I live in Edinburgh and I love shopping local, so an Edinburgh Gift Guide is a must! Give me farmers markets, Instagram sellers galore! I want to know the names of the people I buy from, I want to know exactly who I’m supporting when I buy. Sometimes, it’s just not feasible. But at Christmas, there are so many local crafters makers and creators, that you’re sure to find a gift for everyone! Shopping local is already shopping sustainable. It just so happens that makers tend to create long lasting, lifetime pieces. I’ve discussed my favourite Scotland brands in my Scottish Gift Guide, but this week we’re coming closer to home. For those of you living in Edinburgh, for those of you visiting the Christmas market, these are the places you can go to find gifts for everyone you love. Without further ado, I present the ultimate Edinburgh Gift Guide.
PSA – this is not a sponsored gift guide, I just really love gift giving and shopping local. Seriously
Travelling Basket
I have to put them at the very top because I’m just obsessed. Travelling Basket is a new cafe and shop that opened in the Marchmont area in Edinburgh this year. They stock everything that’s Polish-meets-Scottish. Traditional Polish pottery, sheepskin rugs, wooden toys and spoons and homewares. They have Christmas classics like cosy slippers and warm woollen blankets. Most importantly, they’re a local company owned by local crafters. If you go in for a coffee on Saturday, you’ll be shaking hands with the owners of the company, and you’ll really get to know the people you’re supporting. Not to drop hints but you could buy me pretty much anything from here this Christmas and I would be beyond pleased…
Jenny Proudfoot Illustration
Jenny Proudfoot is a local illustrator who is quite possibly the kindest, most talented person in Edinburgh! She creates these amazing designs of maps and neighbourhoods in and around the Edinburgh area. Perfect for a long time Edinburgh local, someone new to the area, or someone who loves to visit. She has maps of Scotland, maps of Leith, South Queensferry, and more. I’ve had my eye on getting one for the flat, but I genuinely just can’t decide on my favourite! What’s yours?
Folkenrose Photography + Prints
Abbi Rose, is an Instagrammer and photographer (and dear friend) known as ‘folkenrose’ online. She takes the most beautiful photos of Edinburgh, East Lothian and the wildlife and architecture in the area. For a limited time, she’s selling prints of her work. You’ll be sure to find a print by Abbi for the nature lover, or the Edinburgh lover that you’re buying for. To order, just send her a message on Instagram.
The Meadows Pottery
One of my go-to’s for Christmas shopping is the Meadows Pottery shop so I had to include it on my Edinburgh Gift Guide. The Meadows Pottery is a studio and shop, and has the most amazing thrown pottery. Last year I bought a mug for my father and a little espresso mug, so cute, for my mother. Their teapots are incredible, but they make ceramic everything. Probably particularly fitting for anyone who loves tea, coffee, cooking or handmade homemade bits and bobs in their kitchen. When you go into the shop, you’ll be greeted by one of the potters who’s likely also getting some time in at the studio. Again, you’ll be getting to meet the maker behind the magic!
Nordic Living
Nordic Living is a Scandinavian shop in Bruntsfield. They sell everything from luxury furniture to affordable home decor to skincare to hair clips and tote bags. It’s easily my favourite shop in Edinburgh. On my last birthday, both my best friend and my boyfriend bought me my gift from there. They said they could go in and buy anything and I would love it – and they’re right! For the classy home decor lover, Nordic Living is the place. For the skincare lover, it’s also the place. And don’t even get me started on the candle lover! The shop is owned by an Edinburgh based couple, but they source their products, of course, from Nordic countries. That being said, they really have an eye for detail and high quality. Anything you buy from there will last a lifetime.
Biscuit Clothing
Biscuit is the best clothing store in Bruntsfield, if you ask me. Everything in there is just beautiful. The owners of the shop travel to source their stock, so you’re not necessarily buying from local makers. But, if you’ve got someone to buy for who’s very trendy and into fashion, this is the place to go. They have jewellery, accessories and clothes. Womenswear and children swear, and while it tends to be pricey, you should be able to find something perfect within your budget. The shop is owned and operated by an Edinburgh local, and they opened the Bruntsfield shop because of their success at their New Town location. Clearly, our support is going a long way, let’s keep it up.
Lovecrumbs
Another one I always go to for stocking stuffers is Lovecrumbs. It has to be on the Edinburgh Gift Guide because of this. And because Lovecrumbs is known and loved by all Edinburgh locals. Their cafe in West Port is my go-to for a grilled cheese, but nothing beats the mini Lovecrumbs shop selection in Stockbridge. In the West Port, you’ll be able to shop Lovecrumbs classics like their in house hot chocolate mixes and teas, Lovecrumbs themed tote bags and jumpers and more of their favourite things. At their mini shop and cafe in Stockbridge they have all their classics, along with some other local makers and creators from elsewhere. They partake in the Stockbridge Christmas Shopping Night, this year it’s December 5th, I’ll be there!
Golden Hare Bookshop
Golden Hare is where I bought two gifts last year! Another Stockbridge favourite, it’s just next to mini Lovecrumbs and it also partakes in the Christmas Shopping Night (December 5th). This year, they were awarded the well deserved title of the UK’s Best Independent Bookshop. With a cosy fire and sofa chairs, you’ll get to browse through their selection of classic novels, childrens books, Scottish literature, and the best of magazines. A book from Golden Hare is an absolute must for the book lover on your list!
The local owners, crafters and makers in the Edinburgh Gift Guide will be able to cover your shopping list. If you’re still stuck for a few picky presents, or you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, check out my Scottish Gift Guide. The important thing to take away is that there are always local options. If you do some digging into these shops, you should be able to find some more. In Edinburgh the best places to shop local I find are Bruntsfield, the West End and Stockbridge. Marchmont and the Meadows have a fair few too, and Leith, as they say, is up and coming.
Where’s your favourite Edinburgh local place to shop? Let me know so no one misses out!
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Can’t wait to shop in Edinburgh as well as visit Lovecrumbs for teas and coffees!!
Will take you to the best of the best mom, I promise