The time has come to put up an outrageously large tree, and get on top of my Christmas shopping! When I say get on top of, I mean start… luckily it’s not exactly a hard task, especially when there are so many lovely independent shops and boutiques to support, both in Edinburgh and online. Here’s my pick of the best places to fill your stockings…

Biscuit

With a custard cream as their shop logo, what’s not to like! Biscuit now boasts not one, but two, gorgeous shops in Edinburgh after the original store on Thistle Street expanded to occupy a slightly larger space on Bruntsfield Place. The clothing is all gorgeous, but ahead of Christmas it’s the accessories and nick naks you’ll want to hone in on. I particularly love these reindeer glasses for the Christmas table!

Catalog

The lovely people at Catalog are once more going big with their Christmas haul, and you’ll find loads of great stocking-fillers and gorgeous gifts for the main event. Last year I indulged in their stylish Christmas cards (as with so many flying around, it’s often tricky to stand out!) and I think I’ll be doing the same this year!

Method

Just a few doors along from Catalog, you’ll find Method – a minimalist ‘lifestyle store and massage treatment space’. The shop is filled with carefully crafted products, all with wellness and mindfulness at their heart.

Golden Hair Books

Sticking to St Stephens Street (yup, when I shop local, I really mean it) Golden Hare Books is a real treasure trove. As well as enjoying reading all the hand-written recommendations on the shelves, you’ll find gorgeous coffee table books, collections of essays and short stories, as well as great works of fiction covering contemporary best sellers and the classics.

The Trumpet Shop

Recommended to me by a friend, The Trumpet Shop is new to George Street and has a quirky luxury food and drinks, special gins and 1920’s & 30’s art prints. I’ve not yet been in, but it’s on my festive shopping list.

Mamatot

Launched by Edinburgh Mama, Emily Burt, (more about her here) Mamatot is a brand new, scandi-themed online store for mamas and tots. I love the ‘Gifts’ tab, with options from under £15 and upwards, it’s the perfect place to shop for all my gorgeous new mummy friends and their tiny humans.

Vino Wines

Finally, we all know you can’t turn up empty handed to your in-law/friend/aunt’s house, so make sure you pop in to Vino. There’s a few of them dotted around town, including one on Broughton Street and another in Stockbridge. The staff are full of great recommendations of slightly different, wines, beers and spirits sure to be conversation starters over the festive season.

I’m always keen to support local independent businesses, so if there’s one you think I should know about – tell me in the comments below. Happy shopping everyone!