What’s in Store: Greenward

Finding Cambridge novelty shop Greenward isn’t easy: Four blocks off Porter Square, this “eco-modern” retailer, which opened last spring, is tucked around a corner and down a flight of stairs. But inside, white walls and bright rugs make the location as airy as an underground space can get. The magic of Greenward lies in its ability to stockpile a creative (if a bit random) array of earth-friendly options, which means it’s an ideal spot to pick up a reasonably priced gift for the hard to please: coasters made of home-construction scraps for your best friend’s housewarming ($7.50), bamboo cutting boards for your mother-in-law’s hostess present ($15–$30), a Sigg aluminum water bottle for yourself ($16–$20).

Greenward’s wares—which also include petroleum-free cleaning supplies, energy-efficient light bulbs, and miniature herb garden kits—are nothing savvy Bostonians haven’t seen before. Still, its grab-bag approach keeps it from falling into the usual green-shop stereotype of hippie granola or pretentiously fashion-minded, ensuring that a browsing session here is entertaining, at the very least, for environmentally conscious shoppers of every stripe.

1776 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-395-1338, greenwardshop.com.