It’s that time of year again when we all go daft buying food, drink and presents for one another. Some of those presents are fantastic and warmly received but there is always that occasional one when you gushingly say thank you while thinking what on earth will I do with that!
We thought we would give you our thoughts on presents that we like giving and receiving.
Sheena: as most people know I’m a proper Bah Humbug and as my family knows I’m also not known for giving presents on time either. My mum got her September present at the beginning of December! But hey at least with me I prolong the celebrations. My three gift suggestions are as follows.
- Walter Gregor’s Tonic – this is often my go too for a gift especially if it’s a celebration that we should be doing in person but haven’t been able to this last couple of years! I love that you can do a one off order for someone or there is also a subscription service. My last order? Well that was two boxes of tonic for myself (the original and the spiced tonic – in case you were interested). Great to have in the house but also to make up a wee hamper if needed.
- Nest – this is actually where I got my mums present from. A relatively new business but be warned if you go for a look as you will spend hours browsing! I love that there is such a beautiful range whether for someone’s home or garden. AND as I’m writing this I’ve just discovered that there are also books to buy now too! But the best bit about Nest is the gift vouchers. You can then never buy the wrong thing but let someone else choose their perfect gift instead.
- Galloway Lodge – ohh such a choice. There was a great selection previously but then they brought out the new Christmas Range. So of course I had to buy one of each to taste test them (even though I knew they would be fabulous). There “surely is something here for everyone, individual jars, gift packs and a subscription service too. You can order online or why not go visit the coffee shop and see before you buy which is also a great excuse for a coffee and scone (I recommend the cheese and chive)!
Eilidh:
- Crafty Distillery – You are sure to find the perfect Christmas gift here with their spirits delivered in a beautifully designed gift box. You will find Galloway Gin; a limited edition gin from scratch using 100% hand foraged botanicals from Galloway. Or their iconic Hills & Harbour gin – fantastic for using in a Christmassy cocktail. My personal favourite is the 247 Vodka; its purity means that it’s delicious on its own. Crafty also has a wide range of merchandise from glassware to t-shirts. They have an online shop as well as a shop at the distillery so it’s great if you’re local or live further afield!
- Dunns Stores, Stranraer / Irving’s Bakery – A local general store has been selling brilliant hampers, one of which is filled with Irving’s Bakery goodies. Filled with homemade mince pies, shortbread and wrapped exquisitely… a gift suitable for anyone in the family! I have already bought some for gifts but I think I may just go buy one (or a few) for myself!
Harrie: The highlight of Christmas in our family is taking time to enjoy some of the amazing local produce so our gifts usually reflect this
- Isle of Mull Cheese Not only can you browse the amazing cheese selection made on the family farm but they do hampers with Island Bakery cheese biscuits and homemade chutneys. Perfect for when the leftovers have run out and you can’t face cooking yet.
- Hinba Coffee Roasters Some days have to start with coffee and I love the coffee roasted on the Isle of Seil by Hinba coffee roasters. They source really considerately and their retail bags make great gifts. If you are in Oban at any point they also have a coffee shop on the esplanade where you can try before you buy.
- Rapscallion Soda Made in Glasgow, Rapscallion set out to make low sugar, high flavour sodas that are so versatile that they are delicious by themselves for non drinkers or perfect for anyone you know that likes an unusual mixer for their gin. The flavours change seasonally but the rhubarb has to be my favourite. Gregor’s got an amazing palate for mixing drinks and always has great cocktail suggestions, his sense of humour is also brilliant, try peeling back the label on one of the beautiful cans!
Sheena’s Suggestions
Eilidh’s Suggestions
Harrie’s Suggestions
We hope this has helped with your gift ideas and we would like to wish you a relaxing time over the festivities after what has been a difficult year for most.
Merry Christmas
Sheena, Eilidh and Harrie