There has been so much noise this year about shopping locally, so much so, I thought I would make a shop local gift guide. There are so so many amazing local companies, but you know, it’s really hard to be heard for our small businesses. The big companies have so massive budgets for advertising. But I know so many lovely talented and dedicated small business owners, so here I am shouting about them.
I will start with our offerings. We have made a selection of washbags, they can also be used as makeup bags or pencil cases. They are made in different kinds of Harris Tweed or Abraham Moon tweed with suede edgings. The bags are lined in waxed cotton from the famous Dundee company.
Planet goods and wares
Many years of lots of fun and lots of work with Planet Flowers. Such a talented bunch and fun to be around. During covid, they have really changed their services from event flowers to beautiful online offerings for the home. I am particularly in love as I think lots of the items have a real Scandi-feel. Planet goods and wares have taken the internet by storm.
Stationary and workshops
My friend Anna runs Origami Fox. Anna is a talented graphic designer and she too used to do a lot of weddings. Anna too has pivoted. She now makes stunning cards and diaries. And a really cool thing, you can now learn how to make some of her paper flowers with online workshops and. I love her use of colour.
Soaps and creams
Just be Botanicals is an Edinburgh based cosmetic company, making lovely natural products for the face and body and lovely gift sets, along with tea and chocolates.
Gloves
We have also make fingerless gloves “texting gloves” We line them with velvet and fake fur trim on the women’s option and suede trim on the gloves for the guys. Any colour combinations you don’t see on the website, just get in touch, we can probably make them for you.
Photography
Firstlight photography offer gift vouchers for use in the future. Firstlight can capture the family enjoying time together and you will have the memories and not least framed shots to keep forever. First Light Gift Vouchers
Marshmallows
My friend Nicole runs The Marshmallow Lady. She handmakes lots of marshmallows with all different handmade flavours. She sells them from her shop, online, and on markets. I can’t tell you how delicious they are, and fat-free 😉
Gifts, baby clothes, and clothes
Louise runs the lovely Dragonfly gift shop on Broughton Street, lovely gift ideas, notebooks, things for the house, and toiletries, some clothing, and a cute wee baby section.
Chocolate
My friend Chef Chiara has just opened her first shop and cafe on Queensferry street. She is an amazing chef, and she has developed her own range of ethical chocolates.
Jewelry
Rene Walrus, is a brilliant Edinburgh jewelry designer. We sell the designs in the shop, so feel free to phone to arrange a purchase.
Jackets
For larger gifts, we make beautiful jackets in Harris Tweed and Tweed from Abraham Moon, they can be ordered in different sizes and loads of different colour options. The jackets are beautifully made and will last for years, both for the classic designs and because they are so well made in great materials.
Sourdough
My friend Harriet, works in this bakery. They offer courses in baking sourdough and bread subscriptions. Kvasa, Edinburgh (2020) (bakerias.com)
Wreaths
Bbonnie Flowers, a new-ish kid on the block, I know her from the wedding industry also. Aline offers beautiful kits you can order online and make your own wreaths and decorations for Christmas.
Last cheery mention goes to Nordic Living by Biehl beautiful danish design furniture, designed by some of my Danish favorites. But also sell lots of smaller gift options like home accessories, rugs, lamps, kitchenware and lifestyle goods.
