STRUGGLING to think of gift ideas for your nearest and dearest? Help is at hand with The National’s brand new shopping guide!
Every month we’ll be bringing you a hand-picked selection of products by Scottish firms and designers, from high-street favourites to hidden gems.
Katherine Pentney's products often feature favourite's of Scottish wildlife www.thecannysquirrel.co.uk
We’ll also be profiling some of the independent makers who are selling Scotland to the world – starting this month with Katherine Pentney, whose Canny Squirrel brand offers adorable Harris Tweed creations. They are beautifully embroidered with everything from Highland cows to family pets.
READ MORE: Harris Tweed pet cushions are a hit for The Canny Squirrel
On the subject of Harris Tweed, if you’ve not put your decorations up yet and fancy a wreath that will still look great next Christmas, check out Caroline Wolfe Murray’s fabulous fabric creations, available in three colour combinations. All of her products are sewn and finished in rural East Lothian.
Harris Tweed Christmas wreath, £45 carolinewolfemurray.com
If you’re still looking for Christmas cards, or a few new trinkets for your tree, check out the Etsy stores of Claire Kirkpatrick of Stromness and Claire Barclay of Glasgow. Kirkpatrick makes beautiful animals collages, then turns them into cards and wooden decorations.
Decoration, £4.99-£6.99, www.etsy.com/uk/shop/clairekirkpatrickart
Barclay’s instantly recognisable and super-colourful designs incorporate everything from Irn-Bru and Buckfast to and the Duke of Wellington (complete with cone, of course) along with favourite Scottish sayings.
Christmas card, £2.50, www.etsy.com/shop/clairebarclaydraws
One final recommendation for your animal-loving friends is Gillian Kyle’s cheery set of “Tartan Coo” coasters (other designs available include a majestic stag and an inquisitive Westie).
Tartan coo set for four coasters, £12.95 www.gilliankyle.com
If you’re looking for other ideas to stuff in a stocking, check out Scott Innes's vibrant thistle mug (the design is also available on bags, tea towels and aprons).
Purple cable cashmere gloves, £59 www.johnstonsofelgin.com
Alternatively, treat someone special with a luxurious pair of gloves from Johnstons of Elgin – which are the product of 200 years of tradition and expertise.
Thistle enamel mug, £9.50 www.scottinness.com
If the way to the hearts of your loved ones is through their stomachs, some Scottish fudge in a hamper from Jolly’s of Orkney is bound to satisfy.
Peedie Taste of Orkney Hamper, £30 www.jollysoforkney.co.uk
But if your budget is a little lower, sweet treats from Lanark-based family firm Gardiners offers more than a dozen charming tins of fudge, toffee and shortbread.
Christmas vanilla fudge, 300g, £7.99 www.gardiners-scotland.co.uk
A Scots pine candle from Skye will keep the fragrance of Christmas in the air long after the tree has dropped its needles.
Scots Pine Candle, £20 www.skyecandles.co.uk
The Lochranza soap from Arran, meanhwhile, has a warm spice smell and a handy travel tin.
Lochranza tinned soup (patchouli and anise), £6 www.arran.com
If in doubt, you can always treat the whisky or gin lover in your life with a special tipple.
Edinburgh gin and liqueur set, £35 www.edinburghgin.com
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to distillers, but Edinburgh Gin’s gift sets and Eden Mill’s Hip Flask Series are so beautifully presented it’s almost a shame to drink them. Almost!
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