Christmas 2020 is less than 40 days away and I wanted to write about my favourite independent shops and boutiques in Edinburgh.
As a small business owner myself I am a strong advocate for supporting local businesses. Another bonus with shopping at independent shops is that you will find unique gems!
In no particular order these are my recommendations for shops to visit in Edinburgh. I have also added their website where you can also buy online if you are unable to visit Edinburgh.
Red Door Gallery, Victoria Street
Located on beautiful Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Red Door Gallery is a hub of creativity for the visual arts and proudly supports the work of over 150 artists.
They have an extensive collection of artwork, textiles, jewellery and stationary. If you are looking for an Edinburgh scene or illustration to take home, this is the shop for you.
The shop can suit a range of budgets and you can definitely find something for under £10.
You can visit in store or online.
W. Armstrongs Vintage
W. Armstrong & Son is an Edinburgh institution and has been bang in the heart of the city since 1840.
Now they are well established as one of the UK’s oldest and most loved vintage clothing stores. This is the place to visit if you are looking for one of a kind pieces, and have a large selection of vintage clothes from all past eras. They stock clothing, shoes and accessories from the swinging 60’s to the bohemian 70’s through to the 1990’s grunge style.
They have 4 stores across Edinburgh – they can be found on Clerk Street, Cockburn Street, Grassmarket and Teviot Place.
IJ Mellis Cheeses, Stockbridge
Purveyors of fine farmhouse and artisan Scottish cheeses, IJ Mellis Cheese mongers have now been trading for over 25 years, bringing together producers and consumers.
Aside from their artisan cheese they also sell deli items such as handmade pies, Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and freshly baked bread. If you want to create your dream cheese board then IJ Mellis have everything you’ll need.
The cheesemonger can also create gift boxes which can be ordered online.
They have 3 stores in Edinburgh – one on Victoria Street, one in Stockbridge and one on Morningside Road.
Toppings & Company Book Shop, Blenheim Place
The family run book shop is situated in a beautiful grade A listed building on Blenheim Place near the city centre. Over 70,000 book titles are set amongst the handcrafted bookcases over two levels. They offer a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, travel guides and children’s publications. What makes this book store special is that they often have books personally signed by the author and have a display of rare edition copies of books. If you are an avid book collector this is the place for you.
They also have a great local books section, if you are interested in local Edinburgh history they have a good collection on the ground floor.
You can order online, or visit in store. It is also worth checking out their events page online.
Logan Malloch, Leith Walk
Logan Malloch is a modern independent Leith based retail shop. The store stocks locally made goods from artwork prints, candles, jewellery, books, ceramics and textiles.
All of the items are carefully curated and if you are looking for a unique modern Scottish gift then make sure you head down for a visit. The shop also has a wide range of house plants for sale, including succulents, cacti and handmade ceramic hanging baskets and pots.
You can visit in store or online (gift cards are also available)
The Cat’s Miaou, Elm Row
This shop is an Aladdin’s cave of quirky items.
Situated near the top of Leith Walk the Cat’s Miaou offers unique gift ideas for any age range.
They stock organic baby clothes, crocheted cuddly toys, bamboo scarves and socks. The shop also sells an extensive collection of Padraig slippers made from 100% pure wool and natural leather. Other items include glass work pendants, bronze ornaments, felt works and greeting cards. Also as you can imagine they also sell a few cat themed items too!
You can visit their online store, however there is more variety in store.
Mary’s Milk Bar, Grassmarket
Mary’s Milk bar situated on the Grassmarket, has views across to Edinburgh Castle and is a fantastic independent artisan gelato and chocolate shop. You can purchase their homemade (by Mary, of course) ice-cream in store, but they also sell high quality chocolate treats. If you are after a special chocolate gift, then head to Mary’s Milk bar. If you want to warm yourself up, then they also sell tasty hot chocolate drinks to take away.
To keep up to date with their gelato offerings you should follow their instagram for regular scoop updates.
You can purchase their produce in store or online.
Gecko Gifts, West Port
Situated near the historic Grassmarket area, Gecko gifts is a unique and ethically sourced gift shop which sells beautiful handmade leather, wood and resin works. They also source original jewellery, crystals and vibrant textiles from wonderfully skilled Indian artisans. Their Kashmiri woolen cushion covers are all hand made to a high quality.
Their jewellery collection is particularly eclectic and includes brass and silverware, bangles, ear cuffs and Tibetan pendants. All of their stock is responsibly sourced and reasonably priced.
You can visit their store in person or they have an Etsy store where you can order online.
Assai Records, Grindlay Street
Situated near the west end of Princes Street, this record shop is the perfect place to head to on the weekend.
These vinyl specialists sell a huge range of records from new releases to classics. They stock a range of music genres, including Assai exclusives, hip-hop, RnB and a collection of Scottish artists.
They also sell record players, turntables( they also sell their own branded ones), music t-shirts, books and other merchandise. Assai also runs a points scheme, which is worth looking into if you are a regular vinyl collector.
You can visit them in store or online.
The Tartan Blanket Co, Great Junction Street
Based in Leith the Tartan Blanket Co is a family run business which specialises in sustainable Scottish tartan blankets and scarves.
They are made from wool or cashmere making them natural, hypoallergenic, breathable and sustainable. Their lambswool scarves come in different colours and patterns and you can really wrap yourself up this winter with their cosy blanket scarves. They also sell recycled wool which can be purchased in blanket form or waterproof roll up picnic blankets.
The Tartan Blanket Co also offers a gift box section, where you can build your own gift box for someone special. Their items also include baby blankets, children’s scarves and king sized blankets.
If you are looking for a warm and durable product, check these guys out!
Their in person store is currently closed, however you can purchase items online.
