's a highly specialized product that we offer," says Quintiliani. Watch City …

For nine years, Joyce Jewelry has been helping couples pick out the perfect wedding bands.  With locations in Framingham and Marlborough, the shop specializes in wedding bands, 18k gold jewelry and watch and jewelry repairs.  According to Joyce Jewelry associate Geni, some popular holiday gift items include 18K gold earrings (starting at $38), gold chains with heart pendants  and  gold name necklaces. 

Since 1978, St. Anthony's Book & Gift Shop has been fulfilling the spiritual gift needs of Christians in the Greater Framingham area.  Located on Route 135, the non-profit shop specializes in religious and spiritual items.  In addition to candles, prayer cards, rosary beads and crucifixes, the store carries a large selection of inspirational books, movies and music.  Joe Scarlatta, who runs the store, said "our books and other inspirational items provide lasting spiritual benefits for both the recipient and the giver."  Check out what else Framingham Patch discovered for Christmas gifts in …

Located in the Pinefield Shopping Plaza, Water Street Wine & Spirits has been keeping the cheer in Framingham holiday parties for the past 16 years.  The store offers a wide selection of wines at competitive prices, from locally produced vineyards, to European and South American vineyards.  When Framingham Patch visited recently, they were selling Kendall Jackson Chardonnay for $9.99 (750ml btl) and Mark West Pinot Noir for $10.99 (750 ml btl).  According to assistant manager Ahmad Barnes, gift boxes of liquor with a set of glasses are popular gift items this year.   The store has a selection…

In downtown Framingham for almost 17 years, shop owner Marylou Roseman has seen so many changes.  "There are good businesses here, but people don't realize it. They aren't walking through downtown anymore like they used to" says Roseman.  Hypnotik isn't your average clothing store.  It specializes in deeply discounted juniors fashions, urbanwear and accessories.  Other popular items are the reasonably price nurse's uniforms and hospital scrubs.  On a recent visit, Framingham Patch found some fun clothes at great prices.  They currently have a great selection of t-shirts for just $5 – at these…

Specializing in doggie day care and pet grooming, Flying Fur is the place to pamper your pooch.  Owner Vander Barbosa started out traveling to clients and grooming dogs from his van.  His business grew and now has two MetroWest locations,  Medway and in the Pinefield Shopping Plaza in Framingham's Saxonville neighborhood.  Additionally, the pet boutique offers everything from leashes and collars to dog apparel and hollistic dog food.  On a recent visit to Flying Fur, Framingham patch uncovered some great items for your family mascot or for anyone who is a dog-lover. 

One of the last of the specialty ski shops is located, right here in Framingham.  Summit Ski & Snowboard is a full service, specialty shop that offers great service with a knowledgeable staff.  According to owner Teddy Shiavoni, everyone that works at Summit is dedicated to skiing and snowboarding.  Their expertise is invaluable when helping customers choose just the right product. Currently located at 1000 Worcester Road, the shop is brimming with winter gear, boots, skis and snowboards; with price ranges for everyone.  The business will soon be moving to its new location at 686 Worcester …

Annie's Book Stop and Espresso Paulo in the Nobscot Shopping Center offers much more than books.  Yes, the store specializes in pre-read books, but you can also relax with a great cup of coffee or tea, along with a homemade muffin or scone too.  In addition to gently used books, shoppers canfind a great selection of jewelry made by local  artisans.   The store features an unusual collection of fused glass pieces, ranging in price from $15-$40.  Shoppers also can pick up a pound of fresh ground coffee for that last minute yankee swap. Framingham Patch recently visited and listened to a …

Faster than a speeding train, you can cross off the comic book fan on your holiday shopping list with a visit to Bedrock Comics on Route 9 West. The store has new and vintage comic books, comic book figures, t-shirts and graphic novels.  Store owner Jack Lefevra said Green Lantern items are  hot sellers, as the Green Lantern movie is coming out in 2011. In business for over 30 years, Bedrock Comics has a loyal following.  If you're unsure of what the comic lover in your life may want, Lefevra suggests a gift certificate. "It's always fun to pick out your own gift," he said.

Are you looking for a special gift for a special person on your gift list?  Advanced Gems & Jewelry in Framingham's Pinefield Shopping Plaza can help you find the perfect piece of jewelry. Jennifer and Peter Varriale opened their shop 16 years ago, and have been designing unique pieces and offering personal service ever since. When Framingham patch stopped by, Peter was able to fix a customer's necklace while she waited (in about 5 minutes) and Jennifer was in the process of restringing another customer's pearl necklace into a new pearl bracelet.  All repairs are done on the premises. The …

The original Robinson's Hardware opened in Hudson back in 1874. After all these years and  dozens of ownership changes, the Underwood Family now own and operate two successful Robinson's Hardware stores - the original in Hudson and the one in Pinefield Plaza in the Nobscot section of Framingham. Robinson's Hardware is a hardware store that doesn't feel like a hardware store.  It is bright, clean, and has large, welcoming aisles. The friendly staff is eager to assist with any project or question. Focusing on customer service, the Underwood family prides itself on making everyone's shopping …

Are you ready for 100 miles per gallon?  With gas prices hovering at the $3 per gallon mark, lots of commuters in the Framingham area are turning to scooters for their  daily commute says Metrowest Scooters owner Dana Halcott. Scooters are economical, fun and easy to drive.  Since 2008, Metrowest Scooters on Route 9 West has been the place for scooter sales, service and customer satisfaction.  In addition to the great selection of scooters available, they carry lots of accessories and winter gear that would make great holiday gifts.

For the past 8 years, Whimsy owner Lori Karlsson has been helping kids create their own one-of-a-kind masterpieces.  An arts & crafts studio for children, Whimsy offers an array of choices for young imaginations.  It features paint you own pottery, t-shirts, masks and mosaics, It even has a mining area to pan for gems.  When Framingham Patch visited, the toy shop was full of creative gift items (pictured) of course you can always purchase a gift certificates, and the little artist pick out his/her own gift after the holidays.  

Paramount Harley-Davidson offers much more than motorcycles.  Framingham Patch visited the dealership and  browsed the adjacent Harley store.  If you have someone on your gift list that owns or admires Harleys, then this is a must stop while holiday shopping. The store also sells a variety of signature apparel for adults and children; but a walk through the store will uncover toys, jewelry, and games, too. Check out the rocker and the pjs, Framingham Patch discovered. 

Give the gift of a cherished memory this year with custom framing from Saxonville's Framed in Time. On a recent visit, owner John Fournier showed Framingham Patch  his custom frame shop and gallery.  Specializing in custom retail framing and volume wholesale framing, Framed in Time performs all its work on the premises.  This ensures the highest quality, great prices, and quicker product completion.  Fournier guarantees 100% customer satisfaction.  Also inside the store is the Artful Gift Gallery, which showcases handmade items from local artisans.  Popular items include silver spoon jewelry…

Red Rover Clothing not only offers unique gifts "Made in Massachusetts," they are made in Framingham. Red Rover owner Cindy Walsh, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) designs all the pieces herself. Each year, she features a new, handmade trim design for that season's Polartec outerwear and accessories. Everything is produced in Framingham, above the Vernon Street store. Store employee Sandy said Red Rover jackets, hats and gloves last. She sees customers wearing "vintage Red Rover" designs more than 15 years old.  On a recent visit to the retail store, Framingham Patch…

Walter Dyer is Leather is one of those places that seems like it has been in Framingham forever - just 41 years, to be exact. The Route 9 East store does not advertise or believe in sales gimmicks.  Owner Bruce Dyer (son of the original Walter Dyer) takes pride in his merchandise and the fact that his leather jackets are American made – made here in Massachusetts actually.  During Framingham Patch's recent visit, we found lots of great gift ideas, including a leather Patriots baseball cap, feet-warming moccasins, red boots and beautiful pocketbooks. Check out our photos to view the gift ideas…