Traditions. They’re really important to people and, at this time of year, there are lots of traditions to upkeep. Gie’in it laldy whenever you hear a Christmas carol, making sure you put out carrots and a wee dram on Christmas Eve for Rudolph and Santa and getting your bag of booze ready for first footing at New Year. Of course, traditions vary from country to country and over the years, we’ve adopted some traditions that originated elsewhere. So, while our American pals across the pond can keep their Thanksgiving meal, complete with marshmallows on top of sweet potatoes (what’s that about?) we’ve definitely embraced their tradition of shopping ‘til we drop on Black Friday.
So, hop on board and make your way to these fantastic local shops to finish off your Christmas shopping. It is tradition after all.
Dunfermline
Sew Yarn Crafty/Sew Studio
If you’re someone who gets joy from creating your own gifts for friends and family, you’ll find everything you need here to get crafty this Christmas.
Little Shop of Heroes
We can’t think about comic book stores without thinking about Sheldon and co. from The Big Bang Theory. We’re sure they’d be in their element here, with comic books and graphic novels ranging from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Doctor Who, to Betty & Veronica and Alex & Ada.
Little Thistle
This award-winning gift shop has store fronts in Dunfermline, Glenrothes and Dundee, plus an online shop to browse through. We love their Auld Pals range – mugs, coasters and prints reminiscent of Jack and Victor from Still Game – is there anything more Scottish than that?!
Cafe Wynd
We’re not telling you that you have to get a sausage roll when you’re at Cafe Wynd but...you HAVE to get a sausage roll from Cafe Wynd! From pork, stilton and red onion chutney, to vegan Mexican haggis, they’ve got a pastry product to suit everyone! We’re drooling just writing about them!
Edinburgh
Paper Tiger
While this store has lots of fantastic gifts on display, we mostly appreciate their love of the Belgian comic book character Tintin. Looking for a hand painted model of Tintin and Snowy on the moon? You can get it here. Wondering what time it is? With a Tintin watch, you’ll never wonder again. Prefer to drink your morning cuppa out of a mug emblazoned with Tintin’s face? You guessed it. Paper Tiger’s got your back.
Godiva
We’ve all become aware of the environmental impact of what’s become known as ‘fast fashion’ – mass produced, cheaper clothing that’s discarded without a second thought. Godiva Boutique is a self-proclaimed pioneer of slow fashion – embracing the style and quality of vintage clothing, while promoting the message that it’s cool to go old school when shopping for fashion.
Life Story
Feeling a little hygge this festive season? Shop for gifts and Christmas decor with Scandi-style at this fantastic store located just a short walk from the Edinburgh Playhouse. We love their collection of Christmas stockings and wouldn’t mind hanging one from our mantle this year.
Epitome
Another store that embraces the quality and craftsmanship of clothing, Epitome offers an eclectic range of clothing, footwear and gifts that will stay timelessly fashionable.
Dundee
Groucho’s
When you walk into Groucho’s you’re walking into a Dundee institution. Dundonians have been getting their music fix here for over 40 years and it’s still THE place to pick up vinyl and concert tickets for your favourite artists.
Quirky Coo
It’s cool to be quirky and the gifts here are the coolest! Who knew there was such a thing as an Irn Bru stool? We want it. We’d also quite like some llama or avocado Christmas deccies so, if anyone’s looking for us, we’ll be at the Quirky Coo!
J A Braithwaite
Do you know a real tea jenny? A caffeine fiend? Look no further for the perfect gift for your beverage loving friends. The oldest shop in Dundee, J.A.Braithwaite’s sells quality teas and coffees the proper way – leaf and bean – and it’s an aromatic experience just stepping over the threshold.
Glasgow
Forbidden Planet
From Funko Pops to Fortnite, Avengers to Star Wars, if you’re a fan of sci-fi, graphic novels or movie memorabilia, Forbidden Planet is the ideal place for you. The stores are manned by passionate fans so you’ll get some great chat along with your purchases.
Tantrum Doughnuts
Doughnuts have made a big comeback in the past few years. Forget the greasy, over-sugared doughnuts of your youth and make way for taste sensation that’ll have you buying doughnuts by the dozen. Tantrum starts the process with a brioche base, and then brings in flavours like PB&J, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Milk ‘n Cookies. They’ve also created a couple of vegan delights with Blueberry Jam Glaze and Peanut Butter.
Monorail
A grassroots music experience, Monorail’s main purpose is to be a community based store that embraces all genres of music and musicians. Pop in to browse their huge library of music and have a chat with the knowledgeable staff.
Bread Meats Bread
Bring your appetite because you’re going to need it! Burgers toppling over with delicious toppings, poutine (gravy covered fries with cheese curds – yum) and grilled cheeses are the main events here but we recommend ordering a few different items and sharing with friends – everything tastes soooo good!
St Andrews
St Andrews Day
St Andrews is so brilliant that it has a whole day named after it! Well, technically the town is named for Saint Andrew who we celebrate on 30 November but what’s a little poetic license between pals? Pop in to our bus station tomorrow (St Andrews Day) and celebrate the Scottish patron with a wee mince pie and some heart-rousing music from a traditional Scottish piper. The fun starts at 11 – see you then!
Topping and Co
Is there anything better than walking into a book shop? We love the smell. We love the thought of experiencing something new. Toppings is a traditional book shop that gives us everything we want, as well as hosting book readings with sought-after authors (Ian Rankin will be speaking on 14 December). Choose a few books to gift this Christmas (and make sure you get to borrow them afterwards!)
Johnstons of Elgin
It’s Scotland, it’s Christmas time and it’s cold. Don’t worry. Johnston’s has you covered with their classic knits for the whole family. Pick up a scarf, try on a jumper, grab a cardi – there’s something for everyone and they offer a quality not often found on the high street.
Fisher and Donaldson
If you’ve never had a Fisher and Donaldson fudge doughnut, what have you been doing with your life? It’s world famous, has its own Wikipedia page and Instagram hashtag (#fdfudge) and is an experience you’ll never forget. Obviously, the bakery offers many more delicacies – strawberry tarts, scones, beautiful baked and decorated wedding cakes – but if you go for the fudge doughnut, you’ll stay for the fudge doughnut. Trust us. You’re welcome.