TRINKETS GALORE—The Apple Cottage offers holiday gifts and unique items to complement one's home or office. There is a wide variety of traditional Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas handcrafted wood, ceramic and stone items. The Apple Cottage in Simi Valley offers its customers oneof-a-kind collectibles rarely found in department stores.

Bonnie Kessner, owner and entrepreneur, said she’s always on the hunt for something new and original.

“I try to find artisans who are unique and make creative things. For instance, our purses are all hand-designed,” said Kessner, who opened the store in 1990. “I look for small cottage industries that create their own things.”

The shop features mainly Victorian and country cottage items, including fragrant candles, quilts, linens and handcrafted jewelry.

Kessner also sells furniture, specialty gifts, home decor and artwork. There’s a baby section in a niche at the back of the store.

Over the years, Kessner has developed a loyal following. Customers can take advantage of bargain prices on sale items throughout the year, and at Christmastime they enjoy complimentary cider and cookies.

“I always come here,” said Donna Lopez, a postal worker in Simi Valley who was shopping in the store last Saturday. “This is my style. It’s like cottage style, quaint and cozy.”

Kessner, who grew up in the San Fernando Valley, has lived in Moorpark for 24 years. In college she majored in business and began her career selling collectibles at fairs and antique stores.

“I liked it so much I decided to open my own store,” said Kessner, who thought Simi Valley was just the right place for her shop.

She attributes the success of The Apple Cottage to the personal care she and her staff give their customers.

“I think they like that we do complimentary gift-wrapping,” she said. “We like to get to know our customers, and we do special orders if they come up with something they want.”

The Apple Cottage, at 2837 Cochran St., Ste. B, near See’s Candies, is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours beginning Nov. 1.

For more information, call (805) 526-8921.