While we like to encourage shopping independently during ‘normal’ times, the apparent effects of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis on small businesses means supporting them has become more important than ever before. So, if you’re looking to shop local, here’s our guide to some of the best independent shops based in and around Glasgow to get that special gift this Christmas. From handcrafted pottery to fantastic artwork, there’s something to show your appreciation and love to your nearest and dearest.
1. George Mewes Cheese
George Mewes, 106 Byres Road, G12 8TB
George Mewes is much-loved here in Glasgow for its cheese, as well as their accompaniments. For those who love to try their own hand at cooking, this independent Glasgow deli is one of the perfect shops to pick up a few treats. From hampers packed with goodies from local businesses to specialist ingredients that you won’t find in the supermarket – George Mewes on Byres Road has everything you need to nail a top cheese board at home, with great crackers and chutneys to accompany it too. They even have some great Scottish cheese this year including Lanark Blue, Isle of Mull Cheddar and traditional Ayrshire Dunlop with a sweet and buttery flavour.
2. Drygate Brewing Co
Drygate Brewing Co, 85 Drygate, G4 0UT
Drygate offers an eclectic mix of brews, giving beer lovers the opportunity the try out something a little different to your usual supermarket offering. Their collection offers amazing and unique flavours such as mocha milk stout, mango pale ale, a vegan-friendly Christmas pudding-inspired brown ale and a chocolate mallow coconut stout dedicated to 90 years of Tunnocks Snowball. Check them out at their shop near the Necropolis or shop online here.
3. Blooms
Blooms, 182 Dumbarton Road, G11 6XE
Do you have a plant enthusiast in the family? Blooms not only has hundreds of beautiful plants, but it’s a lovely shopping experience, too, thanks to its pretty pink décor. Pick up gorgeous potted plants, pampas grasses and lovely pots. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Shop online or visit them in store.
4. Full Circle Bakes
Full Circle Bakes, 276 Cumbernauld Road, G31 2UL
Baked goods make for a really thoughtful gift for anyone, and if there’s one local baker nailing it at the moment – it’s Full Circle Bakes. Based in Glasgow, the now physical store in Dennistoun and collection arranged online, the independent bakery creates gooey cookies, brownies, blondies and more – with some insane flavours such as Biscoff and Stroopwafel blondies and Nutella cookies, all provided in cute boxes which are perfect for Christmas. Orders yours here.
5. Braw Wee Emporium
Known for their quirky homeware and gifts, Braw Wee Emporium has a little something to suit all budgets. This Christmas, the uber-cool shop has some incredible stock – including greeting cards, gifts and homeware, many of which have a witty Glasgow slant on their online shop. As well as some fab new gift boxes, they also sell the must-have Iron Brew candle from Glasgow Soap Company in collaboration with Shearer Candles. Braw Wee also run a range of craft workshops, which make an ideal gift for creatives.
6. Wild Gorse Pottery
Wild Gorse Pottery, 684 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2QB
A creative shop on Pollokshaws Road in Shawlands, offering pottery classes as well as having its very own physical and online shop – Wild Gorse Pottery is the perfect hub for gifts. From gorgeous coffee cups and bowls to vases and wax and oil burners, there’s plenty to choose from – and your purchase is sure to put a smile on the face of a small business. Shop here.
7. Maia Gifts
Maia Gifts, 21 Bath Street, G2 1HW
Located just off of busy Buchanan Street, Maia Gifts offers up an array of modern and aesthetically pleasing homeware including serveware, jewellery, gorgeous plant pots, candles and more. Not only can you visit the store IRL – but they have a lovely online store, too, meaning you can shop from the comfort of your sofa without popping into town. Visit their website here or check them out in-store.
8. Dear Green Coffee
Dear Green Coffee Roasters, 13-27 East Campbell Street, G1 5DT
Lockdown has seen a growth in the number of coffee aficionados as more people have purchased coffee machines to brew their own at home. If you’re buying for a caffeine lover, then head to one of the independent Glasgow coffee roasters and shops that is Dear Green Coffee. Whether they want to grind their own beans or just want ready-ground coffee to put into a cafetière then you’ll find a vast selection of these at Dear Green Coffee, ranging in notes, origins and roasts. You can also buy brewing equipment and even a subscription to receive their coffee regularly in the post. Take a look at their online shop here.
9. JayBe Jewellery
Looking to buy something for a loved one who loves wearing jewellery? JayBe Jewellery has plenty of funky designs to choose from, mainly made with polymer clay to form intricate shapes and designs. Classic or quirky, minimal or maximal, there’s likely to be something that will suit their style. This jewellery brand is fun and vibrant and we could sure do with some of that going into the new year. Shop JayBe Jewellery on Etsy here.
10. Mixed Up Records
Mixed Up Records, 18 Otago Lane, G12 8PB
Know a music lover with a vinyl hobby? Mixed Up Records are absolute pros when it comes to all things vinyl, and they have a huge library of records to choose from, too. Pop in for a nostalgic browse and support one of many independent shops in Glasgow. Not only will you be lining the pockets of a local instead of Jeff Bezos, but it’s also a great shopping experience for vinyl lovers. Order online here or visit them at their shop near the University of Glasgow.
11. Marchtown
Marchtown, 741 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2AA
Another purveyor of beautifully-curated hampers, Marchtown offers a great selection of wines by the bottle, alongside many other treats and gifts. This wine shop has reds, whites, rosés and sparkling bottles available to order. Why not order the Glasgow Kiss collection? This box is packed with everything Glasgow with their top-selling white and red wines of the year, a mini bottle of Illicit Gin from Southside, a bottle of Boden Brewing Pale Ale from the city’s East End, a mini Buckfast, a Wham bar, Refreshers, Tunnocks Caramel Wafer, some fresh Tablet Squares from Studio Two in Ayrshire, a postcard print of Queens Park and a Collins pocket map of Glasgow. Check out their online shop here.
12. Bare Bones Chocolate
Bare Bones Chocolate, 7/9 Osborne Street, G1 5QN
Nothing says Christmas like chocolate and Bare Bones Chocolate creates beautiful artisan chocolate that can be ordered online. The chocolates come in a range of flavoured bars, and would be a beautiful surprise. Choose from classic flavours such as milk, white and dark chocolate or opt for something a little more creative such as their salted white chocolate or limited edition hot chocolate blends. They also have chocolates which are free from dairy, gluten and alcohol. Shop here.