Xylem

After eating at Za’s, I stumbled upon a cute little gift shop called Xylem.
They sell seasonal gifts, tea infusers, colorful patterned socks, silicone coasters, cute mugs, jewelry, and baby toys. Some of these gifts make perfect stocking stuffers.
Working at a technology, I decided to get myself a motherboard patterned sock.

Gotta agree with other reviewers — cute stuff BUT much of it is kikkerland, books and other things you can easily get online.
The few local this are mostly jewelry and though they a cool, frankly I’d rather support a store where the staff can bother at least a hello. Browsing a store for 10+ minutes without being acknowledged? Not cool.

This is a really cute little store that I really hope does well. There are a wide variety of items — all of them adorable. Lots of cool, original jewelry too.

This is the type of store you’re rooting for — that you hope the Internet has still provided room to live as a brick-​and-​mortar store.
It has such a of great quirky, beautiful, and local gift ideas. It has a small but solid card section, where I indulged in lots of baby and wedding cards for people who are not yet having weddings or babies. (You get my drift.)
They have some nice coffee table books, jewelry, and baby gifts, as well, including lots of stuff with a Boston theme.

This is a cute gift store, with neat novelty and gift ideas. But the clerk sitting behind the desk comfortably barely looked up from her phone to greet me, to say hello, or ask if I was looking for anything special. Maybe show a little enthusiasm about a new item and engage me somehow? I could have easily spent some good money with Christmas around the corner with several nieces and nephews. But, I made a quick circle and left without spending a dime, I was put off. If I were the owner I’d be pretty upset…

After a nice breakfast at Tatte, we decided to hop over to Xylem and check it out. From the exterior, it honestly looks like a kid’s toy store, but maybe that was intentional because my inner child came gleefully out while perusing. It’s honestly a little like Black Ink and Urban Outfitters meshed together, with price points that are a little more reasonable. (Granted, many are the same or beyond the aforementioned locations) Just looking to peruse, I came out with funny greeting cards (for the nerdy baby shower cards), Moleskine journals, and other randomness. It was to just get lost a little bit– you’ll definitely find something for that someone.
And from one crazy pen person to another, their pens are awesome. I’d definitely be back when I need a unique gift, their selection is much more diverse and larger than UO or Black Ink.

Great store for unusual gifts and fun things for the home. Always a hit.

Xylem is a super-​cute little gift shop in Kendall Square. I’m not 100% sure, but from my browsing, it seems they make an effort to stock local products. In addition to items that evoke Boston, like etched highball glasses or MBTA kitsch, they also carry local designers like NERVOUS jewelry. Items range from kitchen and housewares to scarves and jewelry to baby toys to greeting cards.
I enjoy browsing here, and have picked up fun gifts for friends and family (and, ahem, myself). Prices are moderate and the items are unique. I’ve also found the friendly people who work here strike a good balance between being helpful and being all up in my business.
Consider Xylem for your gift-​giving needs!

Best in-​trend gift shop I’ve discovered in a long time. Multiple price points (many items under $ 20!) that appeal to hipsters of all ages. Gals or guys will find fun distractions in this little nicely merchandised business located in Kendall Square. Excellent place to purchase a quick birthday present that will impress your co-​worker or the perfect baby gift for that dreaded shower.

Best card selection around (including letterpress!) And, a good spot to pop in for a gift (they have lots of kid stuff too!)

Great gifts for just about anyone! This place is cute, bright and simply wonderful if you are a design geek or like modern, cheeky gifts. They also have an outstanding selection of unique greeting cards, including letterpress.

What a fabulous store for gifts. Items I have never seen anywhere else. Went in before the holiday and took care of many on my list. A gift for a newborn or old friend. Can’t wait to go back for some unique gifts.

Mustachioed pacifier, a dumbbell shaped rattle, and a baby bottle that morphs into a sippy cup: a few of the (baby) items this fun, unique gift shop offers. Besides baby items, they also have kitchenware, cookbooks, and toys– a little something for everyone of every age. The store is arranged in a fun way that looks like a design magazine, a kitchen store, and a toy shop had a lovechild. The employees are friendly and helpful but not pushy. Come here for fun, creative, and even useful gifts.

This is my go-​to, gotta getta gift shop. Everything is better than anywhere else, cuter, brighter and just perfect. The only hard part is trying to choose from all the wonderfulness.
A+ all the way– yay!

If I could this store zero stars I would. I went into Xylem this afternoon to look for some Mother’s day gifts. As I walked into the store, I said a cheery hello to the owner who was at the cash register. She looked up and gave me a half forced smile. Not a good start to a retail experience I thought, but decided to go in and browse. As I made my way around the store, I tried again to make a conversation with the lady at the desk by saying «you have some lovely stuff». To this she looked up very annoyed and then looked away, displaying a very obvious «why are you in my store» attitude. I am not sure how she does business, but usually when you want to make a sale, you engage the customer. After such repeated displays of her callous and rude behavior, i immediately left the store. I realize that the store carries some unique and funky items, but they certainly need a lesson in customer service. From the other reviews here, I can see that they may not have had a similar unfortunate experience, but it makes me wonder if this attitude has anything to do with the color of my skin… I hope not!

This is a great store for gifts and quality products. We did a good amount of our Christmas shopping here and use it often for birthday or hostess gifts. Love to support a local small business, but the buyers and staff make it super easy to love Xylem!

The first time I walked past Xylem, it was closed… but the sleek, modern interior caught my eye! I finally got to visit the store a few weeks ago and I fell in love (small shops like this one that carry cutesy, geek-​chic items are right up my alley). ;) I *think* I may like Xylem a little more than Black Ink on Charles Street! Last time I visited Black Ink, I could barely walk around the store because it’s so cramped, and none of the customers were polite enough to move aside. I find Xylem to be more spacious and vibrant. I also love that they have great SALES (the last of which I definitely took advantage of, several times)! :)

This is a very welcome addition to the Kendall/​MIT area.
It’s a really cute, colorful and very vibrant gift shop on Third Street, just a few steps away from the T stop. And right next door to Abigail’s our new favorite place for drinks. If you’re at Abigail’s for a drink or Voltage for coffee, stop in and check out the only gift shop in the neighborhood.
I guarantee you will find nothing like Xylem around here– no other place for unique cards, books, jewelry and gifty treats. It’s great for spur of the moment, last minute shopping. Xylem is somewhat similar to Black Ink over on Charles Street but the inventory at Black Ink is ten times as large, and quite frankly, much more interesting.
The displays are so very perfect and so very neat that it seems almost too organized. Having the person behind the counter sit there and stare at you as you wander around can be intimidating.
We do not have a lot of shopping spots in this neck of the woods by any means and I welcome Xylem with joyful applause. I hope they have staying power and that they continue to add to their inventory and turn things around quickly so that we can find new goodies there all the time. Looks like they’ll be having some sales, so get on their mailing list and pop over.
We need this place to stick around!

I love the store design, atmosphere, and the different selections of items that you can buy :-). I bought a few items on their opening day and one of them was a beautiful necklace I got for my fiancée and she LOVED it and actually wore it that evening to a function that we attended!
I feel very lucky to work literally one door away from the store where I have the option to pick something up for myself, my son, my fiancée, or even a coworker! Gotta love Xylem!!! Congrats on your grand opening!
Casimir–

Awesome store design and selection! I loved everything I picked up at Xylem!