Hey, Nashy here 👋

Black Friday is here. Big brands are fighting for your hard earned cash.

Why it matters: Local businesses notice every single order you place. The big guys don't.

Every pound you spend locally hits different.

The bottom line: This week's newsletter gives you a curated list of 23 Edinburgh makers, shops, and experiences so you can shop local and keep Edinburgh thriving.

The Bean Cracker Blend from Ride and Grind

A smooth light roast made with beans from Brazil, Guatemala and Peru. It has rich flavours of red currant, dark chocolate, raisin and almond and works beautifully in any brewing method.

Civerinos is running a Black Friday offer: when you buy an e-gift card, they’ll double its value. Spend £25 and get £50 credit. Spend £100 and get £200. Use promo code DOUBLEDOUGH at checkout. Limited to 300 cards only!
Shop local

The “Secret Santa Gift Box” from Bellfield Brewery

Bring craft beer cheer to the holidays. It’s a beautifully packaged gift set featuring their top brews. Ideal for beer lovers or secret Santa swaps. A thoughtful and local present for anyone who enjoys quality Scottish craft beer.

Amarosa Rosehip Rum Liqueur from Buck and Birch is a beautifully smooth small batch spirit made with rum, wild Scottish rosehips and hand foraged botanicals. It is rich, fruity and naturally sweet with a warm finish. A perfect winter gift or after dinner treat.
Shop local

The Mixed Charcuterie Hamper from East Coast Cured

A beautifully presented selection of their small batch cured meats. It includes customer favourites and Scottish ingredients. A brilliant gift for food lovers or anyone who appreciates high quality artisan charcuterie.

The Cat Lovers Christmas Chocolate Bar from Quirky Chocolate is a fun festive treat handmade in Edinburgh. It features smooth milk chocolate wrapped in a playful illustrated design that makes it perfect for stocking fillers, Secret Santas or anyone who is proudly cat obsessed.
Shop local

Gift a Christmas of Kindness with Social Bite

Help provide meals, essentials and support to people experiencing homelessness this winter. Your donation goes directly toward hot festive meals, Christmas gifts and ongoing aid for vulnerable individuals across Scotland. A meaningful way to give back this season.

The Little Festive Hamper from Crunch Platters is a beautifully presented Christmas gift box filled with artisan cheeses, chutney, crackers and sweet treats. It is a ready made festive delight that works perfectly for gifting, hosting or sharing over the holidays. A lovely local option for food lovers.
Shop local

The Christmas Explorer Set from PekoeTea

A beautifully presented selection of festive loose leaf blends made in their Edinburgh tea factory. It includes warming seasonal flavours perfect for cosy winter evenings and makes an ideal gift for tea lovers who enjoy trying something new.
Shop now

This Christmas Tree Cut Out Card by Susie Wright

A beautifully illustrated festive card inspired by her signature bold Edinburgh style. Printed on recycled paper with a cut out tree design, it is perfect for sending a thoughtful seasonal message or pairing with a local gift.

The Black Friday Sale at Melrose Candle Co. features discounts across their handcrafted natural wax candles, reed diffusers, perfumes and wax melts — all vegan and pet friendly. Perfect for cozy homes or thoughtful gifts this season.
Shop local

The Savage Stripe from Savage Fanny

A sustainably reimagined bag made from recycled materials with a unique bold design. It is lightweight and perfect for everyday use. A standout gift for anyone who loves local creativity and practical style.

The Cheryl Jones Christmas Stocking from Born in Scotland is a bright, cheerful and beautifully illustrated festive stocking designed by one of Scotland’s favourite artists. It adds personality to any fireplace and makes a lovely keepsake gift for families and kids.
Shop local

The Distilleries of Scotland 2026 Calendar from Edinburgh Illustrations

A beautifully designed month by month celebration of Scotland’s whisky heritage. Featuring hand drawn artwork of iconic distilleries, it is a perfect gift for whisky lovers or anyone who appreciates Scottish craft and scenery on their wall.

The Oui Sac Mint from Pieute is a lightweight everyday bag made with a recycled outer fabric in a fresh mint colour. It has a spacious main compartment, easy zip closure and adjustable strap, making it ideal for daily use and gifting this festive season.
Shop local

The Wax Amaryllis Bulbs from Grow Urban

Stunning low maintenance plants that bloom with tall vibrant flowers without needing soil or watering. Each bulb is hand dipped in wax and produces two impressive stems, making it a unique festive gift or a beautiful addition to any home.

The Dook Red Clay Soothing Face Mask stocked by Logan Malloch is a gentle natural mask designed to calm and nourish the skin. Made with mineral rich red clay and botanical ingredients, it helps reduce redness and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed. A lovely self care gift from a local maker.
Shop local

This festive biscuit decorating workshop at Leith Makers

A fun hands on evening where you learn to decorate Christmas biscuits with guided techniques and creative designs. All materials are provided and you take home your finished treats. A perfect seasonal activity to enjoy with friends or as a gift.

The Lost Shore Surf Resort Christmas Movies nights turn their surf resort into a cosy festive cinema. Expect rugs, beanbags, hot chocolate, mulled drinks, and classic films for all ages in a warm, twinkling winter setting. Perfect for a local, family-friendly night out.
Shop local

This festive calligraphy workshop at The Arienas Collective

Teaches you how to hand decorate a set of three personalised glass Christmas baubles. You will learn traditional calligraphy techniques, practise lettering and then create beautifully finished baubles. A thoughtful creative gift or seasonal treat.

The Pilot Brewery Tour Gift offers a behind the scenes look at one of Edinburgh’s favourite independent breweries. Explore how Pilot Beer is made, enjoy a guided tasting in the on site bar and learn about the science of brewing. A brilliant experience for beer lovers.
Shop local

Paint your own pottery at Doodles in Marchmont

A much loved independent studio offering creative workshops for all ages. Their seasonal events include festive bauble painting, clay sessions and relaxed evenings where you can design your own handmade gifts. A brilliant hands on experience to enjoy or give.

The Ultimate Coco Tasting Experience from Coco Chocolatier is a guided chocolate tasting that showcases their small batch, ethically sourced bars made in Edinburgh. You will learn about flavour, craftsmanship and cocoa origins while sampling a curated range of chocolates. A thoughtful and indulgent gift for any chocolate lover.
Shop local

Before I go, I’m not saying you need to:

Boycott big brands.
Spend loads of money.
Be “perfectly local.”

But every small purchase you make at a small independent business in Edinburgh has a real impact.

Thanks for being here.
Thanks for caring.
And thanks for helping Keep Edinburgh Thriving. 💚

See you next week,
Nashy!

P.S if you’d like to shout out a local independent business drop a reply to this email and Ill make sure I pay them a visit!