Gifted is a wonderful little family run gift shop situated in the trendy suburb of Stockbridge. Inside you will find everything from tempting artisan chocolate and aromatic candles to soft tartan furnishings and beautiful ceramics. The have a lovely range of handmade designer jewelry and some deliciously quirky novelty items. They have children's gifts, handbags and compact rucksacks, and a very good range of greeting cards and stationery. Unlike many gift shops, they are also dog friendly. If you need a gift in a hurry, and have difficulty making up your mind, the staff are very helpful and you are sure to find something in their eclectic range to suit even the most difficult to buy for friend.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Gifted is a friendly little shop packed with lovely gifts
Simon's expert tip: The wooden jigsaws are a great gift for a small child, and very reasonably priced
Jeffreys Interiors provides a bespoke interior design service to the affluent citizens of Edinburgh. They also operate a showroom which is positively brimming with chic and stylish pieces to add color and charm to your living space. They are exclusive stockits of the furniture and soft furnishings of the celebrated designer Ralph Lauren Home and their fabric and wallpaper library is extensive and of unimpeachable quality. The ambiance in the show room is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff approachable and happy to offer assistance and advice. Jeffreys Interiors succeeds in combining class and style without becoming pretentious or stuffy.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Jeffreys Interiors is a stylish but unpretentious interior design studio and showroom with great panache
Simon's expert tip: They also run an online emporium stocked with a wide range of curios, design pieces and soft furnishings
Alpine Bikes is the biggest independent retailer of bikes and cycling equipment in Scotland. Their Stockbridge store is the perfect place for new cyclists to get good advice and for seasoned bikers to indulge in their hobby and pick up a bargain. They have a wide range available in their shop. If what you desire is not on site they are happy to order equipment for you and you can obtain almost anything you might need from their online shop. They are keen supporters of initiatives like "cycle to work for £1 a day" and "Pedal for Scotland" and staff are both enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Alpine Bikes is a great independent cycling store with a wide range of goods and very helpful staff
Simon's expert tip: Check out their website for upcoming events and great bargains
Daisy Cheynes is a delightful gift shop situated in the affluent suburb of Stockbridge. They stock a wide range of gifts and goodies from independent produces in Scotland and worldwide. You will find aromatic organic toiletries next to beautiful original artworks. Their handmade jewelry is unique and the silver is responsibly sourced. They also stock a range of home accessories such as the soft and warm tartan throws and cushions and some beautiful and functional slate tableware as well as candles and mugs. The handmade soft toys for little ones are charming and sure to become a firm favorite with any small child.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Daisy Cheynes is a great place to pick up a stylish gift or souvenir
Simon's expert tip: Look out for their seasonal sales to snap up some great bargains
Stockbridge Market is a weekly open air market held in Saunders Street, Stockbridge. Every Sunday, come rain or shine, a huge array of delicious comestibles, arts and crafts, gifts and goodies are on sale from independent traders. The produce is so fresh that the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air and you will find much here that is not on offer in any supermarket. You can even enjoy a tea or coffee from a charming recommissioned VW camper van and perhaps indulge in a cupcake or artisan shortbread from one of the stalls. Some staller holders return every week, others only pop up occasionally. You can check their website to see who will be making an appearance in the coming week.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: The Stockbridge Market is a real treat for foodies, and a lovely way to pass a few lazy hours.
Simon's expert tip: Head there early for the widest range of goodies, and late to score some great deals on fresh produce.
Toys Galore is an independent toys store packed with anything and everything a young person could want. This family run business prides itself on quality and good value and staff are always ready to lend a hand if you are making a purchase for a little one and are unsure what to get. They specialize in construction toys and have a huge range of Legos, Playmobile, Ravensburger and Galt toys. They also stock more traditional wooden jigsaws, board games, dressing up outfits, stocking fillers and science kits. Unlike the supermarket style payout of large toys stores such as Toys R Us and Smiths, the shop has real character and taking the children to choose gifts here can be a very enjoyable experience!
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Toys Galore is a great independent toy retailer with something to please every child
Simon's expert tip: Leave plenty of time to browse this store when you visit - there is loads to see!
Caoba is a colorful and inviting ceramics store selling goods directly imported from Mexico and South America. Their range is impressive and the bright vibrant tones bring a sunny disposition to the area on the cloudiest day. Inside the store you will find a plethora tiles, mugs, jars and bowls as well as textiles, candles and stationery. Their range of silver jewelry is truly stunning and their incense and candles temptingly aromatic. The range of Mexican wrestling masks are quite a conversation piece and the bright and colorful ceramic animals are very popular with children. This is a wonderful place to pick up a memorable gift or simply liven up your living space with some Mexican spice.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: For something a little diferent Caoba is well worth a look
Simon's expert tip: Their range of recycled glass is really lovely and very eco-friendly
Galerie Mirages is one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets. This treasure trove of exotic and beautiful pieces is tucked away at the end of a cobbled alley in the trendy suburb of Stockbridge, but to those in the know it is a delight to be savored. The shop specializes in the rich textiles and traditional jewelry of Asia and beyond. Family run, Galerie also operates a strict ethical policy so you can be sure that items are responsibly sourced and fair prices paid to craftsmen and women. If you are looking for something a little different, or just want to escape the bustle of the city into an oasis of calm and beauty, this delightful store will soon become your firm favorite.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Exotic, eclectic and entrancing - Galerie Mirages is a little treasure
Simon's expert tip: Galerie Mirages also hosts events related to jewelry and textiles in the Edinburgh Fringe - check out their site for details
Bliss is a wonderful little gift shop situated in Stockbridge. It has a great range of jewelry, handbags, candles, handmade soaps, handmade cards and quirky home ware, making it the perfect place to pick up a gift that is a little out of the ordinary. However, where it comes into its own is in the gifts for little ones, including beautiful wooden toys and soft toys. There's also a great selection of gorgeous clothes for babies and children, such as super cool Rockstar babygrows and lovely soft nightwear for toddlers. If you are looking for a gift for a newborn or young child Bliss is definitely the place to start.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Bliss is a great little gift shop with loads of lovely pieces
Simon's expert tip: Don't miss the irresistibly cute Starchild shoes for babies.
Patisserie Madeleine is a delightfully naughty French patisserie located in the heart of leafy Stockbridge. If you need a treat to brighten your day you can indulge in pastries, cakes, tarts and macarons which have been lovingly hand made on the premises by the French pastry chef. They also serve delicious loose leaf teas, freshly roasted coffee and incredibly decadent Belgian hot chocolate. Do not enter these premises if you are on a diet! You can also order a selection of macarons, cakes and other goodies to wow your guests at a dinner party or give as a thoughtful present to your significant other.
Recommended for Stockbridge's Best Shopping because: Patisserie Madeleine is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth
Simon's expert tip: Their macarons are very probably the best you will find anywhere in the city - do not leave without trying them