Check out these great gifting recommendations from our members, staff, partners and Good Ideas alumni. Supporting local businesses not only adds a personal touch to your Christmas shopping but also contributes to the vibrancy of the community. Happy shopping!

1. Mindful Enterprise

Recommended by Gary, Member.

“My recommendation is a little biased, but we do festive branded gift vouchers for anyone that would like to buy their partner, friend, colleague or family member a wellbeing gift to attend one of our wellbeing retreat days, some one-to-one coaching or a mindfulness training course. All of our offerings are high value, and we have lots of testimonials on our website and social media pages for anyone curious to find out more.”

2. Leith Collective

Recommended by Millie, Host.

A community of local artisans, Leith Collective showcases a diverse range of handmade crafts, jewellery and artwork. Find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local artists.

1st Floor Ocean Terminal, EH6 6JJ

3. Argonaut Books

Recommended by Millie, Host.

Argonaut Books is a charming independent bookstore dedicated to fostering a love for literature. Argonaut Books offers a curated selection that spans various genres and interests.

15-17 Leith Walk, EH6 8LN

4. The Cat’s Miaou

Recommended by Jeni, COO.

The Cat’s Miaou is a charming boutique on Elm Row, offering a variety of quirky and stylish gifts, from home decor to accessories. Find something special for everyone on your list.

36 Elm Row, EH7 4AH

5. The Leith Walk Gallery

Recommended by Millie, Host.

The Leith Walk Gallery sells paintings and prints as well as things like vases and small furniture, in a very eclectic range of styles.

8 Crighton Place, EH7 4NZ

6. Logan Malloch

Recommended by Millie, Host.

Logan Malloch sells art from creatives in Edinburgh and other parts of the UK.

13 Leith Walk, EH6 8LN

7. Handsel

Recommended by Lucinda, Marketing.

Yet another fab find on Leith Walk is Handsel, selling lovely homeware, jewellery, gifts and accessories.

336b Leith Walk, EH6 5BR.

8. Barney’s Beer

Recommended via our members’ whiteboard.

Small Scottish Brewery of the Year (2022) winner, Barney’s Beer offers great-tasting beer in cans with cool designs. Operating out of Summerhall, it’s a great wee company to support this Christmas.

9. Pekoe Tea

Recommended by Millie, Host.

Pekoe Tea offers a delightful selection of high-quality loose-leaf teas from around the world. Perfect for tea enthusiasts and those looking for unique and flavourful gifts.

11 Leith Walk, EH6 8LN

10. Active Root

Recommended via our members’ whiteboard.

For energetic friends and family, Active Root makes “great tasting, easy to digest drinks and gels that help keep you balanced, fuelled and hydrated during all forms of exercise.” They’re also committed to offering products that reduce plastic consumption.

11. Mardy Bum Active Club

Recommended via our members’ whiteboard.

Who wouldn’t want some funky leggings or a colourful knitted beanie from a Marchmont brand that has ‘bum’ in its title and seeks to inspire people to get active?

12. Invisible Cities Walking Tours

A Good Ideas Alumnus.

Explore Edinburgh’s landmarks with Invisible Cities‘ unique walking tours led by guides who have experienced homelessness. Their tours offer insights into both the dark and bright sides of the city. Gift cards and virtual tours are available.

13. Edinburgh Remakery

A Good Ideas Alumnus.

Join the mission for a waste-free world at The Edinburgh Remakery this festive season. This social enterprise conducts workshops teaching reuse and repair skills, refurbishes and sells IT equipment, and promotes a circular economy. You can support their cause by purchasing reasonably priced gadgets or booking your loved one into one of their inspiring creative workshops.

14. Edinburgh Tool Library

A Good Ideas Alumnus.

Run by Chris, a previous participant in the Good Ideas programme, Edinburgh Tool Library is your resource for tool sharing and gaining DIY skills. You could buy a loved one a membership for one year, or they offer open workshop sessions, women and non-binary makers’ sessions and celebration events. Embrace the creativity, fun and environmental impact of sharing tools while contributing to resource conservation.

121 Lawrie Reilly Place, EH7 5GS (Meadowbank)
19 Windsor Place, EH15 2AJ (Portobello)

15. Shrub Co-operative

Recommended by Aleks, Admin & Finance Assistant.

Shrub Cooperative strives to create a waste-free world by rescuing discarded foods, promoting the adoption of pre-loved items, and encouraging a circular economy. This Christmas, you can engage with their mission through events, workshops, their second hand store and a café.

Want more ideas? Our partners, Social Enterprise Scotland, have a great gift guide on their Buy Social site, or you can search Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network‘s directory for further inspiration.