Why You Should Go: In the search for the perfect gift, you've braved throngs of mall shoppers, overly enthusiastic sales associates, and an awkward stand-off with a tween over the last copy of "The Hunger Games"…only to find the gift-ee already owns the exact same thing. Avoid this situation by finding a unique, one-of-a-kind gift at Elemental, an eclectic home goods and design store.

Why You'll Love It: A spot where creativity and humor meet concept and design, Elemental is "a design store with an art gallery component" stocked full of innovative items and conversation starters. As an "art gallery", each month they feature a new designer's products, helping to support artists and keep their clientele up-to-date on emerging talent.

What To Buy: Shelves are stocked with creative and whimsical items like 3D armed notebooks, book rest lamps that keep your spot and emit soft light, and kits for making book stools. Their collection offers everything from modern furnishings (eco-friendly neon dining chairs) and decor (train-shaped erase boards) to lighting (milk bottle lamps) and transport (rubber messenger bags).