Food & Drink Gift Special

UNDER A FIVER

 

Glickman's Lucky Tatties

Glasgow's oldest sweetie shop- and last month's cover star- Glickman's is a heady treasure trove of bright, sugary wonder. Their mint cream fondant and candy balls are made in traditional copper pots on-site- for a real Scottish treat try their curiously addictive, cinnamon flavoured Lucky Tatties.

£1 a bag, Glickman's, London Road, Glasgow or online at www.glickmans.co.uk

Egg-Perfect-Colour-Changing-Timer

If you favour hard boiled eggs while you other half prefers them soft, this colour changing egg timer provides the perfect solution. You simply place the timer in the pan alongside the eggs and as they cook it will change colour as they become ‘soft’, ‘medium’ or ‘hard boiled’. The timer also adapts to the number of eggs in the pan so you need never experience an overcooked egg ever again!

£2.85, buy online at www.amazon.co.uk

BrewHaHa tins of tea

Often seen as the poor cousin to coffee, the good old cup of tea has received something of a makeover in recent times. Continuing a long tradition of tea in Glasgow which began with Mrs Cranston’s fashionable Mackintosh designed tea rooms, BrewHaHa is a kitsch, modern alternative to Starbucks. Situated within Buchanan Galleries, a wide range of teas are on offer from Dong Ding Oolong to Darjeeling.

£2.99 a tin, BrewHaHa, Lower Ground Floor, Buchanan Galleries

The Little book of Wine/Beer/Whisky tips

Containing over 50 handy tips for whisky lovers or indeed aspiring whisky lovers, this book makes an ideal stocking filler. It includes how to taste and savour as well as glassware etiquette. There are even food tips recommending which dishes might benefit from a drop of the hard stuff. Could even be a good way to sedate Granny on Christmas day.

£2.99, Maia Gifts, Buchanan Street, Glasgow

James Chocolates – Raspberry/Amaretto truffles

Rest assured you will not find these delicious handmade chocolates in the supermarket. Created by a self confessed chocoholic using the best chocolate from around the world they make an ideal xmas gift and are as delicious as they sound.

£4.69 Sonny and Vito’s, Cafe/Deli, 52 Park Road, Glasgow or online at www.jameschocolates.co.uk

BrewDog Zeitgeist 4.9% Black Lager

Do you have a black sheep in your family? This alternative lager adorned with a sheep/human hybrid label (created by art student Heather Brennan) could be just the ticket. Billed as the UK’s first mass market black lager it takes inspiration from traditional Czech lagers and has a light flavour with subtle hints of chocolate and coffee.

£1.39 a bottle, online at www.zeitgeistbeer.com or at Peckham’s in Glasgow & Edinburgh

UNDER A TENNER

Summerharvest Rapeseed Oils

A tasty, airmiles friendly alternative to yer EVOO, these oils are made from cold-pressed Scottish rapeseed, are attractively packaged and have a light, fruity taste that goes great with pasta or as a dip.

500ml £7.50, buy online at www.summerharvestoils.co.uk

I Am Not A Paper Cup

This DCI-designed insulated porcelain mug masquerading as those ubiquitous take-out coffee cup combines practicality, environmental statement and I-want-one-of-those in one cute package. Just don’t try and chug a beer out of it and then crunch it against your forehead.

£9.99, order online at www.lazyboneuk.com

Gin & Titonic Ice Cube Tray

A mold that will pop out 4 frozen icebergs and 4 mini Titanics, allowing them to have a slow fight to the death in your festive cocktail. Tasteless or fabulous, tasteless or fabulous? We’re torn...

£5.50 order online at www.cubicuk.com

Martini High Tea

OK, at £22 for two, this comes just over budget when split but we think its worth shelling out that extra coin for a special afternoon treat at new Byres Road haunt The Blind Pig. Your money gets you a teapot full of strawberry martini (enough for two each), plus scones, cream, cakes and a pleasant feeling of naughtiness that will follow you for days.

Martini High Tea @ The Blind Pig, 116-122 Byres Road, Glasgow

SPLURGE

Personalised Whisky

The Famous Grouse’s labelmaker allows you to make anyone famous for a day. Choose from a list of pre-defined names and seasonal messages, or create your own.

Take delivery of a 70cl bottle for £19.99. Order online at www.thefamousgrouse.com

Charlotte Flower Chocolates

An independent company from Perthshire, all their products are hand-made and change according to the season – think salt caramel or sea buckthorn, a million miles from Quality Street. The best way to enjoy them is to ask Santa for their chocolate box scheme, for which you will receive a seasonal box of fresh chocolates every month for a year.

Prices start from £35 for four boxes a year. Order online at www.charlotteflowerchocolates.co.uk

Nick Nairn Cook School Vouchers

The ultimate gift for anyone who loves food, c/o him off the telly. Classes range from traditional Scottish cooking to vegetarian dishes to thrifty recipes. Located in the Trossachs, accommodation is available for a longer experience.

Prices range from £165 to £295, if you book online, and there are oodles of options available regarding what class you want to take. www.nicknairncookschool.com

Philippe Starck Lemon Squeezer

The focus of heated debate when it first appeared in 1989. Twenty years later, it remains as strikingly impractical as ever, but will provide any kitchen with a memorable statement of design and frivolity. Widely available for around £40.

Still Can’t Decide?

Then get along to Edinburgh’s annual Foodies Festival from 5-6 December, showcasing everything from chocolate jigsaws to Highland Hog Roasts, Japanese knives to bespoke chopping boards. There are also masterclasses in cocktail and cupcake making to help you give your festive parties a slick, professional touch.

Tickets are £10 / £6 students – to get a special Skinny 2-for-1 deal (making it just £5 / £3 a head) visit The Skinny’s Facebook page.

Alternatively, pop along to the Ethical Christmas Fair which will be taking up home under heated marquees on Edinburgh's Castle Street from 12-20 December. Fairtrade coffees, chocolates and other warming festive treats will make nicely guilt-free gifts, plus there are always plenty of free samples to help you make up your mind.