If you’re here, it’s because you care about shopping small and local this Christmas. By shopping small you directly support independent makers, plus buying from small businesses goes so much further:
- You get a better quality product and better customer service.
- You often buy from the person who has made the goods themselves
- Small, local businesses hire local folk and pay them properly - unlike big businesses lining the pockets of shareholders
- Small businesses pay their taxes (unlike you-know-who!) and in turn, invest back into the local economy.
- You keep your local high street diverse and interesting - ultimately, you make it the kind of place you want to spend your time on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
I’ve compiled this list of independent makers and small businesses that I both support and admire. All of them, like Dook, are based in or associated with Scotland, and many of them are female-owned businesses that are truly making our planet a better place to be.
Scottish Ceramicists
Based in the Pentlands, Scottish ceramicist Cara Guthrie’s simple forms utilising beautiful, natural colours make for an elegant gift. Need one more wee sentence to pull this together. Cara also explored ancient Palestinian ceramic forms in her work which you can check out on her Instagram.
An Edinburgh-based ceramicist, Celia Wood celebrates functionality through lighthearted, contemporary pieces. Her playful, handpainted vibrant illustrations on ceramic pieces make for gorgeous statement pieces. I especially love her candlesticks - they’d brighten up any Christmas mantlepiece!
Books & Prints
Our local bookshop here in Portobello has a national - and even international - reach! Jack and his brilliant team truly curate the best selection of books, from classics to new releases. Not only is their bookshop a joy to browse, but they host some of the best events to hear from brilliant new and established authors.
Some of THE coolest Riso prints around! Glasgow-based RISOTTO Studio creates incredible handprinted stationary - including their must-have wall planners and handy to-do/hit lists. If you’d like to go beyond a physical gift, give the gift of one of their risograph printing workshops for your crafty family and friends.
Handmade Jewellery
All of Freya’s work is made from recycled brass at her studio in Glasgow. Choose from a range of playful and quirky jewellery and pin designs at a variety of price points, from friendship fish pins to stacked earrings. Personally, I’m adding her palm earrings to my wishlist this Christmas!
Inspired by her upbringing in Northern Ireland, now Edinburgh-based designer Grainne Morton creates the most delicious sculpture-like jewels with colourful, gothic charm. A true dream gift for the whimsical person in your life.
Liverpool-based, however, the designer of Tom Pigeon originates from Scotland and draws from her childhood memories of rural Scotland. The Tom Pigeon studio features jewellery with minimalist shapes recreated from nature. Not only a fantastic place for earrings and necklaces, but Tom Pigeon also has a range of very giftable prints and designs.
Local Artists
The creator of Tom Pigeon, Kirsty is an artist of many mediums. Most recently, she’s been painting the sky. You can buy her paintings on her website for a gift to be treasured for years to come.
Art Kiosk by Glassette
The Art Kiosk by Glassette is a stunning selection of fun, original artworks by UK-based artists, including a range of Scottish makers. Find incredible works of art to gift to friends and family this festive season.
For this one, you are the artist! Get your phone photos edited down and printed out by professional photographer Jo Tennant. Her skills mean your photos no longer sit in digital drawers gathering dust but instead are printed to be displayed and shared - give your loved ones a personalised gift.
Joy Nevada creates beautiful evocative pieces reminiscent of fairy tales. Her selection of cards is perfect for spreading Christmas joy. Her ceramic creations make for truly excellent gifts - my daughter covets her tiny ceramic Arctic fox!
Clothing
Creating small-batch fashion made by hand in Glasgow, LAW Studio is a slow fashion brand with a stylish and thoughtful approach to fashion. Buy from their ready-to-shop range or you can get them to make something to fit your shape perfectly.
For gorgeous knitwear made in Orkney and inspired by the colours of nature, look no further than Hillary Grant. I love her beacon hat that I’ve had for years and would love to one day own a large blanket (hint, hint to any of my friends or family!). Knitted from superfine, soft luxury lambswool, spun and dyed in Scotland, these pieces are incredible gifts. Be sure to follow Hillary on Instagram for a glimpse of Island life.
Discover gorgeous marled knits from one of the coolest knitwear designers, Genevieve. All made using knitwear manufacturers in the Scottish Borders and throughout the UK, these pieces are made to last and, most importantly, made to be loved.
Food & Drink
Portobello’s favourite wine bar is offering hampers this Christmas season. Not only do they feature wine of your choice, but also cheese, chocolate, and various other nibbles. Who doesn’t love a hamper of delicious goodies after all?
Give the Gift of an Experience
Our fantastic neighbours Soul Water Sauna offer gift vouchers for their amazing wood-fired sauna experience. And, a new Granton location is opening this winter!
As you’ve probably heard, Edinburgh’s newest attraction The Lost Shore is an adventurous day out! For newbies and experienced surfers alike. Choose from a variety of gift voucher price points.
For the foodie in your life who’ll love a day out mushroom-hunting, these guided foraging tours in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. An ideal gift for every fun-gi!
It would be remiss of me to miss out on our very own experience here at Dook - our soap-making workshops. Not only do we teach soap-making, but you get to keep the goods for yourself!
Shops
Finally, the champions of small businesses: three Scottish shops! These lovely stories enable smaller makers like us to reach a wider audience, including:
This season I hope you’ll join me in shopping small. I’d love to hear about the independent businesses you’re shopping at this year. Get in touch and let me know who you think we should be buying from!