Find unique and one-of-a kind gifts for everyone on your Christmas shopping list in Leith and Newhaven.
Away from the bustle of the city centre, Leith and Newhaven are brimming with an array of independent businesses, creative makers, seasonal markets and delicious local produce.
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, something for someone hard to buy for, or a treat for yourself, take time to visit these vibrant neighbourhoods and make Christmas shopping a pleasure.
Seasonal markets
If you’re looking for gifts with a little more personality, start with the markets. They’re a wonderful way to meet local makers, discover local talent, and find presents that you won’t find on every shop shelf.
On 21 November there’s two shopping events to look forward to. Come along to the Vine Trust Barge’s Christmas Community Market and meet local makers, browse stalls of gifts and goodies and enjoy some festive refreshments. At Out of the Blue Drill Hall, HelloArt Winter Market will have over 40 stalls packed with independent artists, makers, designers, creative brands and delicious food. Visitors to Lind & Lime Christmas Market on 28 November can expect a carefully selected collection of handmade jewellery, textiles, homewares, ceramics, stationery, and art and prints. Looking ahead to December, MNB Winter Craft Market is where you can support small, buy unique, and enjoy the festivities while discovering the incredible creativity that exists in Leith.
Running from 28 November to 13 December, Leith Creative Trail brings together 33 venues and hundreds of artists and makers, inviting visitors to explore the wealth of creativity taking place across the area. Plus, find handmade gifts and pick up something delicious for the Christmas table at Leith Market. Find it every Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Dock Place.
Gifts for the home
Whether you’re looking for a decorative piece to add to your home, or a thoughtful gift for someone special, the area has plenty of shopping inspiration.
Handsel is a lovely place to shop for affordable home accessories and gifts, while at Flux, find shelves packed with a great selection of homeware, accessories, jewellery, skincare, and children’s gifts.
Discover work by local artists and makers at Coburg House Art Studios; unique stoneware vases and tableware at Julija Pustovrh Ceramics, and cosy blankets and beautiful textiles at TBCo.
If it’s a new print for the wall you’re seeking, be sure to stop by Logan Malloch for limited-edition art prints by Scottish artists, The Leith Walk Gallery for an eclectic and affordable collection of local art, paintings, and prints, or Ritchie Collins Gallery for vibrant originals, prints and merchandise by the artist himself.
Upcycled and eco gifts
For anyone keen to make more conscious choices this Christmas, the neighbourhood offers plenty of ways to shop with sustainability in mind.
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal brings together independent Scottish creatives, and champions handmade and recycled products. Shop artwork, jewellery, accessories, homewares and more. If you’re looking for a new laptop or PC, be sure to pay a visit to Edinburgh Remakery. All their products are refurbished, and all profits go back into their charity work.
For something with a history, explore the vintage and second-hand shops around Leith Walk. Clothing shops such as 5th Season Vintage, Pascal & Co and Epoca Modern Era Vintage Clothing are worth seeking out for pre-loved fashion finds.
Food and drink
If you’re buying for a foodie, enthusiastic cook, or whisky, gin or craft beer connoisseur, Leith is a particularly delicious place to do your Christmas shopping. As Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian wine merchant, Valvona & Crolla is a wonderful place to find inspiration for a Christmas hamper. While the locally roasted coffee at Williams & Johnston, or specialty teas at Pekoe Tea Edinburgh make great stocking fillers.
The area is also home to Scotland’s only dedicated culinary bookshop. At The Cookbook Shop you can find books for all kinds of budding chefs.
For drinks enthusiasts, there’s plenty of local names to explore. Treat them to a guided tour of Lind & Lime Gin Distillery, Port of Leith Distillery, Shore Distillery, Moonwake Beer Co, or Pilot, and they can learn how their favourite tipple is created. Or find a range of wines and local spirits at Leith Bottle Shop, or curated beer and wine at Cornelius Beer & Wine, and gift them a bottle of something special.
Fancy saving money on your Christmas shopping? We’ve teamed up with itison to offer double-value vouchers to spend at participating Leith and Newhaven businesses.
