I KNOW, I know – it’s still only early November. But these are not usual times, and if you’re planning to buy Scottish this festive season then it’s time to get browsing.
Next month we’ll be bringing you a Christmas gift guide packed with Scottish-made goodies, but now is the time to start thinking about cards and decorations. Yes, we’re going to be stuck inside for most of these winter months, but what better excuse to go to town decking your halls?
The big day might still be a wee while off, but the start of advent is just around the corner. Instead of buying a throwaway calendar, why not invest in a high-quality advent cushion from The Wee Loft, based in the Aberdeenshire village of Insch?
Traditional Christmas advent calendar pillow, £35, The Wee Loft
While The National would, of course, never suggest a daily diet of caramel wafers for more than three weeks, we couldn’t resist the Tunnock’s biscuit advent tree made by Troon-based Neil Speirs (The Rustic Robot). Please note that the treats are not included, so you could balance things out with some caramel logs.
Tunnocks biscuit advent tree, £24.99, The Rustic Robot
With a surge in online shopping expected to cause postal delays, it’s a good idea to get your Christmas cards sent out early. The National’s own range will be launching soon, but we also love Oh Corrin’s illustration featuring the First Minister, Alice Newman’s lovely ceilidh scene, and a quartet featuring Scottish wildlife in their festive fashions (who could fail to be cheered by an otter wearing a Christmas jumper?).
Nicola Sturgeon Christmas card, £3.50 (£4 for £10), Oh Corrin
Christmas and Hogmanay card, £3 (4 for £10), Alice's Print Shop
Highland wildlife Christmas card pack, (£8 for 4, £15 for 8, £25 for 16), Discover and Draw
Key worker Santa will of course be visiting ahead of the big day, so we’ll be hanging up our stockings as usual. Inverness-based Alba Crafts has lovely homemade Harris Tweed versions, with unique trimming on each one, and The Wee Loft has pretty personalised options.
Harris Tweed Christmas stocking, £45, Alba Craft Gifts
Personalised Christmas stocking, £16, The Wee Loft
Our Maker of the Month, Marc Peters, produces beautiful glass decorations ranging from traditional robins, wreaths and gingerbread houses to more quirky Scottish creations including a mini tea cake and even a Mother’s Pride plain loaf.
Tunnock's tea cake fused glass decoration, £18, Marc Peters Glass
Scottish Pride plain loaf fused glass decoration, £18, Marc Peters Glass
If you’re aiming for a more rustic look, Carluke-based Sian's Craft Cabin offers cute clay decorations with the option of customisation with your family name.
Bonnie wee Christmas heart, £3.50, Sian’s Craft Cabin
No Christmas room is complete without seasonal scents. Fruit options include cinnamon and red apple from Glasgow-based firm Shearer Candles and cranberry and spice nutmeg from JoJo Candles, handmade in a studio in Fife.
Red apple and cinnamon gift box, £12, www.shearer-candles.com
Cranberry and spiced nutmeg tea lights, £10, www.jojococandles.com
Last but not least, for visits to the shops why not add some cheer with a festive face mask? Maple Stone Cottage, based in Alloa, has a range of colourful designs, and Larkhall-based Sally Sews not only has Christmas pudding masks but also the option of hair scrunchies to match.
Christmas forest cotton face mask, £5-£6.50, Maple Stone Cottage
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