Shopping's best kept secrets
Indepentant retailers share their tips for finding the best gift ideas
Sheila Dafereras
Asimi Jewellery, George St (EH2)
Hot gift idea?
Charms are without a doubt the jewellery must have this year and it’s an easy option for every budget. Chamilia sterling silver charms start from £20 and the combinations are limitless.
Tip for saving?
Do a bit of research online before you begin your shopping. We find that a lot of men come in with a printout of an item they or their wives have spotted on our website, making life easier for all involved.
George Street specialty?
Shopping on George Street is a very different experience to many other areas as it offers an eclectic mix of independent retailers as well as the best of the high street fashion houses.
Spare time?
At such a busy time of year for anyone, one of the nicest things to do is get out of the city. Walking in the Pentlands is always lovely at this time of year.
Getting there
Any bus via Princes Street. Parking on George Street and at the St James Centre Car Park.
Susan McManus
Lily West Florist, West Port (EH3)
Hot gift idea?
Our Christmas special workshop – treat yourself, or friends and impress guests with your creativity by making your own fresh blue pine holly wreath. It’s on Sunday 13 December and is a bargain at only £25!
The West Port specialty?
You’ll pick up a one-of-a-kind gift with a mix of unique and rare retailers that you won’t find anywhere else in Edinburgh.
Best for tasty treats?
Must be Preachers! Such a delicious bakers and the guys are so sweet. Their mince pies were voted third best out of ten big retailers!
Stop for a festive tipple at?
Dragonfly Cocktail Bar – this has the best choice of cocktails and cool décor and once you go in you don’t want to leave.
Getting there
Buses via Lothian Road. Parking on King’s Stables Road and Castle Terrace car park.
Bob Baird
Harburn Hobbies, Elm Row (EH7)
Hot gift idea?
A Hornby train set. Future gift problems solved too as so many different things can be added – tracks, scenery, coaches and wagons…and how about an ice cream van!
Tip for saving?
Shop local. The independents usually know their products well and can often be cheaper than “the big boys”.
Leith specialty?
The diversity of shops, many with different products not to be found on the high street.
Best for tasty treats?
Embo – they have tasty wholesome home-made soups and fresh Mediterranean-style “healthy” food!
Getting there
Buses via Leith Walk or London Road. Parking is available on London Road, or a short stroll from Greenside Row Car Park.
Daniel Johnson
Studio One, Stafford Street (EH3)
Hot gift idea?
We are very excited by our Ortigia bath range – bath salts, shower gels and soaps all hand made in Sicily. A perfect girly gift.
The West End specialty?
We have a close-knit network of independent shops in the West End, each with a strong sense of style and distinctive direction.
Best for tasty treats?
Sygn Bar is the perfect place to go at any time of day – they do great breakfast, have a terrific lunch menu and very lively in the evening.
Favourite shop?
Apart from Studio One? I always think Frontiers has a great range of ladies’ clothes. I love seeing what they are doing and I’m not even a girl!
Getting there
Buses via Shandwick Place or Queensferry Street. Parking on Melville Street.