Enhance the local economy by shopping local this Christmas. Independent businesses are bursting with personality and unique gift ideas. Here's a fantastic selection to choose from …

Epitome
35 Dundas Street, Edinburgh
0131 556 5554 | epitomeofedinburgh.com
Epitome has everything for the festive season. Whether it's a luxurious gift, a winter outfit, a stunning piece of cashmere by Cameron Taylor* or a special stocking filler. Discover gifts and more in store or online at epitomeofedinburgh.com

Grow Urban
92 Grove Street, Edinburgh
0131 466 4117 | growurban.uk
grow urban is a plant shop and coffee experience which opened earlier this year in Edinburgh. Peruse their range of rare houseplants, botanical goods, homewares and gifts. It's a unique place to hang out – so grab yourself coffee and soak up the atmosphere. Gift cards also available.

Paper Plane
12 Skirving Street, Glasgow
0141 649 5450 | facebook.com/paperplaneshawlands
Supplying the Southside with wonderful cards and gifts for the past ten years, Paper Plane are proud suppliers of Ross Muir, Social Recluse, Gie It Laldy, Jellycat, Bathbombs, Coco Chocolatier, Dansk Jewellery, Arran Aromatics and many more – your one-stop Christmas shop!

Art and Vintage
3 Lyne Street, Edinburgh
0131 652 2433 | artandvintage-edinburgh.co.uk
Art and Vintage is packed with vintage finds, candles, jewellery and ceramics created and crafted by local makers, as well as a wide range of prints and original art works. Enjoy a delicious coffee and a bite to eat as you tick things off your Christmas list.

Epitome

Bookmarket: A pop-up bookshop and events space by The Fruitmarket Gallery
3/1 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh
fruitmarket.co.uk/bookshop
During the Gallery's redevelopment, the Fruitmarket's award-winning bookshop has popped up in Waverley Mall, where you'll find artists' books, books on design, architecture, and fashion, plus a curated selection of design-led gifts.

Harbour Lane Studio
Harbour Lane, South Queensferry
0131 574 6514 | harbourlane.com
Tucked down a narrow lane in the picturesque town of South Queensferry is Harbour Lane Studio. A hidden gem that allows you to shop from over 70 different UK-based artists and makers, in a creative space that doubles as a working studio.

Edinburgh Printmakers
Castle Mills, 1 Dundee Street, Edinburgh
0131 557 2479 | edinburghprintmakers.co.uk
Handcrafted, unique pieces sourced from artists and makers in the UK. There's a wonderful variety of original prints made by artists in the Printmakers studio, plus cards, jewellery, textiles, homewares, children's books, ceramics, framed art works and vouchers for creative classes.

Aquila
4 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh
0131 556 4952 | aquila-edinburgh.com
Aquila is an independent gift shop specialising in locally made art, ceramics, glass, jewellery and much more. You will receive a warm welcome from Eve, Alison and Cameron while browsing through lovely handmade gifts. Open Mon–Sat 10.30am–5.30pm and Sun noon–5pm.

Covet

Covet
20 Thistle Street, Edinburgh
0131 220 0026 | thoushaltcovet.com
Whether you are looking for an extra-special piece of jewellery, a unique designer handbag, a pair of glittery socks or a stylish wallet, you are sure to find the perfect gift at Covet. Browse the best of Scottish & Scandinavian designers, while enjoying a glass of fizz and a mince pie.

Libby Walker
613 Pollokshaw Road, Glasgow
07878 092082 | libbywalker.co.uk
Libby's studio is in the heart of Glasgow's independent Southside. She is known for her work celebrating Glasgow, with homewares, stationery, exclusive collaborations, baubles and even a Christmas cracker or two. This is what it means to shop local and keep creative, independent arts thriving.

Gizzi Espresso Bar
35 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow
0141 632 1224
Fantastic speciality coffee made by award-winning baristas. Serving up colourful tasty dishes everyday, the small menu of favourites is backed up with daily specials that offer some amazing alternatives. Whether it's breakfast with a tea, brunch with a coffee or late lunch and prosecco, Gizzi's is a must-try.

Ragamuffin
278 Canongate, Edinburgh
0131 557 6007
The very best of British and Irish knitwear alongside beautiful, creative clothes and accessories from all over the world in our two stores in Edinburgh & the Isle of Skye. Designs from over 100 collections. Our in-house label Angels Don't Trudge has an emphasis on quirky design with quality natural fibres.

Libby Walker

Frontiers Man
18 Stafford Street, Edinburgh
0131 538 3546 | frontiers-man.com
Firmly establishing themselves as the go-to menswear store in Edinburgh, the Frontiers Man brand mix includes a range of top contemporary labels such as Norse Projects, YMC, Folk, Oliver Spencer, Universal Works and Red Wing, alongside new labels, Kestin Hare, Mr Natty and the original Parka of London.

Walker Slater
114 Brunswick Street (Glasgow); 16–20 Victoria Street (Edinburgh)
walkerslater.com
Walker Slater offers both menswear, ladieswear off the peg and a made-to-measure service. Known for luxurious tweed suiting, you'll also find a wide range of shirting, knitwear and accessories.

The Knight's Vault
102 West Bow, Edinburgh
0131 281 4147 | theknightsvault.com
A gift for the present from the past – from historic weaponry, to your surname history and everything in between, there's something for everyone. Proudly stocking Handmade in Scotland gifts, as well as items from your favourite movies and TV shows. Come in and browse our unique collection for a gift like no other.

Mr Wood's Fossils
5 Cowgatehead, Edinburgh
0131 220 1344 | mrwoodsfossils.co.uk
Can't think of good Christmas gift ideas? Mr Wood's Fossils is here for you, with surprising and memorable presents for pretty much everyone. Beautiful fossil fish and ammonites, dinosaur and shark teeth, meteorites, unusual jewellery, colourful crystals – there are plenty of options here for every budget.