Gift Ideas from South Scotland

Still looking for ideas on what to get your loved ones for Christmas? Fear not, we have searched across the South of Scotland to bring you a fantastic selection of gifts from the area. Because this Christmas, buying local is more important than ever. Not only will you be supporting makers on your doorstep, you can also be sure that the warm and fuzzy feeling from doing so will linger far beyond Christmas Day.

So, read on for a variety of treasures you will only find in the South of Scotland. 

Please note: In light of the coronavirus pandemic, health and safety are of paramount importance. Stay safe and adhere to current government guidance. If you are going for walks or exercise, always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Closures and access restrictions may apply and will be lifted in line with government guidance. Always check with places directly for visiting guidelines and prebook where possible.

Gifts for Getting Cosy

It is always lovely to have something to cosy up to on the couch or when walking in the crispy winter frosts.

lovescottishcandles 

Brighten those dark winter nights! Lovescottishcandles offers a range of handmade artisan scented candles as well as reed diffusers and home accessories, all made exclusively in the Scottish Borders.  

Eribé

Wrap up warm with colourful, award-winning knitwear designs. With sustainability and eco-conscious living at the heart of their brand, pieces from Eribé will immediately put a smile on the wearer’s face. 

Collingwood Norris Knitwear 

Independent knitwear brand Collingwood-Norris offers not only handmade pullovers and scarves. Owner Flora also advocates for mending to keep those much-loved pieces in your closet for longer. So why not gift one of her crafting kits to learn the art of brightly coloured darning and mending.

Graham Cashmere

The Borders town of Hawick is famed for its cashmere industry. So what better to get cosy with this Christmas than locally made cashmere pieces, including socks, scarves and even hot water bottles.  

Purealba 

Give the gift of relaxation or even a pampering session with artisan soaps and body butters by Purealba. Handmade at the beautiful Drumlanrig Country Estate in Dumfries & Galloway, all products are palm-oil free and eco-friendly. 

Mainstreet Trading Company

The award-winning bookshop and deli has put together a whole range of Christmas hampers. So, why not give a book subscription this Christmas, or perhaps a foodie box with seasonal reading material? Whatever you choose, it will go down a treat. 

Findra Outdoor Clothing 

If your loved ones enjoy adventure, treat them to Findra’s sustainable and environmentally-friendly Merino outdoor wear. They will always stay cosy, even on the coldest winter days. 

Yarns to Yearn for

Owner Alan Miller has created an especially cuddly way to bring Langholm to your home. His special ‘Muckle Toun Tartan’ is now available as teddy bears, reindeer and a variety of other home accessories.

Gift a Piece of Art from South Scotland 

The South of Scotland continues to inspire artists and artisans, making Christmas the perfect opportunity to present your loved ones with a piece of the area. 

Solway Silver 

The inspiration behind Solway Silver’s handmade jewellery is undeniable. Beautifully crafted necklaces evoke the soft ripple of ocean waves and the landscapes and wildlife of Dumfries & Galloway.

Walker Copeland Art

Artists Laura Walker and Deborah Copeland create a range of original paintings, art prints, cards and more, inspired by and often depicting townscapes of South Scotland.

Lindean Glass

Elevate your festive table with hand-blown, made to order glassware by Lindean Glass. In their Borders workshop, Annica Sandström and David Kaplan, two pioneers of the studio glass movement in Scotland, create a range of pieces, from candleholders to tumblers and plates. 

Celtic Goldsmith

Those looking for a unique take on the goldsmith craft might enjoy pieces by the Celtic Goldsmith. Influenced by the mythology of the North, their jewellery brings together ancient decorative art with a modern fusion of coloured golds and silver. 

Roslyn Whiting Leathercraft

Roslyn lovingly creates card holders, wallets, journals and page holders, inspired by the surrounding landscapes, the Eildon Hills and River Tweed. 

The Gallery at Laurieston

Pay a visit to award-winning photographer Phil McMenemy’s gallery, showcasing high-quality, local art. With a range of smaller and larger pieces on show, you will find plenty of gift ideas.

Whitehouse Gallery

A must-visit for top-quality fine art and craft, this contemporary art & craft gallery in the historic artist town of Kirkcudbright, exhibits sculpture as well as jewellery, prints and more, from established as well as up and coming artists. 

Flat Cat Gallery

Looking for an eclectic and enticing range of art, ceramics, sculpture and more? Head to the Flat Cat Gallery in Lauder where you will find works by a number of Scottish Borders artists.

Treats for Foodies

Whether you’re looking to raise a loved one’s Christmas spirits or want to indulge their sweet tooth, there’s lots of choice in the South of Scotland. 

Cocoa Black

Surprise your nearest and dearest with handmade Christmas chocolates. Cocoa Black have a range of selection boxes on offer. And if they enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, vouchers for chocolate classes are also available. 

Land o’Tastes

You can be certain to find tasty creations for every taste with the delicious offer from Land o’ Tastes. From cheese to cured meats, sauces and chutneys, the products are perfect for creating a mouth-watering hamper. 

Ooft! Hot Sauce

Looking to bring that extra bit of spice to a foodie gift? Try adding Ooft! ‘s hot scotch bonnet or smoky chipotle sauce. Handmade and aged slowly to develop the perfect flavour, these sauces are award-winning for a reason. 

Crafty Distillery

Gift a bottle of gin from 2020’s Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year! Choose from Crafty Dsitillery’s Hills & Harbour Gin, the world’s first Smokey and Citrus Distilled Cocktail or one of their limited edition tipples. 

Solway Spirits Gin

If you are looking for a boozy gift that puts a twist on gin, look no further than Solway Spirits. The small-batch craft distillery offers a unique range of flavours, including Turkish Delight Gin and Apple Caramel Gin. Perfect for creating festive drinks. 

Borders Distillery

Enjoy a variety of the Borders Distillery’s favourite food and drink with a hamper. There are a number of options available, though the Foodie’s Hamper is the most extensive of them all, featuring delicious treats such as whisky cake, handmade chocolate, shortbread as well as the distillery’s whisky, vodka and gin. 

Selkirk Distillers

Family-run Selkirk Distillers have the perfect decoration for your tree: Small star-shaped bottles of their delicious Bannock Gin. Those looking for a more substantial gift will also find a festive mini hamper. Featuring gin, mixer and a selection of cheeses and oatcakes, what else could you possibly need for a Christmas feast? 

Left Field Kombucha

Looking for fizz but not of the alcoholic kind? Or perhaps you’re looking for something different for a tea lover? A taster pack of this handcrafted, multi-award-winning kombucha could be the gift idea you’re looking for. 

Gift Experiences

Struggling to find the perfect gift for those who have everything? These gift experiences are sure to delight.

Stobo Castle

Surprise a loved one with the gift of a relaxing spa experience at Stobo Castle. Leave the choice to them with a monetary voucher or choose from a variety of experiences such as Evening Escapes or a full Spa Day. 

Les Amis Stunt Team

Turn dreams into reality this Christmas! Gift an equine experience day with Les Amis Stunt Team, where participants can learn everything from Horseback Archery to Medieval Skills. 

Photoshoot Scotland with Rose and Julian

What better to give a loved one for Christmas than a memorable photoshoot? From family portraits to couples shoots, Rose and Julien will expertly guide participants around a variety of Borders locations for stunning photos. 

Stewart Brewing

Looking for a gift for the beer enthusiast who’s tried everything? With Stewart Brewing’s Craft Beer Kitchen, they can now brew their own beer on professional kit. The fun-filled experience includes everything from label design to deciding the bottling date for a truly bespoke beer. 

The Whithorn Trust

Give a journey through history! The Whithorn Trust’s digital ticket includes entry to the site as well as access to a range of digital content.

Remember to Support Local

Whether you head to town or online to do your shopping, make the most of the #ScotlandLovesLocal campaign. Communities across Scotland are highlighting a range of fantastic initiatives to put the spotlight on their independently owned shops. 

Galashiels Loves Local

From dressed up windows to giveaways and special offers, ‘Love Galashiels, Love Local’ is the message in this Borders town. Check out the local shops on a day out for even more gift ideas.

The Guild Dumfries Festive Pop-Up Shop

Until the 24th of December, The Guild are highlighting 70 local indie designers, creatives and producers. So, head to the Loreburne Shopping Centre for gift ideas ranging from jewellery to homeware and more.