Beauty Supply

Selling every kind of product from hair care to skin care, Peninsula Beauty Supply has what readers need for their everyday and special day beauty and personal care. What's more, every year a portion of Peninsula Beauty Supply's sales go to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Community Breast Health Project, Women's Recovery Association and the Shelter Network. 250 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-327-1454; www.peninsulabeauty.com

Bike Shop

Looking for a new mountain bike, beach cruiser or car racks? Need to get your old road bike repaired? Head over to Mike's Bikes, where friendly, knowledgeable, bike-obsessive staff are always on hand to help you get back on those two wheels. 3001 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-858-7700; mikesbikes.com

Bookstore

Having trouble finding your next book club's selection? The friendly folks at Books, Inc. will be happy to help. They might even encourage you to join the 4th Tuesday Book Club (for discussions of contemporary fiction) or start 'em early with the Book Busters Book Club, for ages 9 to 12. If the gifts you're seeking are for kids, be sure to check out the toy section in the back; for yourself, you might want to discover an extensive travel section or the shelves that focus on books by local authors. ==I 74 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-321-0600; www.booksinc.net

Bookstore

Hall of Fame: First Year

After 58 years, Kepler's Books and Magazines, which was part of the paperback revolution, has survived online booksellers and the digital revolution. Started by pacifist Roy Kepler, the bookstore remains the intellectual and cultural destination spot of the Peninsula, showcasing world-class authors at its events. Kepler's has been praised for its quality selection of books and magazines and its knowledgeable staff. It's a bit smaller, but readers are glad it still thrives. Few retail businesses can boast the groundswell of community support bestowed on the much-loved Kepler's. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-324-4321; www.keplers.com

Boutique

Shady Lane has been on the Best Of list since 2010. Its window lures any passerby in to peruse local artisans' best work and most don't leave without a new Native American bracelet, a beaded cell phone pouch, or any other item from this downtown treasure's collection of jewelry, art glass, woodworking, gemstones and more. The valuables at the charming shop make fine gifts and neat keepsakes for loved ones. 441 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-1099; shadylanegallery.com

Eyewear

It's clear to see why Uber Eyes made it into this year's Best Of. Uber Eyes focuses on the fundamentals of eye care with glaucoma and Lasik consultations and eye exams for kids and adults alike. But Uber Eyes hasn't just set its sights on exams the staff believe that glasses can be the ultimate accessory for personal style, and it proves it by offering more than 30 brands of designer eyewear to choose from. 2750 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-321-3382; www.ubereyes.com

Florist (TIE)

The source of countless Instagram photos, Stanford Floral Design has been helping people find the right mix of flowers for whatever occasion since 1994. Although the business will close down its location on Hamilton on Sept. 30, owner Werner Rogmans said he will continue to operate in Palo Alto and can be reached by phone or email. This is the second time Stanford Floral Design has won the category, coming back to win after first claiming victory in 2011. 433 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-462-8230; www.stanford-floraldesign.com

Located on Waverley Street just off University Avenue, Michaela's Flower Shop has its roots in downtown Palo Alto and is planted in the minds of Palo Altans as the go-to place for flowers for any situation. The popularity of Michaela's Flower Shop stems first from its attentive customer service and broad bounty of beautiful bouquets. So put the petal to the metal, and check it out! 453 Waverley St., Palo Alto, 650-321-5390; michaelasflowershop.com\

Gift Shop

Shady Lane has been on the Best Of list since 2010. Its window lures any passerby in to peruse local artisans' best work and most don't leave without a new Native American bracelet, a beaded cell phone pouch, or any other item from this downtown treasure's collection of jewelry, art glass, woodworking, gemstones and more. The valuables at the charming shop make fine gifts and neat keepsakes for loved ones. 441 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-1099; shadylanegallery.com

Green Business

Over its 41 years of existence this business has pioneered recycling and biking in Palo Alto. At the same time it has encouraged and taught citizens how to be sustainable in their gardens and homes through classes and tours. Common Ground provides a store full of sustainable materials, including non-GMO seeds, natural fertilizer and a knowledgeable and friendly volunteer staff. Common Ground also puts on multiple events every year, most recently showcasing 10 edible gardens in the surrounding cities. 559 College Ave, Palo Alto, 650-493-6072; www.commongroundinpaloalto.org

Green Business

Hall of Fame: Second Year

Whether you call it Palo Alto Hardware, Ace Hardware, or (its most recent incarnation) Hassett Hardware, this Alma Street fixture remains the city's most prominent and popular destination for local tinkerers, fixers, innovators and energy conservationists. The perennial winner also walks the walk when it comes to green energy, having achieved recognition in recent years for its ambitious eco-friendly features, including a photovoltaic roof that supplies 95 percent of the store's electricity. 875 Alma St., Palo Alto, 650-327-7222; www.paloaltohardware.com

Hardware store

See complete listing for Palo Alto Hardware under Green Business.

Home Decor & Furnishings

Designs are colorful, attractive and reasonably priced and now IKEA even offers shopping tips online so the experience needn't be overwhelming: First, check out the website, make a list (and check product availability), drop the kids at the play area, take a break and sample some Swedish meatballs, then checkout and take your gems home. And if you can't figure out the directions to get your dresser from flat pack to stand-up bureau, there's help available (for a fee). 1700 E. Bayshore Road, East Palo Alto, 650-323-4532; www.ikea.com

Jewelry Store

Shady Lane has been on the Best Of list since 2010. Its window lures any passerby in to peruse local artisans' best work and most don't leave without a new Native American bracelet, a beaded cell phone pouch, or any other item from this downtown treasure's collection of jewelry, art glass, woodworking, gemstones and more. The valuables at the charming shop make fine gifts and neat keepsakes for loved ones. 441 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-1099; shadylanegallery.com

Men's Apparel

Whether you are dressing up for a wedding or just looking for a nice pair of shoes, Macy's has everything a man could want. Macy's carries top brand names such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and more. Men will be able to find whatever they need for the occasion in Macy's well-laid-out store, whether they crave suit jackets, running shorts or just a good pair of jeans. 300 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-326-3333; www.macys.com

Men's Apparel

Hall of Fame: Second Year

A man with any type of fashion sense will find the perfect, complete look at Nordstrom with its wide array of choices in jeans, shirts, suits and more. If you are looking for active wear, casual clothing or formal attire for a special occasion, Nordstrom's classy and trendy styles will catch your eye. And on top of it all, its helpful customer service will land you the perfect outfit. 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-323-5111; www.shop.nordstrom.com

New Retail Business

How can one surf the web for hours without a comfy couch to lounge in? For its excellent selection of home decor, voters have selected West Elm as the best new business in town. Get the coolest styles in furniture to deck out your home at their downtown store, or check online for a wider selection. 180 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-329-8086; www.westelm.com

Nursery/Garden Supply

Your garden problems will vanish after help from SummerWinds Nursery. Whether it be their Garden Coach service that sends professionals to your home to assess your gardening challenges or their home-delivery service for all the large trees, plants and garden accessories you need, their team is there to help. Even beyond their customer service and quality plants, their email specials will keep you in the loop for sales and special events. With seven South Bay Area locations, service is right next door. 725 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, 650-493-5136; www.summerwindsca.com

Pet Store

Pet owners across the Bay Area go to Pet Food Express for its crunchy, meaty, fishy morsels for pets. But the stores, including its Middlefield Road location in Palo Alto, offer a whole suite of other services a self-service pet wash (complete with air dryers, towels and aprons to keep you dry during particularly vigorous dog shake-offs). It also hosts events such as pet adoption days and community veterinary clinics, during which you can poke your pooch with a vaccine or microchip your meowing pal. 3910 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-856-6666; www.petfoodexpress.com

Pharmacy/Drug Store

Ripped your shorts? Ran out of batteries? Got a blister? Tired of your nail-polish color? Need a quick gift? CVS is our readers' favorite destination. Aisles are filled with everything you could possible need, from greeting cards and wrapping paper to TP or a quart of milk. Oh yes, and prescriptions can be filled and over-the-counter meds for colds, allergies or a hacking cough can be found in abundance. 2701 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-330-0132; 3935 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-322-2554; 352 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-324-3248; www.cvs.com

Pharmacy/Drug Store

Hall of Fame: Second Year

Even the social media/technologically impaired can appreciate why Walgreens made it to the Hall of Fame. Its app allows photos to be uploaded from a smartphone (and prints picked up hours later at one of the three Palo Alto locations) or prescriptions to be scanned (and refills picked up soon after). There's even a map of the store to guide you. Who could ask for anything more? 4170 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-858-2007; 300 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-3876; 2605 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-566-9723; walgreens.com

Shoe Store

Step into Footwear, Etc. and walk out with a pair or two of shoes that will have your feet dancing. From leather to animal-friendly products, this longtime downtown business offers dozens of shoes, boots and sandals for all lifestyles. Need a good walking shoe for that tour of Rome? Footwear will find the perfect style and in hard-to-find sizes and widths. The knowledgeable staff knows how to give customers the perfect comfort fit. 463 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-1122; www.footwearetc.com

Sporting Goods & Apparel

Need that extra motivation to work out? Head to Lululemon Athletica for the brightest, hippest workout apparel for both men and women. Whether you're a yogi, runner or aspiring athlete, Lululemon is bound to have some gear that's right for you. 432 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-566-1617; lululemon.com

Stationery Store

It always amazes me that I never receive two identical birthday cards. My friends must be shopping at Village Stationers, which boasts an amazing selection of designers, from zany to religious. They even stock some vintage cards at vintage prices. But cards aren't the only draw: scrapbooking materials, stuffed animals, hostess gifts, office supplies what an entertaining way to spend a lunch hour. 310 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-7970; 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650-321-6920

Toy Store

Going on a picnic and need a frisbee? Got a niece or nephew turning 10? Want to surprise a loved one with a cuddly teddy bear? Take a look inside one of Palo Alto's most revered retail stores, Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World. This is the fourth year in a row the business has nabbed first place in this category. 526 Waverley St., Palo Alto, 650-328-8555; toyandsport.com

Women's Apparel

Whether you are looking for a professional business outfit for work or casual attire for a weekend outing, Nordstrom has the latest styles and fashions for women. Their large selection of jeans, dresses, tops and more will fit the flair of women who like more cutting-edge and outgoing trends as well as the ladies who want a comforting and conventional look. No matter the age or the size, you're sure to find your match at this store. 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-323-5111; nordstroms.com