24.11.25
‘Tis the season to shop local and, as ever, it’s the perfect opportunity to support independent businesses and makers in whatever way we’re able to. We’ve pulled together another gift guide with a difference just in time for the festive and market season.
We’ve asked local makers and artists to tell us a bit about one of their products and who they think would love to discover it under their tree, alongside where you can find their work. We’ve also asked each maker to ‘pass the mic’ and give a recommendation or two for other makers to shop with, helping to spread the love!
Highlighting: My mismatched terrazzo ‘Daphne’ earrings. They come in a bunch of different colourways – but these are my personal favourites.
Who’ll love it? Anyone who loves to rock a big pair of playful, arty, mood-lifting earrings – but who values their earlobes too much to wear heavy ones. These are light as a feather, but about as subtle as a brick.
Who else should we be shopping with? ScrapAntics always have wonderful things going on – their Re/Shape and Form programmes see local artists offering various arts and crafts workshops. A ticket to one of their upcoming events would make a lush gift for someone creatively inclined (or who doesn’t yet realise they are…so in other words, anyone!)
Also, the fantastic Ele Roscoe of Queer Clay. Ele is a super talented maker and totally lovely, and their ceramics are totally lovely too.
Shop Mel’s work via her Etsy shop or find her at the Launch It Festive Fayre on Sat 20 Dec in the ScrapAntics Wellgate Space, 10am–4pm alongside lots of other lovely folk selling their handmade items.
Highlighting: My ‘Dinky’ cups! They come in a variety of sizes, glazes and finishes.
Who’ll love it? These cups are great for anyone who loves coffee, sauces, dips, tiny plants and trinkets… The list is honestly endless! What can’t you do with a dinky cup!
Who else should we be shopping with? It’s hard just to just recommend two people, there are some insanely talented people in and around Dundee!
Josey Donald (@studio_josey)
His work is something truly special, you can feel the love in every piece. Each design is full of heart. I’m jealous of his skills to be honest! Josey is also a fantastic human being, so I can’t recommend enough!
Sam Kennedy (@samkennedy.studio)
This recommendation comes from a place of so much love. Sam Kennedy was my high school art teacher, and walking into Kist on Perth Road (which I must also recommend, Mairi is just the best) and seeing her mixed media work, brings me so much joy, they are absolutely stunning!
Find Alex’s work at EH9 Espresso on Perth Road or shop via his online shop or Instagram. Alex won’t be appearing at any markets this year as he’ll be busy with his other creative role as Stage Manager for this year’s Perth Theatre pantomime!
Highlighting: My ‘Let’s Grow’ planner is a perfect gift for creatives. It’s an aesthetic undated planner to help break down goals into steps to achieve success, and plenty room to doodle. There are also two cover designs to choose from.
Who’ll love it? I think other creatives, designers, artists and writers would love this gift. A great gift to start the new year with new project ideas.
Who else should we be shopping with? The past couple of years I have loved getting gift tags from Thecraftyweethistle and this year they have beautiful wooden tree decorations. I also think a workshop is a great gift and Scarlett Erskine has a great range of workshops and can be something to look forward to with a friend or family member.
Shop Laura’s work via her Etsy shop or find her at The Leith Collective in the Overgate Centre, Dundee.
Highlighting: My custom ticket lampshades!
Who’ll love it? I think they’re the ideal gift for those of us who have their tickets (and the memories they recall) stuck away and not out on display. I love chatting with customers about their special gigs and knowing they can have their tickets loud and proud in their home. It’s a relatively new product/service that I started when I opened my studio at The Creative Tank but has already brought such great people through the door.
Who else should we be shopping with? A maker I would like to highlight is Sandra Junele. I love all her creations from textile waste and particularly love her new products the plantable letters. Such an amazing and eco friendly gift.
Visit Caishnah at her new studio and gallery The Creative Tank or shop her work online via her Lola Polooza shop.
Highlighting: Our newest book, Café Cùil Cookbook by Clare Coghill.
Who’ll love it? Anyone who likes cooking (and eating!) incredibly tasty food without spending hours in the kitchen. Clare celebrates Highland produce, reimagines traditional Scottish dishes and puts a Hebridean twist on some global ones – think tattie scone tacos, langoustine and whisky bisque, Highland shakshuka, seaweed sauerkraut and a killer Buckfast Bloody Mhairi.
Who else should we be shopping with? We love Kist on the Perth Road in Dundee – Mairi has created such a special shop and is an incredible champion of independent makers. She’ll always point you in the direction of something new and beautiful by a maker you’re not yet familiar with.
David McDiarmid Studio over in Glasgow has a whole host of foodie art – we were lucky enough to use his fruit and veg paintings in our book Seasonal Salads, and he also sells paintings and prints in cool jesmonite frames, as well as ceramic pastas and pies to hang on your Christmas tree!
Find Kitchen Press’ books in all good bookshops and via their online shop, or catch them at the Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair on Fri 28–Sun 30 Nov.
Highlighting: My Leopard print boxy pouch in all colour combinations.
Who’ll love it? This funky handprinted boxy pouch would be great gift for people who travel alot, the ones who love to be organised and ready for adventures.
Who else should we be shopping with? One of my favourite jewellery designers is Keren from Metallium Jewellery and her lovely silver jewellery. I also really like Lauren Morsley‘s colourful illustrations.
Shop Lilyana’s work via their online shop or in person at the WestFest Winter Market on Thu 27 Nov and the V&A Dundee Winter Design Market on Fri 28–Sun 30 Nov.
Highlighting: Plantable Letters — Handmade from recycled wool and organic glue, with flower or herb seeds pressed inside. Choose from 8 different plant varieties, and pick initials, names, or words to create a truly personal gift that can be planted and grown into herbs or flowers.
Who’ll love it? For someone who likes to stand out sustainably and enjoys thoughtful, meaningful gifts. Perfect for people who love gardening or slow living — kids, adults, and eco-minded friends alike. A gift they can watch grow, and enjoy for years to come.
Who else should we be shopping with? @image.inga — A photographer with a really sharp eye for detail. Her work feels calm, honest, and beautifully composed. She captures moments in a way that turns them into memories you want to keep.
@cararoooney — An illustrator whose work is full of colour, playfulness, and charm. Her prints, cards, and kids’ books have this perfect, slightly wonky magic that feels joyful and totally her own.
@clay4clarity — Minimalist, handmade pottery with a timeless design.
Find Sandra’s work online or catch her in person at the V&A Dundee Winter Design Market, Fri 28–Sun 30 Nov, Launch It Festive Fayre, Sat 20 Dec, and Arngask Home Farm, Sat 6 and Sun 7 Dec.
Highlighting: My Unicorn Holographic keyring.
Who’ll love it? This item is amazing for anyone who likes a bit of sparkle and a bit of magic to accessorise with! The Unicorn is the symbol of Scotland with its brave attitude and hopeful presence. This keyring will charm anyone its presented to!
Who else should we be shopping with? I would recommend checking out Ekatto. She is a Dundee based ceramicist who makes whimsical hand painted items. My favourites are her nature inspired cups and plates.
Shop Jenni’s work via her website or find her at the Discovery Point Christmas Market on Sat 29 and Sun 30 Nov.
Check out our previous gift guides for 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2020 for even more local makers to support! Prefer to do your shopping in person? Head along to any one of the many markets popping up across Dundee over the next month to find the perfect gift.
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