Magpie
Categories: Jewelry, Cards & Stationery, Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: Davis Square416 Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02143 (617) 623-3330
- Nearest Transit:
Davis (Red)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Thu 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Fri, Sun 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sat 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
66 Reviews for Magpie
After a few more times at Magpie, I have to say that this place is way overpriced. It seems to have gotten worse than last year.
I hate to say it cause they have some funky and cute stuff. I understand it is all hand crafted, but I don't really spend serious $$$ on stuff I don't need. Especially if it looks like I could make it myself.
It has come to Magpie not even being my go-to for a unique gift, cause frankly I don't want to spend that much on a gift where I feel that I could get something better quality at the same price. Sorry Magpie!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/14/2007
So last weekend I was walking around Davis with the BF wasting time before a movie. I look down the… Read more »
Magpie is an interesting place. Although similar to its competition across the street at D-Squared, their approach in my opinion is distinctly different. Magpie pushes the handmade angle while D-Squared sells unique items that aren't necessarily handmade. While shopping at Magpie I noticed there were a lot of really cute items and I was especially drawn to the handmade bags and wallets. While slightly out of my price range, if I felt like splurging on myself I would definitely grab one of these bags, because you know you will be the only person in the WORLD that has one. The T-shirts displayed were also really cool, however I refuse to pay $24 for ANY kind of t-shirt, handmade or not (unless I absolutely could NOT live without it).
Magpie is kind of like D-Squared in that I wouldn't find myself coming here to necessarily shop (unless it's just to browse really), but instead to find a unique and original gift for someone. I didn't look too closely at all the prices, but they are definitely on the expensive side which I respect since they are probably painstakingly (most of the time) made by hand, and supporting the locals is pretty awesome in my book.
My only real complain is that the size can be claustrophobic, especially if there are more than 5 people in the store. I didn't encounter any nasty employees, in fact, while pondering out loud how much a T-Shirt I was looking at was, the girl on the other side of the rack who I didn't realize worked there politely told me how much it was. So while I wouldn't come out of my way to come to Magpie, if I find myself in the area, I would definitely pop in.
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I don't know what happened. This place has gone down hill in service and up hill in price. I was SO disappointed....The store that once had so much charm and mystique is now just another store with silly things and over priced items. BOO to YOU
P.S The guy behind the counter need and attitude adjustment. Peace out Magpie Hello D2!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/01/2007
I dare anyone to one star Magpie. Dont do it. You have no ground to stand.
The absolute coolest, most… Read more »
We went in here looking for giant squid themed crafty arty stuff. No such luck. But I did get an octopus hand-carved, glass magnet. And it was pretty fun to look around.
We need more giant squid crafting in this world, and they should encourage this.
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My favorite earing's come from here! It's a great place to find jewelry made by local artist.
A friend of mine brought me here since I'd never heard of it and she thought I'd love it. We are both crafty and our gripe with Magpie is the same:
We looooove the cute stuff, quirky and whimsical designs and unique gifts, but we feel we could make these things too, so why pay so much for it at this store??
The space is small, but packed with merchandise. We were there for a long time and didn't get to inspect everything. Their collection of cards was really cute. Unique items that you wouldn't have the patience to do yourself. We did buy some of those.
They had a collection of wallets that were really cute but WAY out of my price range (which, granted, is quite limited).
I loved the baby clothing - nothing too cutesy or stereotypically boy/girl.
Again, a great place to get ideas for your own crafts. If I had more money, I'd love to spend it here on frivoulous trinkets to make my soul feel like an excited anime character.
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what a great little spot. i love supporting local artists, and this is a great spot to do it. i bought by s/o (who, coincidentally, is a maggie who goes by "magpie") part of her birthday gift here, and she dug it enough to want to head to the store that afternoon. great cads, and a really decent selection. i even found prints by a local artist i'd seen on etsy... same price and no shipping - sweet!
Love the concept, not impressed with the goods.
I am in here quite a bit, and it's just sort of a bummer that the inventory doesn't seem to rotate much.
I like to spend money, and it's consistently hard for me to find items that I feel are worth the really overblown prices.
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When I need a gift, I come here. Only problem is that I usually walk out having bought several "gifts" for myself as well! I especially love their jewelry selection.
I think the prices are usually very reasonable, though there's a couple times I'm left scratching my head. Also, if you join their email list, you'll be sent coupons for 20% a couple times a year.
I love the staff! They're great about knowing the different artists and helping you find the perfect gift. Plus I really appreciate that when I've tried on clothes and been kinda iffy about them, they've been totally honest if I shouldn't buy them. I think this fits with their overall vibe of not taking themselves too seriously and being open to every type of consumer -- even if you yourself don't look artsy/indie/etc.
Only downside are the dressing rooms. I wish that there were mirrors inside of each room -- I always hate having to come out to check out if what I have on looks potentially terrible.
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This place is cute, but the items could be cheaper. It's artsy, which is why I like it.
I don't think I should be allowed to go in here because it makes me want to buy everything. It's a crafty, crafty place with all sorts of goodies. They have awesome funky one of a kind jewelry pieces, lots of t-shirts, and funky home decorative accessories. If nothing else, it can give you some good craft project ideas. The price point is really decent, and I managed to not buy the cute silver octopus necklace somehow. So adorable.
The service is nice and not overly pushy. Support the crafty folks and buy awesome things here!
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When I need a birthday gift I usually come here. Well for that matter when I want some nice / funky jewelry for myself I come here too. I have some great necklaces and earrings I've gotten here.
What I love about the place is that it's local - made by local artists. I feel like I'm getting something one of a kind (especially the jewelry). It's nice not to see the necklace or earrings you are wearing on 200 other people as you walk around.
It's a bit small and cramped and there's a lot to see in here - it's packed with stuff, but that's cool with me.
I lurv love luv Magpie. I'm not crafty in any way, so I'm all about supporting other people more talented than myself.
I really love their shirts and hoodies, although I wish there was a larger selection! I did find a Derby Dames hoodie here, but it was a small. :( The last great shirt a friend of mine bought was one of those week pill boxes with the S(aturday), M(onday), and S(unday) lids lifted up and WTF (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) down. I don't know if that makes sense just reading that, but it was a clever idea to me. I usually pick up earrings (IE my keyboard keys that say escape and page down) or pins. I love the record artwork/trays/clocks even though it hurts a little bit to see them mutilated. I think the staff is great. The girl that I usually see is always really nice and very, "Whoa, I love this too!" but not in a fake way.
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Magpie is where I go if I'm not really sure what to buy someone.
Reasons are as follows (I know you love it when I itemize):
1.) you are supporting local artists with your money and therefore making the word a better place to live
2.) they have an assortment of merchandise ranging from typewriter key necklaces and recycled sweater stuffed animals to wall hangings and vinyl wallets
3.) if you can't figure out anything else to buy for someone, get them a t-shirt with a picture of a lobster playing with a ball of yarn
problem solved
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Wicked cute stuff here.
Artsy, funky, stylish crafty type stuff and clothing (yes, I mean "crafty clothing"). The prices are typical for what they are selling and while I think it's worth it to pay that much for a few things from the store, it also means I can only afford a few things.
Jewelry, cute t-shirts, knitting supplies, glassware with robots painted on the front. It's good stuff.
..I want to go buy earrings...
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Not gonna lie, I thought there would be more going on here to speak of. I walked in with an auto-5 star review spinning around in my head after all the exciting things at the Bizaar Bazarre, but something just didn't click with me with the store.
It wasn't the price...because as someone who dabbles in art...people don't realize how expensive materials are, let alone time and energy expenditure spent on things that it is difficult to appraise. However, I was hardly impressed with record bowls which I can/have made in my oven with a can of creamed corn during a commercial break and what appeared to be thoughless mass produced kitch shirts. Well-and their accompanying price tags in those particular situations.
The size of the store was actually on the smaller side for me as well, I was under the impression there would be a lot more to speak of. In terms of the items, it felt as though there were just a lot of things that I "want"ed, but nothing that compelled me to purchase.. or that left me with an inescapable longing which happens sometimes. Many items drifted into the "cute" category, but honestly, the last thing my room needs is additional clutter like a tiny yarn smiley face cinnamon bun. But just because *i* don't want it, doesn't mean this place was chock full of gift ideas for other people.
On the subject of ideas, I have to agree with the masses that this store served more as a way for me to get ideas of things I could produce with my own two hands, or to see what other people in the region are dabbling in. And as others have said, kind of like an etsy storefront, but without the bang/edge/or stretching boundaries that I personally look for when spending what little disposable income I have.
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Magpie is an inspiration. Really.
I'm a crafty girl and I like to do wierd art projects (while drinking wine alone in my room... don't judge me), but like any other artist, I sometimes get a little lazy, a little uninspired, a little bit of jeweler's/ knitter's/ bike decorator's/ seamstress' block, if you will.
Magpie can cure that!
After my first visit to Magpie a couple months ago, I saw so many truly unique, creative items made by people JUST LIKE ME that I went home, took out my 5 boxes of art supplies, and got to work. Miracles happened that day. I'm wearing one of them right now!
Buy gift items (does your boyfriend need a weird t-shirt with a robot on it? does your best friend need a bike chain bottle opener? does your mother need a fuzzy tote bag?). Buy yourself presents (do I really need this resin pendant with a sexy lady emblazened in it?). The answer is always "yes."
When it's not Bizarre Bazaar day, show local artists some love here year round!
Side note: visit www.etsy.com to buy more stuff you NEED from crafty people, both local and national.
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Magpie: everything that is wrong with American capitalist set of mind.
Everything that you don't need but you want because of it's pretty packaging you'll find at Magpie.
Everything that comes between you and you fulfilling your economically dreams, you'll find at Magpie.
They sell overpriced junk. I went in looking for Christmas presents and left even more pissed off at the superficial, materialistic culture that we live in. I am going to end up giving everyone on my gift list, gift cards to Shaw's cause at least I know they'll use it and they can save their money to fulfill their life goals.
No wonder credit cards and anti-depressants are a cultural phenomenal.
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Magpie is like the indie craftster's version of that Chappelle Show skit where the internet was a real place that you could go to. It's like the cream of the crop of the Bizarre Bazaar/Punk Rock Flea Market, everyday.
Magpie is that mixtape you had in your car when you were a teenager that your friend made that you listened to all the time, except its made out of crafts and you have to pay to take it home. Magpie made that mix for you to enjoy. And it's only got one sucky song on it. But the rest of them are awesome.
Magpie is the personification of all the neat ideas you always thought you could create, but never had the elbow grease to finish. They are the magnet that brings that elbow grease together, from many corners of the world.
Magpie is awesome, run by awesome people, filled with awesome stuff that awesome people made, that will make you awesome in the eyes of awesome people.
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CUTE!! with exclamation points and then some, but I think I prefer the online version of stores like this such as cutxpaste.com or fredflare where the range of inventory is wider since there are more participating... what's the word... crafty people selling their things.
But still, I welcome being able to view the actual trinket in my hand rather than as a 300x300 or so graphic.
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I love Magpie. I very rarely give a full five stars and magpie gets it. I love that it's full of crafty things from local artists as well as gifty things that I've never seen anywhere else. As an crafter and artist, it's great to see a brick-and-mortar store supporting the crafty community.
I also am always asking the cashier what music is on. I've heard so much music in there that I've gone home and looked up later.
It's right in Davis Square, too right off the T. It's worth seeing and convenient.
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Magpie gives me inspiration to create my own crafty, artsy knick-knacks.
It's a fun place to go if there is a friend's birthday coming up, or you just want to window shop. I love the cards. I love the journals.
And, if you're lucky (I was!), you can find fun clothes. I bought this brown dress (or really long shirt) with birds and a tree...and the tree is made out of birds. Hard to describe, really -- but it's sweet. I wore it for at least 3 days in a row. However, every time I've gone back to Magpie to look for a similar treat, I come back empty handed.
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Magpie is awesome! I love adorable, weird little knick-knacks and they definitely fit the bill. GREAT place to look for a little gift if you have birthdays coming up. The art is beautiful, a lot of very cool photographs and wall-hangings. Very interesting jewelry too. It can be kind of pricey, I came during Midnight Madness and did a lot of my holiday shopping for 20% off, though. Come by and support Davis Sq businesses!
Came here during the Midnight Madness hoping I'd find some good finds for the holidays. Let's just say I was shocked by the stickers on some of these things. Not to mention that most of it was just knick-knacks that are only gonna be dust collectors on someone's mantle or re-gifted.
The place was so tiny I felt like I was going to knock something over.
If you're into this sort of thing, by all means. But for me, I'll pass.
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Y'know, I had heard SO many whispers on the wind about this place that my curiosity became too much to handle. "Magpie, Magpie, Magpie!" People were always going on about this place, what was the deal? So I finally checked out the site, and something seemed all-too-familiar. Wait a second.. it's in Davis? I actually do know this place!
I happened upon this little store during earlier days, when as someone who was a Tufts student I felt the need to explore the Davis area more thoroughly. Somewhere between the time before Poor Little Rich Girl opened up to it's new, spacious and prettified location, and after Pixi (a really cool clothing store I loved upon discovery) closed down, I found myself wandering into this curious little shop.
Everyone's descriptions pretty much sum it up - full of really interesting, fun and unique pieces, a fantastic place to buy gifts, and any random-yet-fun craft you could think of.
Due to the nature of stuff that can be found here, I avoid such shops as regular-pitstops but instead keep them in mind for special occasions and browsing-days. Why? Because otherwise, I'll buy all those cool-but-unneccessary things that so fascinate me, and I'll end up with even less space in my little apartment. When I shop, I tend to evaluate if something is a "Need" or a "Want." If it's the latter, I have to decide if it's a real "I can't live without it" sort of lust, or just the "oh but it's just so cool and unique!" kind of want. This place is like a black hole for the "want.. just 'cause!" type of thing, which can be dangerous. So I limit my visits strictly to days of aimless browsing, or when I actually *am* in need of a gift or knick-knack.
I love the fact that they support so many local artists here, and that the merchandise really shows peoples' creative sides running wild. Definitely worth a visit at least to check it out.
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So you dont want to buy a cookie-cutter birthday present for yr hipster friend. What to do? Obviously, you take the T to Davis Square where Magpie sells handmade crafts from over 100 indie designers and local artists. Here, you'll find everything from silkscreen shirts to business card holders made from old bicycle gears. It's refreshing, in this era of homogenization, to find a store totally dedicated to selling one-of-a-kind crafts.
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Magpie is a screaming, toe-curling craft-gasm.
Pure and simple. its the good stuff. Sure, its pricey, but the good stuff always is.
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I saw an ad for Magpie with all of the press about this weekend's Bizarre Bazaar. I wanted to hit up Kickass Cupcakes and a few other stores in Davis Square so I decided to hit them up.
I love knitting, and of course was sucked into buying the little skull/knitting needles shirt that they also sell on their site.
The store is very cute and very crowded with lots of arbitrary knick knacks, patches, jewelry, art, t-shirts etc. Everything was pretty unique and interesting and looked to be of good quality.
The service wasn't too helpful until I made it evident I wanted to purchase something. I don't know if this is because of all the pressure of the upcoming Bazaar, but I was a little cranky that in a store that small that neither my husband or I (the only patrons in the store) were not acknowledged until we went to the counter to make our purchases.
It's pricey, but everything there is handmade, crafty, and not mass produced. I think this is a great store for holiday and birthday present shopping for those tough picks on your gift recipient list.
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Are you absolutely in love with craft-warming gifts? Do you need an original birthday present, housewarming gift or personal thank you item? Do you love shopping at stores that make you smile, "ooo" "ahhh" and "awwwwwwwwww!" Then Magpie is where you should perch for everything craft-friendly. This little shop may be small in size but every corner sings with bags, jewelry, house decor, t-shirts, knick knacks ranging in price. I enjoyed perusing the store when I got off of work and ended up buying two picture frames by AModernHome, computer-motherboard-themed coasters, and an adorable pear pin. I'm actually relieved that the store closes at 6 because if it was open until 7pm, God knows I'd be in there everyday loading up on totes, vintage-mod-retro inspired necklaces and nifty T's.
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I like to think of myself as a crafty person. I can bring it with a crochet hook. However, if anything, I know my limits. So when I want something cool, handmade, or quirky, I head over to magpie. I've gotten some perfect gifts and cards for folks here, and I've generally found the staff to be really pleasant.
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Quite honestly, I can't see myself buying much from here, if anything. Sure, it's the much adored vintage-inspired necklaces and obviously-recycled thrifted items, but it's not as welcoming of a place as you might hope. I think it gives off weird over-priced-tendy-junk vibes. It might just be the area of Somerville.
Though everything is super cute and takes a little piece of my heart with it, I'm pretty sure I could make most of it myself for way cheaper. But, that's just the craftster in me talking.
I'm giving it 5, just because I want to support this sort of movement.
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I came here while struggling to finish my Christmas shopping this year.
I asked for help and I got a blank stare.
I will never be back.
Overpriced and unfriendly.
Magpie is a cute little shop filled with things that you have absolutely no need for, like little art sculptures made from bike chain/various parts, duct tape wallets, stamps, little pins, yarn, screen printed American Apparel stuff, note cards, blank notebook papers, screen printed shot glasses, etc.
For this, I'm glad it exists, but at the same time, I feel like the whole place is kind of like, a grown up school fundraiser fair. Like you expect to see some pipe cleaner flowers over there, or maybe some poorly executed vases filled with M&M's.
Buying these as gifts would kind of make me uneasy because while the products have a lot of charm and very heartfelt, at the same time you kind of look at it like "Oh, you couldn't make your own duct tape wallet to give to me, so you bought someone else's?" A bit lazy if you ask me.
Still, despite these criticisms, it's a great venu and maybe you'll end up walking out with some crazy pot holders.
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Easily one of my top 5 favorite stores of all time.
This place is perfect for unique and wonderful gifts of any kind or for just buying yourself a little something amazing! Not only is this place wonderful for giving crafters a place to showcase their wares, it's an active business in the Davis Square community!
I urge everyone to take a peek, oogle some incredible finds, and support crafters who make all these wonderful things themselves!
Yay for Magpie!
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Pretty cute items, but I feel like they were kind of overpriced. It is probably that I knit and craft as well, so most of it looked like what I could whip up at home.
My friend wanted to come in with me, but we couldn't get a baby carriage in sadly.
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I'm rating Magpie 5 stars since they have this way cute (but WAY expensive) $80 porcelain soap dish that I shamelessly lust after. (Someone buy this for me)
Also because they show stuff that my friends make. Also because they have some really great stuff. And the staff is the opposite of obnoxious!
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You know how when someone's birthday is coming up, and you want to get them a gift, but you hate getting something that's kind of lame and Big Box Store-bought? (Because you know the second they see it, they'll know exactly where you got it, how much it cost, and how little effort you put into finding it :P) Avoid that awkward situation entirely and just go here.
Most of the items in this store will make you smirk or giggle, they have that awesome undertone of quirky cute or full-out zany that will really brighten your day or anyone who recieves a gift from this store.
I have to admit, every time I go in here I get something for myself. I just can't help it. Probably you wouldn't be able to either -- especially if you're a sucker for unique hand-made items.
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Concept is great here, but despite the colorful trinkets I think this place gives off a cold vibe.
Maybe it's the staff, not sure.
I was out shopping today dying to spend some moula, but everything I sorta liked was about $20 too much for what it was. I understand that the artist needs to get paid too, but over $100 for a homemade piece of jewelry that isn't real stuff???
I never get greeted here, and I am in all the time.
I will not give up on Magpie, I want to find a milion amazing things to buy so I can support a local biz. I just hope that I can do that here soon.
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Cute little shop - found some one-of-a-kind little gifties here, including a neat headband and some organic stone-ground Mexican chocolate.
Cool neighborhood, too!
Great store. Great people. Great selection. I can always find the perfect item for a gift.
And to the person who wrote: "I would give it 5 stars but it is not a kid friendly enviroment...sadly I have to struggle with the stairs to get the stroller in, and then I have a hard time not knocking everything over "
Dont take it out on the store that your partner was too cheap to buy rubbers. Give Magpie the extra star and leave your cradle rat at home next time instead of subjecting the rest of us shoppers to the little critter's horrible mix of baby powder and poop odor.
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