It’s time for Christmas shopping 2020! Last year I put out both a Scottish Gift Guide and an Edinburgh Gift Guide to let all my local pals know about my favourite local shops. I always think it’s nicer to gift something from a small business: it’s always good to support small businesses and Christmas is a huge revenue boost for them, but it just feels more special as a gift receiver! I love learning about my family and friend’s favourite shops in their hometown and it feels more like they were out doing what they love and thought of me.
This year, I thought I’d share where I’ve been buying gifts specifically – so if you’re getting one from me, spoilers ahead! I’m the only person in my family who lives in Scotland, so I always buy Scottish-owned shops for gifts, and I’ve been isolating on and off so most things were ordered online. Here’s where I’ve been Christmas shopping in 2020.
Hebridean Soap Company
Based on the Isle of Lewis, they sell candles, soap, creams and more. I discovered them when trying to find a candle that smelled like a peat fire. They have a collection called ‘Hebridean Trilogy Candle Set’ with Scottish scented candles like peat smoke, mach air and ocean. I bought two, and I’ve split them up to give to different people depending on their preferences! Love a multipack like this for Christmas gifts. Fair warning: the candles are VERY potent when you open the box, but smell normal when burned.
Love From Shetland
Another island-favourite company of mine, featured on my Scottish Gift Guide, this Shetland-based company makes bath & body products with the goats milk from the goats they raise. They are all palm oil free, and cruelty free. And, they make these fantastic felted soaps that exfoliate and clean, plus wool is one of the most hygienic sponges… just go read about it, I won’t be the one to convince you! I ordered a set of shower steamers which are like bath bombs but won’t give anyone a yeast infection (too honest?). You place them on the ground under your shower and they fill the steam with wonderful smells. I also bought a felted soap, and again will split them up for different people based off preferences!
Bare Bones Chocolate
I love Bare Bones, a chocolate company owned and operated by a Glasgow based company. You might have seen them in places like Lovecrumbs, or the Tartan Blanket Co. gift boxes. They have a Christmas set of mini-chocolate bars (and a few other mini sets) which are a fantastic gift, especially for something like a secret Santa where you’re not sure what flavour they’d like best!
Lovecrumbs Tea & Hot Chocolate
The tea was a special request from my sister who lives in Canada and usually stocks up whenever she’s here. Obviously, she can’t come this year! I bought one of each for her, and a bag of salted caramel hot chocolate for a friend who really loves hot chocolate. They also have rose and cardamum hot chocolate (my favourite) and orange chilli and clove hot chocolate, which is spicy and delightful.
Walker Slater
Angus’s special gift is a Walker Slater hat which we are going to their Victoria Street shop next weekend to pick out – but you can shop online too. We’re going to be isolating in Canada on Christmas, so we’re celebrating on the 6th! It’s going to be a special Christmas Day out, and Walker Slater is such a beautiful shop with so many nice cafes nearby… I’m just hoping it doesn’t rain! I’ll also be picking up another something tweedy for someone else while we’re there.
ErinBlokFinds Jewellery
Erin is a silversmith based in the Scottish Borders who mixes sterling silver with hand picked glass in the most beautiful designs! I picked out one of her pieces as an extra gift for someone who has a winter birthday. Always tough for those who have birthdays that get lumped in with Christmas, so I thought I’d get something special and pretty!
And some handmade by me…
Not sure if that’s a lot of Christmas shopping for 2020 or not… Other than these I’ve been knitting a ton. I ordered raw wool from a UK farm to stuff a cushion I knitted (and sewed a lining from an old tote bag). Had to wash the wool. Still waiting for it to dry. So many crazy projects like this going on, I’ve got mittens, face cloths, cushions, and draft excluders on the go. Only time will tell what gets done on time. I’ll share a blog of knitting patterns I’ve been using once I get a few done – they’re all very easy, suitable for beginners!
Have you finished your Christmas shopping for 2020 yet? I’m definitely early on it this year, but it’s keeping me busy and I’m thankful for that!
You might also like…
Leave a Reply