Twinkle lights frame windows, a bell jingles on the door, and candles fill the air with the scent of juniper. There are cheeses to sample, scarves to snuggle and a shopkeeper to meet—a Midwesterner making a brick-and-mortar go of it in a click-to-buy age. She’ll happily chat or share ideas for whoever’s trickiest on your list. The idea is nostalgic, but the goods are modern—and these hometown shops get it right. Read more>
