Yes, Virginia, there is still holiday gift shopping this year

SALISBURY — Despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still possible to do some Christmas shopping in Salisbury.

A reporter made a socially distant shopping foray on Saturday morning, Dec. 5.

At Honeychurch Home, the star attraction was a cast cement hedgehog ($29). Owner Carolyn Piccirelli said the hedgehog has proved extremely popular.

Those responding to the combination of COVID-19 and winter with soup will need bread, and the bread might as well be warm. For $49, Honeychurch has baskets that hold a decorative terra cotta insert. The idea is to put the insert in the oven for five minutes at 350 degrees to get it nice and warm. The insert then goes back in the basket and the bread goes on top, where it stays warm.

Honeychurch Home is at 10 Academy St. Look for it online at www.honeychurchhome.com or call 860-596-4381 for information. Hours are 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

At Passports, Christopher Baetz, mindful of the weather, was enthusiastic about faux-fur collars at $55.

Next to the collars was a basket of ordinary white handkerchiefs, $28 for seven hankies. These are mostly for blowing, not showing, although they can certainly be ironed and shaped into the classic “TV fold” (think television new anchorman circa 1965).

There are attractive, informal strands of freshwater pearls on suede cords in different colors for $95.

On the higher end, Passports has fur-trimmed capes ($275), which allow the wearer to stay warm and be stylish simultaneously.

Passports is at 14 Main St. Go to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/passportsantiques) or call 860-435-8855 to get the store hours Thursday through Saturday (Mondays through Wednesdays are by appointment).

There is a “pop-up shop” from Sweethaven Farm located next to Salisbury Pharmacy, inside where there used to be a coffee shop. Noreen Driscoll and company can provide table arrangements, fresh flowers, and, outside in a tent, wreaths. The shop is open through Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Orders are encouraged, for pick-up or free delivery, within the local area. Go to www.sweethavenfarmct.com for more info, or call 860-309-7132.

A Swiss-designed cast cement hedgehog is at Honeychurch Home. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Passports has fur and faux-fur apparel. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

A Swiss-designed cast cement hedgehog is at Honeychurch Home. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan