7 Holiday Gifts From Edinburgh This Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like a very different Christmas! As we approach a one of a kind Christmas, we are getting creative with our gift-giving. We’ve put together a guide not only to provide you with inspiration for Edinburgh gifts and last-minute gift ideas but also to take this opportunity to shine a light on the many fabulous independent businesses based in Edinburgh and their wonderful products.

From something small to bigger gifts, we hope you enjoy browsing through our gift guide as much as we have enjoyed creating it!

1.The Colouring Book of Edinburgh

Created by local illustrator, Eilidh Mildoon, this Edinburgh themed colouring book is a perfect gift for lovers of the capital city. The unique colouring book features 23 of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the Restoration Yard in person or online to find this colouring book along with other wonderful gift ideas. 

2. Escape Reality

A book is a classic Christmas gift and this year it might just be better than usual. As many of us haven’t travelled far from home in many many months, why not go on an adventure, solve a mystery or learn something new with a good book? Ian Rankin’s new Rebus novel, A Song for Dark Times, is set in Edinburgh, and if you are looking to venture further afield we recommend titles like ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ and ‘Wanderers’ which can be found at Golden Hare Bookstore.

3. Make Plans for the Future

We know the restrictions won’t continue forever so now is a good time to plan future days out in Edinburgh. Gin lovers will enjoy the Summerhall Drinks Lab offering interactive tasting events or maybe an afternoon of R & R is more your style? The Method can melt your stress away with massages and other relaxing therapies in Stockbridge. 

Walking tours are a wonderful way to explore a city, whether you are local or visiting. We love Invisible Cities who train locals who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides – top tip, the Trainspotting tour, based on Irvine Welsh’s book, has just been named one of the best in the world by Lonely Planet. 

Perhaps an afternoon tea in the Georgian Tearoom at The Dome? Mums love this treat and it makes a perfect mother/daughter day out.

4. A Scented Candle 

Do you have a friend who is just a little bit ‘New Town’ or enjoys long summers in the Meadows? Paper Tiger offer luxury handmade candles inspired by iconic Edinburgh neighbourhoods. The scents are excellent blends of essential oils and very reminiscent of the areas they represent!  

Paper Tiger have a great Christmas collection to shop online this year supporting many local brands with lovely inspiration, including Edinburgh themed chocolate and their newly released tiger notebooks. 

5. Book a Holiday or a Staycation

It’s good to have something to look forward to! Many of us have had to cancel travel plans this year, but we hope 2021 will be different. Book accommodation with us for a holiday, romantic staycation or family get together in the future. We have lovely luxury apartments, dog-friendly homes and many more in between. 

6. A Touch of Local Luxury for the Skin

The Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company bring a touch of luxury to their natural skincare products. We absolutely love the luxury solid hand cream bar and if you’re looking for a gift for a bearded gentleman, they may appreciate the Jekyll & Hyde Natural Beard Balm. As the name suggests, the Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company use the finest ingredients from mother nature and believe luxury shouldn’t cost the earth.

7. Edinburgh Books, Prints & Calendars 

Explore all the pockets of pretty Edinburgh through the eyes and lens of local resident Instagrammer and good friend of ours, Shawna Law with her wonderful book available to buy online from independent shop Lifestory and other retailers. A perfect gift for lovers of Edinburgh.

Local artists and photographers put their creativity to canvas and produce wonderful works that look good in any home! We love Stephen Ball’s Scotland Behind the Lens photography book, Ryan McEwan’s Edinburgh 2021 Calendar and the Red Door Gallery on Victoria Street who support over 150 local artists and makers.

8. A Very Special Bear

A very small independent business has popped up online, Claire’s Bear Bunch, creating adorable bears made from genuine Harris Tweed and upcycled materials. These traditional teddy bears will look adorable in any home, shop the small collection here. Each bear is handmade with love and attention to detail, finished with a wooden name tag which can be personalised upon request.

We discovered Claire’s bears through Scotland’s Virtual Christmas Market hosting a large number of small independent businesses.

We hope our Edinburgh gift guide has inspired your holiday shopping this year, and you have a safe and very happy holiday season.

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