Keen to end up on everyone’s ‘nice’ list? Head for these shopping streets for inspiration, unique pressies and a fortifying side of Christmas cheer
Christmas shopping season is in full swing, and chances are you’ve a few people in your life who’ve earned themselves some great gifts. That’s where the city’s brilliant independent shops come in.
Every year, through Shop Small, American Express proudly backs the wonderful small businesses in Edinburgh and across the country. From dinky antiques shops to cosy neighbourhood cafés, they’ve helped shine a light on all manner of operations that may be small in size, but are big on charm.
Launching on Small Business Saturday (December 1), Shop Small is back for 2018. With the Shop Small offer, American Express Cardmembers just need to spend £10 or more at a participating outlet to receive a £5 statement credit. The offer runs December 1–16, the offer can be redeemed once per location but there’s no limit to how many outlets you can redeem it at. So get shopping, and keep an eye out for the Shop Small window stickers when you're out and about! Terms apply.*
In the market for a whole new wardrobe, or shopping for someone who is? This narrow, cobbly street is a haven of stylish boutiques stocking on-trend looks. Pam Jenkins is the place for fine footwear, or check out Alc for a more casual selection of jeans and knitwear, or Covet for perfectly paired accessories, perfumes and stocking-friendly sparkly things.
Despite its many modern trappings, Edinburgh is a city very much steeped in a particular kind of history and heritage, and if you're looking to get acquainted with it, this pretty cluster of shops is the perfect place. For art with a backstory, there’s George Pirie Antiques. Or for something more contemporary duck into photography specialist Gallery Close. And for acing the Highland gent/lady look, outdoorsy shop Gamefish has all your tweed needs covered.
If your wardrobe leans heavily on the first half of the twentieth century, head to this picturesque street just south of the Old Town, where you'll find the finest styles of yesteryear. Whether you’ve got a ’20s tea dance to attend or just need something to go with your victory rolls, vintage clothes shop Herman Brown, which has been curating the finest pre-loved threads for 25 years, has got you covered. Then, keep the old-school vibes flowing with a cuppa at L’Etoile Salon de Tea, a vintage-styled tea shop serving killer sweet treats.
Mum may tell you not to make a fuss at Christmas, but the truth is she really doesn’t mean it. Thankfully, you need only head just north of the Old Town to find everything you need to spoil her rotten. There’s fancy florist Narcissus for bespoke bouquets and on-trend house plants, or gift shop The Dragonfly for adorable little notebooks and well-priced jewellery.
If you prefer to get all your gifts sorted in one fell swoop, head south of the Old Town and down this hilly street, which is lined with enough cute little shops to tick off a good chunk of your list. Hannah Zakari is a colourful gift shop selling modern jewellery, stationery and more; Transreal Fiction specialises in niche sci-fi and fantasy novels and, for those patriotic pals, Forsyth Scottish Designer Knitwear stocks a neat line of Highland-inspired styles.
*Offer only available to UK issued American Express Cards with the exclusion of Lloyds Bank, Corporate and Pre-Paid Cards. Enrollment required, available in-store, participating merchants only, once per location
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
