Go big, shop small: Local Heroes Xmas Gift Guide

Scotland’s independent designers have blown us away this year so it’s easier than ever to ditch Grinch-like chains and support a business in your own community. We’ve selected 20 gifts that are guaranteed to spark joy and be appreciated for many years to come. 

Many of the selected designers and makers are participating in festive markets this month so we’ve got the key dates here for you too. For more inspiration visit the Local Heroes Instagram feed featuring contemporary design and craft from across the country all year round.

Freya IM
Handmade brass jewellery from £25 and up. Back + Front Earrings £60, Grumpy Sun Medallion £65
freya.im [photo: Theodora Vanduin]

Ruth Leslie
Handmade contemporary jewellery in silver and gold. Heddle Earrings pictured, from £220
ruthleslie.co.uk [photo: Stark Studio]

Instrmnt
Unisex designer watches. T27, £180
instrmnt.co.uk 

C. Nicol
Luxury leather bags and accessories. Lily Saddle Bag, £345
cnicol.com

SÒLAS
100% silk sleep mask with soft padding and hand ruched silk band. Rhododendron £45
solassleepwear.com [photo: Ruth Mitchell]

Niki Fulton
Rock Silk Pocket Square / Neckerchief £48
nikifulton.com [photo: Susan Castillo]

Heather Shields
Puzzle Rectangular Cushion. Harbour £75
heather-shields.co.uk [photo: Roger Oates Design]

Collingwood Norris
Red + Pink Rum soft Geelong lambswool pom-pom hat £65
collingwoodnorrisdesign.com [photo: Rose and Julien]

Jennifer Kent 
Transfer Blue Scarf in extra-fine Italian Merino wool  £95
jenniferkent.com

Hilary Grant
Small 'Asplund' Blanket in Rust + Birch, 100% superfine lambswool £140
hilarygrant.co.uk [photo: Elliott Hatherley]

Emer Tumilty
A3 prints from £15
livingcasual.co.uk

Our Lovely Goods
Into The Woods Candle £20
ourlovelygoods.com

Laura Spring
An ethical alternative to traditional wrapping paper and inspired by the art of Japanese gift wrapping known as Furoshiki. Screen printed cotton square wraps from £9.50
lauraspring.co.uk/collections/fabric-wrap [photo: Caro Weiss]

Ciara Isabel
Mugs, plates and bowls made using the Nerikomi technique available from Welcome Home £15-40 
ciaraisabelceramics.co.uk [photo: Kayti Peschke]

Squid Ink Company
Weaving Loom Kit in Spectrum £32.50
squidinkco.com

Soft Play
Idiosyncratic apparel available via the designer’s Instagram @soft.play sweatshirts from £60

Morven Mulgrew
Handmade Face Mugs from £20
morvenmulgrew.myshopify.com

Alexis Basso
Handmade Tea-light holders from £7.50 
alexisbassoceramics.com

Saskia Pomeroy
Introduction to Marbling Workshop vouchers (18 January, 10.30am-1pm, Mount Florida Gallery & Studios), £65
shop.saskiapomeroy.com  

Giannina Capitani x Alice Dansey-Wright
Sun Jumper £169
gianninacapitani.com

Christmas Markets

Trading Post, Sunday 1 December, Custom Lane, Edinburgh

Grey Wolf Sale, Thursday 5 December, Grey Wolf Studio, Glasgow

Wasps Winter Artist and Makers Market, 7 December, The Briggait, Glasgow

Festive Pop Up Shop, Mount Florida Gallery & Studios, 6-22 December, Glasgow

Space At Seventeen, Jennifer Kent Pop-Up, 4-13 December, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Shop in a Shed, Goods from Morven Mulgrew, Soft Play, Kate Owens Grace Printed Stuffs, Saskia Pomeroy, Stefanie Ying Lin Cheong, Alice Dansey-Wright, and Slo- Mo Books, all crammed into a 12x6 foot garden shed, 14 December, Southside of Glasgow
(For address message @morvenmulgrew on Instagram )

Super Market Christmas, 14 & 15 December, Tramway, Glasgow