The Skinny Christmas Gift Guide 2024

Books

Mount Florida Books
I love Mount Florida Books. Great books, great vibes, and did you know they reinvest their profits into Glasgow’s literary and literacy community!? If you’re scared of picking the wrong book, no problem. Get your pal (or me) a gift card or membership. For only £30 a year, the Mount Floridians membership includes an unlimited 10% discount and a free paperback on your birthday! That’s two in one, baby! [Ema]
1069 Cathcart Rd, Mount Florida, Glasgow
mountfloridabooks.com

Inklings – 404 Ink 
Subtitled 'Big ideas to carry in your pocket', the Inklings series 2024 releases make perfect gifts for your curious loved ones. Recently released titles include Solemates: A History of Our Fetish for Feet by Adam Zmith, Electric Dreams: On Sex Robots and Failed Promises of Capitalism by Heather Parry, or you can pre-order titles like Revolutionary Desires: The Political Power of the Sex Scene by Xuanlin Tham, due to be published in March. There's also a whole back catalogue of these small but perfectly formed books, as well as the publishers' longer reads from Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson's Victor & Barry's Kelvinside Compendium to a collection of nature writing, Gathering: Women of Colour on Nature. [Rosamund]
404ink.com

FARE Magazine
Magazines are great gifts. Shocking news, coming from us, but it's true – a physical object you can pick up and peruse, knowing that if you like it there's more where that came from, can't beat it. Glasgow-based food mag FARE is an excellent example, with each issue investigating a city's food culture. Got a pal who won't stop talking about his weekend in Copenhagen? Get him Issue 12. Want to subtly drop a hint about going to Naples? Issue 15. The foodie friend who has everything? Do they have a 192-page, beautifully constructed magazine about Tblisi's food scene? Issue 6, they're welcome. [Peter]
I: @faremag

Good Press. Image courtesy of Good Press.

Good Press
Good Press is home to all things independently and self-published (and printed beautifully). It’s easy to get lost amid the stacks so, for any experimental text lover, vouchers from £10 are your best bet. [Eilidh]
31 St Andrews St, Glasgow

The Skinny Subscription
The Skinny subscription is a great gift for anyone who loves culture, arts, and the vibrant scene in Scotland. It’s perfect for those who want to stay in the loop and support independent journalism. Plus, we often feature local talent and hidden gems, making it basically the best gift for you and your pals. [DD]
theskinny.co.uk/subscribe

Design

Mud Vessels
As hilarious as the outcomes may be, I don’t think my attempts at DIY gift-giving using air-dry clay are going to cut it anymore. Luckily, Marta’s gorgeous selection of handbuilt ceramics, otherwise known as Mud Vessels, has me covered. Whether it’s a vase, mug, or candlestick, these unique sculptures are guaranteed to bring joy and élégance to your loved ones’ lives. [Ema]
I: @mudvessels 

Kilo Papa Studio Mountain Maps
Hand-drawn topographical maps of Scottish mountains, available in monochrome linear or detailed styles or (my favourite) multicoloured. You can buy a print in a range of sizes or now a tea towel. There's also a design based on a historical map of Palestine, and 100% of all profits from that are donated to Palestinian aid. [Rosamund]
kilopapastudio.com

Lunch Concept Store
Lunch Concept is a sustainable, season-less store offering clothing, jewellery and accessories crafted by independent designers worldwide. They emphasise small-batch production and made-to-order pieces, showcasing a blend of minimalist design and quality craftsmanship, ideal for those seeking thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts. [DD]
lunchconcept.com 

good story
For clothing and lifestyle gifts for the stylish people in your life, head to good story. Between their beautifully curated store (175 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow) and their website, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Keep an eye out for their pop-up shops, and check out their gender free collection for gender-inclusive options. [Phoebe]
I: @goodstorystore

Love Cut Silver
Just about everyone I know has a Love Cut Silver piece in their jewellery collection (and, if they don’t, that’s their present sorted). Love Cut Silver offers a range of hand-cut recycled silver – think stamped rings and sea glass necklaces and the most delicate chain bracelets. Gorgeously understated, the pieces add a touch of glamour to any everyday wardrobe. [Eilidh]
lovecutsilver.com

Ludovica Perosin
You know how certain art can weave its way into your life in multiple ways, becoming utterly entangled? My friends and I have been exchanging Ludovica Perosin’s dreamy prints for years, without entirely realising we were all fixated by the same artist. She has an online shop where she sells prints and ceramics and is also on the Christmas Market circuit, although for something extra unique, inquire about getting a mural painted directly on your wall – mine is my favourite corner of my flat. [Anahit]
ludovicaperosin.co.uk

RISOTTO Riso Club Subscription
Flood your friends and family's homes with art with the Riso Club subscription from Glasgow print studio RISOTTO. They get four postcard prints each month from different cities around the world – throw in some clips or drawing pins, and they have their very own rotating art gallery. If you don't want to commit yourself to the full year (or feel like sending someone 48 artworks would be seen as a dig rather than the great gift it is), individual editions are available on the RISOTTO website. [Peter]
I: @risottostudio

Wine and Roses, by Rory Kennedy.

Rory Kennedy Prints
Buying art as a Christmas gift is a tricky proposition. I mean, have you seen what some people have hanging on their living room walls? But I’m going to take a punt by recommending the work of Glasgow painter Rory Kennedy, whose depictions of everyday life (buildings, pubs, parties, people, dogs), rendered in high contrast, vivid colours, suggest, to me at least, a more cheerful Edward Hopper. Prints start at £25, he has a digital gift card available and if you’re feeling flush, lots of his acrylic-on-canvas originals are on sale too. [Jamie]
rorykennedy.com 

Stephanie Cheong Interchangeable Ring
The ring is in two parts – the metal frame and the rock core, which can be swapped out to create a completely new design. You can buy the rock circles off the shelf or get one cut bespoke using a rock of your own. The circles are the byproduct of Cheong’s Geometric Geology Rings, and the rocks are locally sourced – sustainable and ethical, avoiding the extremely thorny subject of gemstone supply chains, as well as offering a chance to explore the native geology of Scotland. It’s also an opportunity for a piece of jewellery that is very personal if you, like me, have a large collection of bits of rocks found on mountains and beaches. [Rosamund]
stefaniecheong.co.uk

Tartan Blanket Co
There are a number of theories on what makes the ideal Christmas present, but I reckon it's gotta be something the person does want, and would use, but might not think to get for themselves. TBCo's blankets fit the bill – they're comfy and cosy, they add a touch of personality to the dankest letting agent-approved sofa, and they sit at that perfect inflection point of 'might not quite spend that much on myself' and 'very affordable as a joint present we will inevitably borrow'. Buy someone a candle and they'll be warm for an hour; buy them a blanket, and they'll be toasty for years. [Peter]
I: @wearetbco

Wild Gorse Pottery
Pottery is my go-to when I’m short of gift inspirations (apologies to my loved ones who’ve received a mug from me for the last three years running), but even if it’s unoriginal it’s always pretty special if that mug (or dish, vase, candle holder etc) comes from Wild Gorse. Everything is handmade in the shop, with a gorgeous selection of glazes in shimmering earth tones; the mugs are particularly unusual and incredibly pleasing to hold and drink from. [Jamie]
wildgorsepottery.com

The Woom Room
The Woom Room is a creative platform and shop based in Glasgow, supporting local artists and offering unique prints, artworks, and crafts. They host workshops and events to foster a vibrant art community, with a shop that features curated pieces by local and emerging artists. [DD]
The Barras Market, 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow
thewoomroom.com

Wood Shop
Who says a barrel can’t become a bookshelf? Or a cask can’t be a couch? Wood Shop, an Aberdeenshire-based upcycling company, appropriate tonnes of corporate wood waste for their online range of furniture and home goods. If you can find a better gift for your hard-to-shop-for dad than a guitar stand made from craft beer barrel staves, I’ve not seen it. [Ellie]
shopwood.co.uk 

Experiences

All Or Nothing. Image: Jassy Earl.

All Or Nothing
All Or Nothing are Scotland’s leading aerial dance company and they hold regular classes in Dancebase and Out of the Blue. Even when everything is terrible (and it so frequently is!), there’s something about being upside down in the air that ever so briefly shakes all the bad thoughts out. You can get vouchers directly through their website for both one-off workshops and term-long courses. [Anahit]
aerialdance.co.uk

All the Young Nudes: Life Drawing Gift Card
If you know someone who’s itching for a creative outlet but nervous about committing to an extended course where they might feel under pressure to, you know, be good, I recommend getting them some gift cards to attend the Glasgow institution All the Young Nudes. The weekly life drawing club, which takes place in a room above ace City Centre pub Sloans, couldn’t be more chilled and welcoming. There’s a mix of quick sketching and more focused work throughout the night, and there’s always a banging playlist to draw to. [Jamie]
atyn.co.uk

Cal Facialist
For my fellow self care lovers, I would highly recommend a voucher for a facial from Cal Facialist. You’ll find her in Facespace in Kinning Park, in what has to be the most comfortable, peaceful and stylish treatment room in Glasgow. Cal has such a welcoming presence and after a signature facial you’ll leave feeling relaxed and truly glowing! And if that’s not enough, you can treat yourself to a yoga class upstairs at Reset Yoga, or an hour of Shiatsu next door with Natalie at The Health Collective. [Phoebe]
I: @calfacialist 

Edinburgh Design School Voucher
This Abbeymount-based ceramics workshop runs short and weekend courses, offering everyone from absolute beginners to more experienced potters the opportunity to hone their skills. Their evening classes are a good way to get through the winter darkness – it was here that I learned I love hand building, fucking hate the wheel. You can buy vouchers for classes or introductory sessions – give the gift of clay. [Rosamund]
edinburghdesignschool.co.uk 

Hello Art Gift Card
Based at Abbeymount in Edinburgh, Hello Art is rooted in community and creativity. They run a range of events and workshops all through the year, including Rug Tufting, which I’m desperate to try, which takes place most Saturdays and Sundays. Classes range from three to six hours, depending on the size of rug you’d like to make and Hello Art will guide you to your dream rug. One Hello Art Gift Card please. [Tallah]
helloartuk.com 

Food & Drink

Blackthorn Salt. Image courtesy of Blackthorn Salt.

Blackthorn Salt
OK, hear me out. Forget chocolates. Forget sweets. Fancy sea salt is the best stocking filler for that foodie in your life. My favourite is Blackthorn, an Ayrshire company that makes their salt using a traditional method that involves trickling west coast seawater through a tower of thorns and letting salt crystals form on the branches. It comes in a beautifully designed box, it lasts ages and makes everything taste better, basically. [Jamie]
blackthornsalt.co.uk

Cairngorm Coffee Merch
In Edinburgh we’re super duper spoiled for exceptional coffee roasters and casual spots to enjoy a delicious cup of hot bean juice – the scene is unreal. As well as delicious coffee in-store and bags of delicious beans you can grind and press at home, Cairngorm Coffee Roasters are also very very good at merch. Their ‘Mascot’ tees, screen-printed in Glasgow, are super cute, they've loads of lovely sweatshirts, and they sell car air fresheners that smell like coffee – who wouldn’t want that!? [Tallah]
cairngorm.coffee

Pilot Beer Club
It's a beer subscription with a mild aviation theme! There are three different levels – Economy, Business or First Class just like in an aeroplane – and they provide you with different quantities of delicious Pilot beer delivered to your home monthly. There's also a range of associated perks, depending on your level, from glassware to brewery access. [Rosamund]
pilotbeer.co.uk

Starter Culture tasting events
Glasgow Southside’s Starter Culture is a much-loved cheese and wine miracle. From orange to fizzy, natural to white – their range of wine-based tasting events promise a very cool night out. Saying that, Starter Culture hampers can be eaten at home in pyjamas, which is also pretty perfect. [Eilidh]
1052 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow
wearestarterculture.com

Tennent’s Socks
I know some would roll their eyes at the very thought of receiving the gift of socks for Christmas. Both Daveed Diggs and JD McPherson have sung about their disdain for the festive present, but I am genuinely here for it, and it legit doesn’t feel like Christmas without a new pair. Tennent’s have some lovely new merch including a pair decorated with lots of tiny pints. Yes please. [Tallah]
tennents.co.uk/shop/tennents-t-socks 

Torres Black Truffle Potato Crisps
My friend sent me a massive 500g bag of these for my birthday and it was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever been given. I quite literally had truffle crisps for days. Big fan. If anyone reading this is thinking about getting me a gift, please know you can get the massive bags in the fancy Italian shop next to the bus stop. [Rosamund]

Valhalla’s Goat
This independent off-licence is a pit-stop for partygoers, boasting a bottle for every occasion. Beyond beers and wines, there’s a mead selection of mythological proportions and the widest range of rare whiskies in the West End. Christmas shopping goes down easy with recommendations from the expert staff. Each year I delight a family member with a distillery they’ve never even heard of, and I haven’t even covered the entirety of the Hebrides yet. [Ellie]
449 Great Western Rd, Glasgow
valhallasgoat.com

Music

corto.alto – Bad With Names.

For a bit of Scottish music inspiration, for this section, we asked some of our favourite Scottish musicians to pick out some of their Scottish albums of the year – thanks team! Be sure to check out music from the selectors as well as what they're selecting, and support your local scene!

Independent Record Shop Voucher
Not sure what albums your friends and family are missing from their collections? Treat them to a gift voucher from your favourite independent record shop! Monorail, Some Great Reward, Rubadub and Strip Joint in Glasgow, Thorne Records, Underground Solu’shn, Good Vibes, VoxBox and Umbrella Vinyl in Edinburgh, and Thirteen Records, Le Freak and Assai in Dundee (and beyond) all sell vouchers in-store and online. Job done. [Tallah]

Bad With Names by corto.alto
My Scottish artist of the year is corto.alto – I'm a big jazz fan so it's exciting to see such an interesting and diverse Scottish jazz scene. Both their albums – Bad With Names; 30/108 – fizz with creativity and ideas, and hooks. Fergus McCreadie too – I love his solo records, and live he's amazing, as are corto.alto. [Roddy Woomble, Idlewild]
cortoalto.com
roddywoomble.net

For Display Purposes Only by Buffet Lunch
Buffet Lunch are true legends of the Edinburgh scene and their 2024 album, For Display Purposes Only, is top-notch. If you like weird guitar riffs, groovy percussion, ripping basslines, papier-mâché masks, and songs about fish ladders you’re in for a treat. The limited edition riso-printed postcards and digital copies available on their Bandcamp would make an excellent gift for any loved one. Pick up an orange vinyl copy of their last album, The Power of Rocks, while you’re there too! [Bikini Body]
buffetlunchband.bandcamp.com
bikinibody.bandcamp.com

How to Put Your Hat On by Kilgour
Kilgour’s album How To Put Your Hat On is a piece of music which evokes deep feeling; I can imagine listening to it on a drive with my dad in the late 90s. The overarching warmth is the accumulation of conversational melodies akin to Ben Howard, paired with a woody, analogue production style reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub. The way the guitar both is played and placed is my favourite aspect; a refreshing spectacle of guitars played at their very best. Retrospectively, I’ve been obsessed with Big Country’s The Crossing. My priority as a music lover is how deeply something makes me feel, even if it is an undefined emotion. [Theo Bleak]
I: @kilgourtheband
I: @theobleak

Other

Flowers Vermillion. Image: Lain Robertson.

Birthlink Thrift Shop 2
Looking for something a bit different? An original Sylvanian Families house complete with figures and furniture perhaps? How about a vintage art deco print, or Marilyn Monroe-inspired teapot from 1978? Thrift Shop 2 is not only one of Edinburgh’s oldest charity shops, but also your new go-to for quirky, sometimes slightly cursed, hidden gems. A good last min spot for friends and family that are into Weird Objects (and don’t forget to admire their incredible window displays)! [Ema]
26 Lochrin Buildings, Edinburgh

Flowers Vermillion
This is a great wee shop in the Southside of Glasgow, filled with gifts for all ages but especially great for any children in your life. They also make gorgeous dried floral arrangements, which you can chop up with their gorgeous gardening tools and put in their gorgeous vases and then walk around feeling generally gorgeous. [Phoebe]
920 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow
flowersvermilion.com

The Gentlemen’s Groom Room 
More people’s New Year’s resolution should be to dump that overpriced razorhead subscription service that one podcaster was shilling. If you’re shopping for a bearded beau (or a moustached mate) the Gentlemen’s Groom Room is a 40+ year-old Dundee institution hawking vintage razors, artisan soaps, colognes, combs, and more. They even offer a shaving quaich – a traditional Scottish drinking vessel reappropriated for lathering foam – which will make any gift-giver into one smooth Secret Santa. [Ellie]
42 Whitehall Cres, Dundee
thegentlemansgroomroom.com