All wrapped up

We’ve taken the hard work out of your Christmas preparation and gift shopping with our pick of the best local suppliers and wonderful presents for everyone on your list…

Food and drink

Our corner of the world is blessed with some of the world’s best food and drink, from Aberdeen Angus beef to single malts, so shopping local can make the festive season feel really special. 

Chattan Quality Meats on Chattan Place is a traditional butcher that offers some of the best meat and turkey in the region while Marshall’s Farm Shop on the A96 near Kintore offers meat reared on their farm as well as local produce, deli products, homebakes and desserts and a great selection of wines and spirits. 

Loch Aurora (lochaurora.co.uk) is always a good shout for the sweet-toothed on your list. They produce the most delicious fudge, tablet and marshmallows and even have personalisation and corporate gifting options. 

The Gourmet Cheese Shop on Rosemount Place has the city’s best selection of artisan cheeses as well as hampers from £30 and even supply multi-tiered cheese cakes for larger celebrations.  

Crunch Platters has just the thing in the run up to Christmas. This fabulous platter business is selling wonderful hampers and cheeses to complete your Christmas cheeseboards. You can order a variety of options from their website crunch platters.co.uk or if you have family or friends based in Edinburgh, they offer wonderful grazing boards and tables for all sizes of gatherings in various options and gift vouchers too.

Treating someone to a restaurant meal can make a great gift. Da Vinci offers a fresh take on Italian regional cooking and have the best pizza in town. Go upscale at the Michelin starred Amuse or try Tarragon in Rosemount for some excellent seafood. Make a night of it with dinner and a stay at the Marcliffe, or treat the family to a Sunday Roast at Maryculter House Hotel or The Albyn’s legendary Boozy Brunch. 

You can’t go far wrong with luxury food and drink gifts, even though we all make New Year resolutions about healthier eating. How about sending some local delicacies to friends far away? Perhaps some Cranberry and Clementine Shortbread from Walkers, a selection from Donald Russell, locally smoked salmon or fish delivered direct from Amity Fish? 

Hampers are always well-received, particularly if you fill them with all the recipient’s favourites. JK Fine Foods is a great starting point, as are the food halls at local garden centres since they have lots of delicious options from all over the world. Better yet, you can do a bit of multitasking and pick your tree and some new decorations at the same time. 

If you’re buying for grownups, House of Elrick make small batch gins in their own pot still on their estate near Newmachar, using carefully selected botanicals including dried Jacobite Rose petals. If rum’s more the thing, how about one of their beautiful bottles of Culture Clash rum?

You could pop into Sugarbird Wines on Union Grove or their new venue at Union Terrace Gardens or the wonderful Aberdeen Whisky Shop at the top end of Union Street for the centrepiece of your hamper. Round it out with a selection of their favourite snacks. House of Elrick, Sugarbird Wines and Aberdeen Whisky Shop all offer vouchers and tasting experiences that would make a perfect gift too. 

If you need a break from all that present shopping, head for McGinty’s just a few doors further up Union Street and relax over some brisket-topped skinny fries, juice burgers or traditional pub favourites executed with panache.  

There are lots of options if you’d rather gift a voucher, including Malmaison, which offers a choice of stays, food and even spa and beauty treats. 

All about the kids

Pleas for the latest iPhone or a pony aside, it can be complicated to buy for older kids. Vouchers, cash, or anything that increases their independence is generally a good call, though it’s best to check what’s in favour first. The wrong brand can be the end of the world. HMV offers vinyl and lots of pop culture kit, or you could try Thistle Sports for active kids. Westhill’s Daisychain is great for cute designer clothes and gifts for under tens, with some funky pompom hats and gorgeous tartan rompers. Indi + Will at Balmedie is a concept store for the modern family. It is like a one stop shop for kids clothing, gifts, home wear and fashion. Where else can you find everything from dinosaur-shaped water wings to adorable soft toys, games and room décor? If you’re near Alford, then pop into Daisy Tree where you’ll find everything babies and toddlers could desire. 

Home comforts

Presents for the home can be a good choice where people prefer something practical, but beautiful. Vouchers from Sainsbury and Sons or Treehouse Midmar could be particularly appreciated where someone has just moved into their new home, especially with the January sales just round the corner! Art can really make a home special, provided you’re very sure of their taste. A visit to Ballater Gallery or Gallery Heinzel’s winter exhibitions, coupled with vouchers could make things simpler.  There are a number of great gift shops if you’re looking for smaller gifts for the houseproud. Joli Gifts has some beautiful throws, vases and photo frames. Gifted in Countesswells has excellent scented candles, toiletries and leather bags. Sonya Angus in Cults offers hard-painted bespoke upcycled furniture if you’re looking for a unique gift. The Owl at No. 2 on Midstocket Road has amazing ceramics, local interest books and the cutest soft toys and cards. Charles Michie on Union Street has a great gift department, with lots of choice for everyone on your list. You’ll also find a good choice at Hush Living, Copper & Grey and Kellochbank, another good one-stop shop. 

Health, Beauty and wellbeing

Gifts that make us look and feel better are always popular, but it’s essential to consult the recipients in advance as there are so many options here. How about gym membership at NEO Gym, Kippie Lodge or a personal trainer for those wanting to get fitter? 

You could get vouchers for their favourite salon. We like Netherkirkgate’s Linton & Mac’s offers for Blow Dries and Treat Company in Inverallochy offer some amazing options from hair removal to facials, pedicures and massages, so there’s something for everyone, men included. How about treating them to a hair makeover courtesy of Bloom on Rose Street or try some of their fabulous products in their new retail offering? You could opt for a voucher for a bit of pampering at Cali Beauty in Westhill or The Doll’s House in Cults , or get a winter glow with tanning sessions at The Sun Spot on Broomhill Road. 

For a present that lasts and changes lives, consider aesthetics and cosmetic dentistry. Andrew Scott Dental offers implants, Smile Design and whitening, while The Orthodonic Clinic uses the latest technology to improve alignment and turn that frown upside down. Terrace Aesthetics offer anti-wrinkle injections and fillers, while The Alpha Clinic offers surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments for face and body. Martina at Aesthetic Beauty Inverurie can take years off using Plasma Fibroblast treatments. Treat them to a facial or body treatments at NY Skin.  

If they’re more holistic in their approach, or could use some relaxation and reconnection, have a look at AB Wellness and Reflexology in Chapleton, where Shona offers Swedish Massage, Clinical Reflexology and Reiki that will have your gift recipient feeling great in no time.  Step and Stone in Westhill also offers head to toe treatments. 

Earthstore offer a huge variety of crystals, divination cards and esoteric gifts online at earthstore.co.uk and have some excellent diffusers and oils. If being fitter and more flexible is the goal, then book some sessions with Kalyach Yoga Studio in Ellon or Calm Cool in Chapel Street. Louisa Yoga offers retreats, yoga teacher training and soul purpose readings as well as corporate wellness. Urban Wellness Hub is a good choice because there’s always a wide variety of holistic treatments and special events happening, or you could book a floatation session with Meraki Health and give the gift of total relaxation. Phyte Club offers quality CBD oils, skincare and sports recovery products that also boost wellbeing and reduce stress. 

Perhaps someone on your list has been talking about achieving some cherished dreams, but doesn’t know where to start? Maybe coaching sessions would be a life-changing gift? Dr. Rachelis a doctor turned women’s empowerment coach, while Judith Stephen is a Transformational Coach known for her listening skills and non-judgemental, supportive sessions.

All that glitters

Sometimes you can’t beat a bit of sparkle. Whether it’s diamonds, precious stones or classic watches from Finnies the Jeweller on George Street, there’s something to suit all budgets. Perhaps a bespoke piece from Lava in Peterculter or one of Sandy Menzies’ unique designs created using advanced computer aided design, or a costume piece that brings a smile to the wearer’s face.

If you’re shopping for the ladies in your life, then the West End is your best bet. @hamishmunro have some great winter boots and cosy cashmere that would make a great gift, while Bellino, just across the street, stock fabulous clothing and accessories, including some great quality leather gloves. Tiger Lily Boutique have lots of current trendy pieces and accessories that are really well priced. Lolo +Co, who are moving soon to a new location on Union Street, have a lovely selection of classic, well-cut clothes from designers like Gant, Hilfiger and Ted Baker. Bentleys of Banchory are a good shout for gifts for mothers and female relatives. 

Gift for the girls

If the wardrobes of your female friends and relations are full to bursting and they already own enough shoes to equip an army of centipedes, then look for more upmarket versions of things they need and use regularly. No. 18 on Chapel Street has some great woolly hats and cosy scarves, slippers and wraps to keep them warm in style. Garden Centres can be great if you’re looking to score a few names off your gift list. Mains of Drum have some great accessories, homeware and houseplants. Ben Reid is brilliant if you’re looking for gifts for the green-fingered. They have a great selection of tools, seeds and bulbs, plants and trees to make sure your recipient’s garden blooms in 2024, and their gift selection is well priced and plentiful. You can’t go wrong with a scented candle or two, especially if you don’t know someone all that well. Sooki Coo (sookiecoocandles.com) offer hand poured candles in a range of twenty different scents, from Spiced Orange or Sweet Pea to Dark Honey & Tobacco. Heartfelt Aromas have recently opened their new shop in Rosemount and also offer bespoke gift boxes
with your choice of beautifully scented luxury candles and room diffusers. 

If you do know someone very well, then Westhill’s Bellewren Lingerie could be just the thing. They offer expert fitting and gift vouchers from £20. Excellent if you need a last-minute gift.

Everything a man could want

Finnies have one of the city’s best selections of luxury watches and men’s jewellery if you’re looking for a meaningful gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. You’ll also find pens, stunning glassware from Georg Jensen, decanters, candleholders and hip flasks for the chap on the go. How about a soft and cosy cashmere jumper from Signature Menswear on Union Street, or a voucher to max out their purchases in the sale? Keen golfers would appreciate a voucher for a round at Trump International, membership at a local club or some new kit from Gamola Golf or lessons with a pro at Kings Links or the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, or a session or two on Neo’s (neo-space.com) golf simulator? 

Furry friends

Did you know that we spend about £162 million on presents for just for our dogs? It’s not surprising given that sometimes our pets are the only creatures in the house that listen to us! Reward all those cuddles with a new toy, lead or perhaps a coat from Country Ways on Holburn Street or in Banchory, or pop into Decidedly Dogs, or your local pet shop for cat treats or something for your small furries. For canine couture, try Dog Coats ABZ who custom make the cutest coats including highland dress for dogs.

Experiences and adventures

Some of the best gifts can’t be unwrapped till later. Spending time together can mean more than a physical present, especially when life is so rushed, or we could use a treat.  

Gin lovers would appreciate making their own gin at the City of Aberdeen Distillery. If a single malt’s more their thing, book a tasting flight experience or one of the special events at the Aberdeen Whisky Shop. 

How about tickets to a show at HMT or you could book tickets to a Trend event, perhaps a lunch, or garden party? 

If you’d like to try something new then try this new venue on the City’s Windmill Brae, Shapeshifters it boasts a cocktail bar and escape rooms all in one great venue, the recipe for a fun afternoon with friends. 

Push the boat out by booking a stay on Fingal, Edinburgh’s luxury floating hotel, formerly a Northern Lighthouse Board Tender transporting supplies and lighthouse keepers to some of Scotland’s most remote locations. At the historic Port of Leith, step aboard to discover the style and glamour of a superyacht with an old-world elegance that’s truly unique. Whether it is an overnight stay, afternoon Tea, evening dinner or delicious cocktails, a gift voucher for Fingal is the ultimate present this Christmas. Time away from the everyday, a sanctuary by the sea.  For extra brownie points, fund a shopping spree Multrees Walk. You’ll find everything from Canada Goose and Johnstons of Elgin to Louis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols. 

Treat all-action types to a day at Lochter Activity Centre (lochter.co.uk). There are almost twenty different activities to choose from with some being suitable for kids over 8 years old, so it would make a great family present. 

Whether you’re looking for something for your eight-year-old nephew, the family pet, a work colleague, your granny or the love of your life, we’ve got it covered!