You may want to post a whole host of happy face emojis. These stores will put a big Cheshire-cat grin on any face. And, the owners of these Northumberland County shops invite you in to shop safely – relax, take your time, smile and laugh.
Mrs. B’s Country Candy
8 Loyalist Dr Unit #9, Brighton
613-475-5644
mrsbscountrycandy.com
Along with Mrs. B’s tantalizing Belgian truffles, you’ll find fun chocolate creations made locally, one batch at a time. They’re amazing. And people get really revved up about the store’s handmade chocolate motorcycles, train engines and airplanes. Treats can also be ordered online with free delivery within 25 km.
All Creatures Great and Small
30 King St W, Cobourg
905-377-8619
allcreatures.ca
If your pet is rooting for your team, it’s time to stock up here. All Creature’s creative pet cookies will have you coming back to a store that’s been serving our furry friends since 2000. Fun pet bowls and must-have leashes with style and bling are just two other popular items.
Northumberland Hills Brewery
1024 Division St, Cobourg
289-435-2004
NHB.beer
Owner Rick Bailey has gotten attention for great locally-crafted beer, plus the names of his brews in colourful cans. Wit Ever, Blue Berry Wit and Lights Out are just the names of a few. Pick up a selection for some fun holiday giving. Check online for store hours.
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.
Retro Rewind
8 King St E, Colborne
905-269-9000
retrorewindstore.com
From plants in re-purposed tobacco tins to all styles of macramé pot hangers, Retro Rewind keeps digging up cool and fun retro finds. They're also proud to showcase the handmade work of 7 local artisans. Delve into their stock of comics and collectible hero figurines, or get a spot in their monthly contest draw. Fun prizes include a model of the Star Wars AT-AT walker.
Primitive Designs
2762 Northumberland County Rd 28, Port Hope
905-885-7516
primitivedesignscanada.com
With over 11,000 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 ft gallery, its Ontario’s "go-to" spot for exotic and bizarre holiday gifts.
Haute Goat & Screaming Goat Café
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. Workshops include goat milking and more. Gifts cards for some of these experiences – or creamy goat’s milk products – are a fun way to say happy holidays. The Screaming Goat Café offers a diverse lunch menu, featuring local and seasonal food.
Frosted Flour Co.
73 Mill St S Unit 103, Port Hope
905-885-5848
frostedflourco.ca
Visit this magical bakeshop to be delighted by a showcase of edible art this holiday season. There’s nothing that this talented trio can’t frost. Place your own order for some customized Christmas treats. The Frosted Flour Co. is known for its intricate cookies, cakes and handcrafted artisan donuts.
metaphorhome
30 Main St, Warkworth
705-924-3226
metaphorhome.ca
This might very well be Northumberland’s own version of the Rose Apothecary. Metaphorhome is fun and down-home, world class. Owners Neil and Wayne continue to share their big-city magic in design and retail to create a memorable shopping haven in Warkworth. Warmth and holiday humour are both masterfully displayed.
Try any of these shopping pages to help check things off all of your lists.