All That's Merry & Bright
These stores will put a big Cheshire-cat grin on your face when you shop the holidays. They are nicely situated in, and around, our towns and villages.
The General on Mill Pond
14 Front St E, Hastings
(705) 696-1670
thegeneralonmillpond.ca
THE GEN has been inspired by general stores of the past, and by the Shantymen (lumberjacks) who worked along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Plus, there's a really fun twist here for anyone who wanders in looking for holiday gifts. At THE GEN, owners Trish and Jo really like to share a laugh, break out in song, or even try a few moves to the music that's playing in their shop. You'll find bright plaids here, fun t-shirts, zany gift cards, yummy food, and loads of things kids will love (at any age).
Haute Goat
1166 5th Line, Newtonville
(416) 402-8144
HauteGoat.com
Haute Goat is a family farm where you can get up close to “shmurgle” goats or shuffle off into the sunset with an alpaca. Overnight farm stays and workshops can be purchased as gift cards. There's also a new 18-hole tract, disc golf course here. A day's pass to play is a fun stocking stuffer for newbies or any level of player.
Bibelot
56 Walton St, Port Hope
(905) 885-9682
facebook.com/originalbibelot
From vintage, art-inspired gift wrap, to beautiful stuffed toys you can't help but cuddle, this is a holiday shopping destination. Bibelot is a magical gift shop for you, friends, and others you want to wow. The idea of creating a destination shop with select items that are awe-inspiring, fun and memorable has been achieved by the mother/daughter team of Elizabeth and Jann Stefoff.
Furby House Books
65 Walton St, Port Hope
(905) 885-7296
furbyhousebooks.com
Take your time browsing through Furby’s shelves for great holiday gift giving. Discover whimsical books with unicorns of the sea and 17th Century nutcrackers. Expand your horizons with exotic adventures, page-turning mysteries, and other well-spun tales. You can also order online.
Primitive Designs
2762 Northumberland County Rd 28, Port Hope
(905) 885-7516
primitivedesignscanada.com
With over 14,000 followers, Primitive Designs has fans from all parts of the globe. Known for its giant robots made from recycled car parts, Primitive Designs features artist and artisan work from Morocco to Mexico. Displayed in an 8,000 sq. foot barn, there’s room for the bright and whimsical too.
Second Helpings
45 Walton St, Port Hope &
18 Victoria Square, Colborne
(905) 885-9411
northumberland.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Have fun looking for a gift that keeps on giving. Thrift store manager Gwen Hudson has creatively merchandised Second Helpings so it's full of functional and fun household items, keepsakes, gently-used clothing and accents. Also stop by the new store in Colborne. Proceeds from sales go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland.
All Creatures Great and Small
30 King St W, Cobourg
(905) 377-8619
allcreatures.ca
If you want to get something unique for your pet – or for a pet lover – All Creatures is the go-to store. Whether a creative pet cookie, the best in natural foods or grooming products, you'll find quality mixed with fun here. Pet bowls and must-have leashes with style and bling are just two other popular items.
Let's Talk Books
25 King St E, Cobourg
(289) 252-2214
letstalkbooks.ca
Stop by this independent bookstore (or check out their website) to get new release books, comic books, magazines and other gift items. Subscription gift boxes are available. Each box contains a carefully curated new-release novel and a few locally crafted, specifically chosen items to complete your reading experience.
Spark – Smart Toys for Cool Kids
30 King St W, Cobourg
(289) 252-0808
sparktoys.ca
From games to puzzles to puppets, Spark is getting noticed for lighting up young hearts and minds. Owners Theresa and Heather are happy to help you find what will make a fun and fantastic gift – and the added plus, all items in the store have an educational focus. Check out Spark's new online store, too.
ZAP Records
45 King St E, Cobourg
(905) 372-8231
zaprecords.com
If you’ve got a thing about vinyl, you could be in here for days. ZAP also has great offerings in CDs, DVDs and memorabilia. The Cars, Tony Bennett or Frank Zappa? All artists and genres are represented. Online offerings are well organized too. Shopping for gently-used gifts at ZAP is pure fun.
The Fox Hollow Pet Boutique
31 Main St, Unit 1, Warkworth
(705) 924-1777
thefoxhollowpetboutique.ca
Visit Warkworth to pick out unique accessories, toys and treats for the most discerning pet lover on your list. You'll find items by local makers, with brands that give back. The store picks Canadian-made suppliers with products that are eco friendly and pet approved. And there's enough fun to make you all answer their invitation to "Come, sit, stay!"
Weekender's Vintage
27 Main St, Unit 13, Warkworth
(289) 404-9492
Weekender's Vintage on Facebook
Get into retro mode and give yourself lots of time to browse here. Seventies fondue pots, kitschy pottery and party glasses will make great gifts and conversation pieces. You’ll find clothing pieces from the 1920s to the 1970s, nicely mixed in with vintage mirrors, wall art and other fun home décor items. Open weekends and for special holiday shopping hours.
Dizzy Goose
27 Front St S, Campbellford
(705) 868-5322
dizzygoose.ca
Stop at the Dizzy Goose or fun gifts for those from age 5 to 100. Pick out a comic puzzle or a game of Spicy Dice™. How about a wood-tooled spinning top from Germany? Or a Mountain Melodies™ thumb piano? Browse while warming up with a hot chocolate or latte from their coffee bar. Or try one of their yummy, old-fashioned milkshakes.
Retro Rewind
8 King St E, Colborne
(905) 269-9000
retrorewindstore.com
From comics and collectible hero figurines, to all styles of macramé pot hangers, Retro Rewind keeps digging up cool and fun retro finds. They also carry creative holiday gifts from local artisans. Dragonfly Design Studio jewelry can be purchased here, as well as a spot in their jewelry making workshops. Pop in and enter Retro Rewind's weekly contest draw.
Check out some more shopping pages to help check things off your list.
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