The Ultimate Scottish Christmas Gift Guide

It’s coming up on that time of year – yes, the holiday season.  But don’t fret and instead get inspired with these shopping ideas in the Planeteye Traveler Ultimate Scottish Christmas Gift Guide.  We’ve hand-picked a few great Christmas ideas that aren’t just shortbread and tartan, but still some lovely and nice Scotland-inspired gifts.

A Scottish dog Christmas Ornament?  Well…perhaps – for the dog lover.

• A 2010 Scottish Castles Calendar by Colin Baxter. Colin is one of Scotland’s most prolific and popular photographers, and his 2010 calendar has some of the best Scottish castles.  The photographs are killer and totally not a lame-gift-because-you-couldn’t-think-of-anything-else.

• A Copy of the Proclaimers 2009 Hit CD, Notes and Rhythms. If you didn’t know, the twin brothers behind the acclaimed Proclaimers are Scottish, and their 2009 CD Notes and Rhythms was up to their usual fantastic standard.  If you click through to Amazon on the link above, you can preview each of the songs – hopefully you’ll agree with me that Love Can Move Mountains is your favourite!  Absolutely brilliant and the perfect stocking stuffer.

• Check out Karen Brown’s Wales, England, and Scotland book.  A great gift for any traveller headed to Great Britain, this book is packed FULL of itineraries, recommendations, and tips for villages and off-beat sites to see.  Tons of excellent day trip options from Edinburgh, with special emphasis on boutique B&Bs and unusual accommodation.

• Make Christmas tasier with the Scotsman Gold Christmas Hamper.  With Edinburgh salmon, Scottish cheeses, and a bottle of some great Scottish whisky, your gift recipient will be smiling when they open this on Christmas morning.  (Limited shipping options – order soon for timely delivery!)

• Savour your partner’s sweet tooth with a jar of Scottish Heather Honey.  Yum – many don’t realise how fresh and delicious locally produced honey is in Scotland.  This particular product is from the Highlands; not that many bees around Edinburgh I’m afraid.  (Limited shipping options – order soon for timely delivery!)

• Watch Rick Steeves’ Ireland and Scotland 2009 DVD. If your secret Santa recipient can’t get to Edinburgh, or just want to help them relieve fond memories, then this great DVD is a must-have.  Rick Steeves is a legend in the travel world, and his DVDs are top notch quality and breathtaking cinematography.  The Scottish/Edinburgh section is very good but the Irish tips and tricks is an added bonus.

• A Copy of the Historic Walking Guide to Edinburgh.   You didn’t think I’d skip my own book in the recommendations?  The great part about this guide is that it includes not only walking routes but a wealth of information on the history of Edinburgh, as well as hotel, food, and drink recommendations.  The perfect gift indeed!

PS – If you’re in Edinburgh, why not do some shopping at the stores in our most romantic stops in Edinburgh or our recommended Edinburgh boutique shops.  Happy Shopping!

Photo by ValerieZinger