The very best of shopping
Can’t think what to get for that special person this Christmas? We asked a few of the city’s shop owners for their top shopping tips this festive season
John Garner
ROYAL ARTIZANA
115 Leith Walk
Tel: 0131 555 3999
What will be flying off the shelves?
Our handmade Christmas cards and calendars which are made locally and offer something a bit unique.
What about for that special lady in your life?
We have some really gorgeous Indian and African jewellery which would make your loved one feel really special!
What are you hoping that Santa brings you this Christmas?
I would like a new cat – not just for Christmas!
What’s the worst present you’ve ever received?
I have received a selection of silly jumpers throughout the years.
Melanie Jones
MEL-BELL’S ORGANIC GROCERIES
13 Randolph Place,
West End Village
Tel: 0131 220 2300
What’s popular?
Organic panettone, Coco Bruntsfield’s organic flavoured chocolates, Carroll’s heritage potatoes, Linda Dick chickens and Brewster’s turkeys (order in advance to guarantee!).
What if you’re stuck for a gift?
Steenburg’s organic mixed herb and spice box, Indian starter set, eastern cooking or a bakers’ box. Or a lovely hamper of fresh vegetables for the Christmas period. Tea pigs teas are a special treat for anyone who likes a hot brew.
Where do you kick back and relax?
I love to have a glass of wine and olives at Le DiVin or dinner at Café Marlayne. Or just an evening in with friends round for food.
What is the best thing about shopping in the West End?
It’s full of unique little shops that are not part of big chain stores – you get personal service and end up making friends with the shop owners!
The owners also work in their shops so they know their products better and have a real passion for what they are selling.
Kate MacKenzie
MAD JACK’S BACK
36 Elm Row, Leith
Tel: 0131 557 1277
What’s going to be popular this year?
We have something for everyone of all ages including jewellery, fair trade products, toys, gadgets and much more – come in and see for yourself!
What do you recommend for someone who has everything?
We are one of the only outlets in the UK selling Padraig slippers, which are handmade in Canada. They would be a perfect gift for babies right up to adults.
What’s the best thing about shopping in your area?
The endless hidden gems in the many fantastic independent shops. You can really get everything you need in Leith and I often do!
Top tip for bargain hunting?
The car boot sale every Sunday at Greenside in Leith.
Kirsty Knust
JOHN LEWIS
69 St James Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 3SP
Tel: 0131 556 9121
What if you’re stuck for a gift?
The Wild and Wolf chrome retro house phone is really cool. It looks like a phone from the 50s but plugs into a regular phone socket. It’s a great gift for men or women.
Any unusual gifts?
Try our solar-powered moon jar. It’s a lovely eco-friendly way to create soft light after dark. It would make a good child’s night light as it comes on automatically, or you can also use it outside on summer nights.
How are you getting into the festive spirit?
We’ll have Christmas concierges: our personal shopping advisers who can help with everything from toys to lingerie to a little black dress for your Christmas party.
There will be demonstrations of new gadgets in our cookshop, a Santa’s post box and, of course, a gift wrapping service to make all your presents look pretty.
Sheila Dafereras
ASIMI JEWELLERY
40 George St, Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 220 5070
What’s really special in your shop?
We have two designers who work with real flowers, encasing them in silver, gold or resin.
As each piece is totally unique they make the perfect gift for the person who has everything. A brightly coloured rose pendant has also been catching everybody’s eyes.
Favourite place to enjoy a break between shopping?
Amicus Apple in Frederick Street has a great atmosphere and is close enough for us to pop in for a glass of wine on the way home.
What are you hoping that Santa brings you this Christmas?
Two years ago my husband gave me a Vespa for Christmas and now I’m hoping for a new helmet.
Special Christmas discount shopping day on 9 December. E-mail info@asimi.co.uk for an invite.
Need to know
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