Black Ink Boston
Essentials you didn’t know you needed
Known in my household as "the shiny store" because of the gleaming merchandise cleverly displayed in the front window and on the tall shelves inside, Black Ink is the place to shop when you want a special gift (for yourself or someone else), but don't know exactly what you want.
French- and Spanish-language bingo? Adorable bento boxes? A plastic tiara that says "birthday girl"? Beautiful handbags and wallets, quirky cards for all occasions, Japanese stationery? It's all here, along with vintage-style toys and a selection of glassware, kitchenware, and household and office essentials such as four-way rubber bands, heavy-duty denim aprons, doorstops, and waterproof notebooks. Throw in a carefully curated selection of craft, cookbook, and gift books and games, and you have yourself a pocket-sized shopping emporium. It's the kind of place where you find yourself saying "I forgot all about that!" when you happen upon a jar full of miniature ball-bearing pinball games. Did I mention Tin Tin? The boy detective is all over the place as well in many different options.
Once you find something be sure to take advantage of the wonderful selection of wrapping paper options located behind the counter. You can also find stickers and colorful pens and markers to complete the package. All in all it could be a one stop gift buying destination.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Boston
Eat At Jumbo's – Go vegan, eat burgers
"Eat at Jumbo's" in Boston is a warm/cozy little vegan/veggie paradise! The menu is huge and everything I've tried to date just exceptional...
By
Kristian
Beck
Rick Walker’s – Unexpected cowboy style on Newbury
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
By
Zac
Cardwell
Christina's Ice Cream – Save room for dessert
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
By
Zac
Cardwell
Bobby From Boston – Vintage menswear
"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
By
Zac
Cardwell
Boston Athenaeum – A charming independent library
The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
By
Supriya
Manot
Veggie Crust – A slice of nice
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
By
Kristian
Beck
Rose Kennedy Greenway – Elevated highway to park
"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
By
Zac
Cardwell
Flat Black – Australian style coffee
"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
By
Cris
Concepcion
Charles River Dam – The Musical Locks
"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
By
Cris
Concepcion
Sound Bites – A kinder, gentler breakfast tyrant
"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
By
Cris
Concepcion
Hilton's Tent City – Old school adventure
"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
By