Maxima Center

We search out these kinds of stores in every city we are in (which are numerous). This is the best we’ve ever seen. I must be back in here.

Loathe gift shops. Loathe. Them. They induce in me fever, itching, regrets, indecision, amnesia, hives.
But Maxima is relatively painless. A really well-​curated selection of children’s books, actually fun toys and beautiful, hand-​made things for adults. What kind of things? Oh, I don’t know, the type of things you find a gift shops. But nicer. My brain only goes slightly dim in Maxima. Also, cards you aren’t embarrassed to give to other adults.

If price is no object this is hands down a 5 star shop. When looking for something unqiue for our nieces and nephews this is the place we stop by first. They have a great selection of items for newborns through young children. Even some artsy gifts for adults. The staff (think mom and pop) is very helpful and you should utilize them as it can be hard picking gifts for a child. They are well versed in their selection. Sometimes I have trouble finding the right gift in my budget in this store but this is a place we frequent when looking for children’s gifts, whether it’s browsing or buying.

The sign above the store doesn’t do it justice. Great gifts for adults, kids, and babies. The items are generally contemporary, designy, and/​or crafty. The greeting cards are great, too. I’m a big online shopper, mostly because there are so few brick and mortar stores that appeal to me. But I really miss seeing things ‘in person’ and purchasing them on the spot. Maxima is one of the few such stores I really like and know I’ll find something at.

Nice gifts at a variety of price points in a great neighborhood store. This is our go-​to place for kids birthday gifts and for little items that brighten up a home. The owners are super nice and have excellent taste and have created the kind of store you want to be in.

Maxima is an excellent, go-​to destination for kids’ and adults’ novelty items. A short list of the kinds of things one might find there would include (deep breath): books (kid and adult), cards, Sock Lady mismatched socks that rock my and my kids’ feet, magic wands, cute onesies, Robeez shoes, art projects, gorgeous mugs, beautiful and funky jewelry, clocks, shawls, games, dress-​up clothes, pencils, things that wind up and move in interesting ways, and… well, gosh. Probably other stuff, too, but I can’t keep it all in my head, now can I?
A true story: I went in a couple weeks ago to see if they had Robeez to fit my larger than expected toddler boy, who grew out of his size 12 – 18 month pair much earlier than 18 months (he’s only 17 months now). They don’t normally carry his size in the styles that I liked, because most kids who wear the 18 – 24 month size aren’t still beginning walkers. But, after a quick discussion with the manager who was working that day, she agreed to order two styles in his size so I could look at them in person, since the catalog pictures were not clear enough about the details for me to choose. They arrived within a week, and presto! New, gecko indoor slipper-​shoes now adorn his chubby feet and help keep them warm (in part by keeping his socks on :)).
I *love* supporting local, non-​chain stores. I know that the bigger chains would never have offered to do something that they don’t usually do for a single customer. Because they’re a small, independent store, they don’t buy in huge quantity, and so their prices are on the higher side; but they’re certainly fair. They are not making any attempts to make extra money just because they carry cool merchandise. I know this because I know how much Robeez (and Sock Lady socks, and board books, etc) cost elsewhere, and that’s how much I paid.
Rock on, Maxima! We’ll stop by frequently on our walks through the neighborhood to see what you’ve gotten in lately.

Living just two blocks away from this store may just be too close because I frequent there more and more. Not only do I love the quirky items that are always home run gifts, I love the store hours! It feels as if most privately owned businesses in Arlington shut down around 5 – 6:00p, but Maxima stays open until 8:00 so that people who work normal 9 – 5 jobs can still pick up a last minute gift that is sure to please. Also, the people that work there are very kind and personable.

The kind of cute shop that fits right in Arlington! Expensive, but that’s pretty much what I’d expect from a gift shop like this. They sell jewelry, kitschy décor, pottery, candles, and good quality children’s toys. The woman who works there was friendly and a few people who came in seemed to be regulars.

Ugh, it’s so expensive, but the selection of kid and infant gifts is great. Even though I hate paying a little more for toy landfill, I always procrastinate and find myself rushing here to buy the perfect gift.
The staff is fun, and you can really tell that they love their job… Even when my kid is dumping baskets full of toys on the floor. Quote: «She is so spirited! What a delight!» Delight? Hmmm…

It’s just the sort of store that you like to have in the neighborhood. Great for browsing and gift buying. They have reasonably priced pottery, frames, jewelry, books, cards and a nice selection of baby gifts (books, stuffed animals, puppets, learning toys). The owner is friendly and helpful.

Awesome gift store owned and staffed by very helpful and friendly women. A wide range of unique and artsy housewares, jewelry and gifts and a children’s section of engaging toys and fun items. Shop has a ton of wonderful merchandise but it is displayed so well that you are not overwhelmed. Love that they carry items in all price ranges and gift wrap everything for you. A couple of years ago I sent my boss to Maxima on Christmas Eve. His wife sent me a thank you note for sending him to a shop where he could buy gifts for her, their children and grandchildren that they all actually loved and wolud use. My only problem with Maxima is that when I go there I always leave with a little gift for myself which is not really their fault but my weak willpower’s.

Adorable store and lovely owners! Found so many beautiful items, just the kind of ceramics, house items, jewelry, kids toys, books, and cards that I love but that I would never have dreamed I could find all in the same store! Great selection, guys! Keep up the good work! (:

I concur with the other posts (I always read several before writing my own!!). They have cute, some trendy items but worth looking through for the few things that are your style or perfect for a friend. I got some nice crystal jewelry made by someone in the area. There was so much too look at not only on the shelves, but also hanging from ceiling and on walls… The store is very full and has two sections. One is general gifts and houseares and the other sections is kids/​baby. Had a good time in there and the owners were chatty and nice.

This store, right down the street from Monroe Saltworks and following a similar aesthetic, has a wide and ecclectic collection of gifts, toys, and all sorts of trinkets. The prices vary depending on what you’re looking at, from cheap and unique little trinkets to expensive but unique ceramics. There is a quirkly selection of books and calenders, rather a large corner of interesting stuffed animas/​games, and everything is arranged in a sort of accessible and encouraging way. The women who work there are nice too.

Given their rigorous parsimony, Maxima Center provides a compendium of objects that opens up a broader dialogue. Quite impressive.

This weekend, Maxima celebrated their 10^th anniversary and had the refreshments to prove it. I stopped in to get a housewarming gift and their 50% off rack was just the place to pick one up. In general, I think you’ll find the same types of things at Maxima that you might find at Monroe Saltworks with more baby merchandise. It’s worth a looksee.

This gift store is super cute & trendy. They have great jewelry, toys, kitchen accessories, cards, & more. I’ve been to the Waltham one, but it is sadly closing. Great place to shop for birthdays and what not, reminds me a little bit of Casa de Moda in Beverly. Staff is friendly & helpful.