For our second Holiday Shopping Guide blog we are focusing on GIFTS FOR HER!!
We have selected five gifts suggestions in different categories and price ranges from small independent brands that we know the woman in your life would be excited and touched to receive. They are unique and well thought out and come from makers with real stories and not corporate mass production retailers. The links for all the items can be found by clicking onto the captions as all are also available online.
Islander UK, formerly known as Snow Paw UK is a brand specializing in fine Harris Tweed® footwear and accessories. Established in 2010, Islander blends traditional Scottish heritage with modern design and comfort. We love their Envelope Satchel as it is small enough to carry around easily but big enough to carry your wallet, phone and essentials. This envelope satchel features an expandable design, allowing for extra space when needed. It is made with Harris Tweed® and features a magnetic clasp. It’s finished with their signature hardware for a heritage touch, a sleek expandable top handle and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Dimensions are: L:21cm H:12cm W:15cm. There is a variety of Harris Tweed® color ways and leather to pick from (we have Chestnut Herringbone in the image). If you so happen to be in the UK there are some Islander stores that have workshops where you can create your own bag. You can pick from a large array of Harris Tweed®, tartans, bag shapes and leather colors to create your very own custom bag. You actually will be putting the bag together so it is a great experience to either create for your loved one or bring them there and you both can create your own dream bags. We love this!
When we discovered the My Kisas beauty brand we knew immediately we wanted to feature their products for gift suggestions. The brand is Parisian based however inspired by the ancestral beauty rituals of Morocco. Their mission is to offer a sensorial escape through treatments inspired by tradition and designed to reveal your natural glow. Using the expertise of Parisian beauty salons and the traditional ingredients found in Morocco, My Kisas produces a mix of refined luxury and authentic care. We highly recommend their SUBLIME, Day Cream. My Kisas says about SUBLIME, “Enriched with shea butter, argan oil, and saffron extract, this cream elevates your skin by deeply hydrating it and providing exceptional softness. It intensely nourishes the face while improving elasticity and fighting the signs of aging. Thanks to its rich and restorative formula, it protects the skin from external aggressions and prevents skin sagging, leaving the complexion radiant and the skin visibly younger”. We are all for having exceptional results with natural ingredients and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. We invite you to explore their other beauty products. If ordering from the USA, the product is also available at Wolf & Badger.
Arctic Fox and Co. was established in 2017 with a simple goal: to create sustainable, staple accessories that provide ultimate warmth and comfort even in the coldest temperatures. Centered around product, people, packaging, and the planet, Arctic Fox pledges transparency, kindness, and a constant pursuit of improvement and innovation. We love their balaclava which comes in an array of colors (we feature Deep Sea Navy here). Crafted from RAS certified alpaca wool, this zip-up hood delivers exceptional warmth, buttery softness, and a lightweight, breathable feel - keeping you cosy from city strolls to snowy slopes. It’s a unisex item so don’t be surprised if he borrows it on occasion. One other bonus from this beautiful accessory is that $1 from every order is donated to 4Ocean, removing 1lb of plastic from our oceans. Arctic Fox & Co. is also carbon neutral and they donate 5% of their profits to WWF to support the incredible work they are doing to limit climate change. It’s a win/win holiday gift!
YELLOW MOUNTAIN IMPORTS - HUNTINGTON AMERICAN MAHJONG SET
There is a surprising new game rave in the USA and that is mahjong! This classic, challenging and fun Asian game is now the reason for weekly get togethers for friendly socializing. In our hopes to learn this game we thought what an excellent gift suggestion for the woman in your life who is the life of the party and is always looking for a reason to socialize. We highly recommend this set, the American Mahjong Set, "Huntington" with Mineral Green Soft Case - Racks with Pushers, Scoring Coins, Dice, & Wind Indicator. Elegantly crafted with bamboo-inspired green striped mahjong tiles and housed in a matching mineral green tote, this set combines aesthetics and functionality, enhancing your gaming experience with each refined match. Complete Accessories: 4 All-in-One Wooden racks with pushers, wooden wind indicator, pastel Wright Patterson count scoring coins, 3 dice, and an illustrated instruction book. Mahjong scorecards are not included. There is a Polyester Canvas Tote: Light, sturdy and elegant, the mineral green storage tote is compartmentalized to keep your game pieces well organized and measures 21.7 x 10.6 x 3 inches (55 x 27 x 7.5 cm). This gift is also a gift of love because playing mahjong helps improve strategic thinking skills and social participation during the game also enhances overall mental health! Another win/win!
During lockdown I treated myself to one amazing luxury when it got colder and that was cashmere pajamas/lounge sets. I knew I could never go back to other fibers after lounging around the house and sleeping in cashmere. It was better than silk pajamas! So show the woman in your life that you want to see her luxuriate in cashmere (comfort = happiness). We highly recommend The Taylor Set from Kilte. Kilte was established in 2017 by a new mother who utilized her former experience in fashion and finance to create a brand that brought comfort and style to the busy lives of women. It is a luxury item, but the women in your life are worth it.
We hope these gift suggestions for her inspired you to shop small, independent brands and all the different kind of gifts you can give for the holidays to make the her feel unique and special. Whether it’s these suggestions or the local brick and mortar stores in your neighborhood, there are treasures just ready for you to find for her.
Recently whilst on holiday in the Scottish Isles, besides admiring the spectacular beauty of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides, The Local Artisan Guide was lucky enough to stumble (okay we took a ferry to the Island of Mull) upon the town of Tobermory.
The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Tobermory is a picturesque town on the Island of Mull (part of the Inner Hebrides) with colorful houses, restaurants and shops lined up on a marina with rolling green hills and trees all apart of an incredible vista. Tobermory Bay was originally a fishing port that has since become home to small businesses, restaurants, small hotels and artisanal shops that offer a range in products including; jewelry, chocolates, soap, pottery, cheese, leather goods, a distiller, art, local fashion, stationary, baked goods and more.
As you get off the ferry you follow the crescent shape road known as Main Street around the marina with multicolor buildings dotting the landscape. While walking down the street and entering the various shops one observes that many of the shops not only carry local products but many of the products are produced in the shop itself. There are also many products made from local artisans near by on the island.
After exploring Main Street here are some of the highlights in Tobermory:
AN CAMUS
An Camus
Slightly off Main Street as soon as you depart the ferry you will come upon the studio and shop of An Camus where Stuart and Helen Orr can be seen working on their glass products, knick-knacks and stationary.
The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.
An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.
Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.
A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.
ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO.
Isle of Mull Soap Co.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. is a quaint soap shop founded by husband and wife team Stu and Sophie who create soap inspired by the culture of Scotland and all the many natural and native ingredients you can only find in the Scottish Isles. Soaps, soap bombs, candles, bath and body, gifts and accessories can be found in this shop along with beautiful packaging and always a friendly welcome.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.
With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.
TOBERMORY DISTILLERY
The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.
Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.
Established in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Island of Mull and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is unique not only because of its picturesque location but because they offer not one but two distinctive single malts.
The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.
There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.
Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!
Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.
THE LAUNDRY
Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.
The Laundry is a laundry service with a twist. The twist being that The Laundry is also a boutique that offers products made from local artisans from the Isle of Mull which include fashion, handbags, gifts, candles, bedding and more.
The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.
The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.
Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.
ISLE OF MULL SILVER & GOLDSMITHS
You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.
Founded in 1975 by Phil Campbell, Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmiths provides jewelry made by local designers and features Scottish jewelry which includes quaichs, kilt pins, cufflinks, silver spoons and more traditional and contemporary designs.
Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.
The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.
There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.
ISLAND BLUE TOBERMORY
Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.
Photographer Martin Guppy founded Island Blue which includes art from local artists, toys, skincare, candles, scarves, mugs and more.
Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.
Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.
Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.
Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.
MULL POTTERY
The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.
Mull Pottery was established over 25 years ago using their own recipe for clay ceramics. The shop also offers pottery made by skilled craftspeople including the popular and stunningly beautiful Iona Range. All pieces are handmade, making each piece unique.
The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.
Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.
The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.
ISLAND CRAFTS
The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.
Island Crafts Tobermory offers a wide selection of work predominately from artists living and working or with connections with the Isle of Mull. They sell walking sticks, books, jewelry, stationary, antlers, gifts and more.
Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.
Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.
Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.
TOBERMORY HANDMADE CHOCOLATE
Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.
Founded in 1991 by husband and wife team Keith and Rhoda, Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers artisan handmade chocolate with a variety of flavors native to Scotland and the Scottish Isles along with more traditional chocolates. There is also a cozy cafe and well stocked gift shop that offers more than local chocolates to take home.
The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.
Lots of home decor items available at the shop.
Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.
Walking down Main Street in Tobermory will have you experiencing more than artisanal shops. There is a multitude of restaurants, bars, churches and more to explore. Then when you are done exploring Tobermory, feel free to travel throughout the Isle of Mull and find even more local artisans honing crafts passed down to them from generations of living in the Scottish Isles.
Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!
Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.
This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.
It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.
