It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to shop in the Highlands!
The joy of giving gifts can be traced back to the original nativity story, when three wise men arrived in Bethlehem bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. These days, Christmas is a time to show the people around you just how much you care, and picking thoughtful presents is key to a successful shop!
Although we’re now closed until 3rd February 2023, that doesn’t mean we can’t help with your Christmas shopping. And so, we’ve compiled a list of local Highland gift ideas, making for a speedier shop (and more time left to spend with your loved ones this December).
Bonnie Argyll Gift Shop
We can’t get enough of the items stocked at the Bonnie Argyll gift shop in Inveraray. The award-winning, family-run shop stocks a wide range of unique gifts, (in their own words) “lovely things” for every occasion. Choose from a handsome range of handmade items, unique jewellery pieces, bags, cosy knitwear, and stylish homeware, as well as an extensive choice of plush soft toys for kids and babies.
Of special note is the painted Glass Art by local artist Jules King, who can often be seen working in the shop when she is not making beautifully hand-crafted, kiln-formed designs. No two pieces are the same, which makes them quirkier and more distinctive. All gifts come gift-wrapped with the option to add a handwritten note as an extra special touch.
Kintyre Gin
Named after the ‘Hill of the Wild Boar’, the highest point in Kintyre, Beinn an Tuirc Distillers LTD has produced award-winning, sustainably distilled Kintyre Gin since 2017. It’s a family affair, with brothers Niall and Kenny Macalister and Niall’s wife Emma running the community-focused company from a particularly iconic location – an old farm building on the estate of Torrisdale Castle, a historic Argyll mansion that was originally built in 1815.
From the onset, the trio aimed to keep sustainability at its core, and are proud that the gin still is powered by their own hydroelectric energy . It’s a key part of keeping their omissions low. Their water is taken from the very hill they are named after, and they plant Oak trees to offset any carbon used in the production process.
The small-batch craft gin has been twice-voted second favourite gin by consumers in a survey by the Scottish Gin Society. It is a sophisticated blend of 12 botanicals, best poured over ice or paired with a premium tonic — a delicious gift for the gin-lover in your life.
Kames Farm
Kames farm is an organic smallholding on the shores of Loch Melfort close to our very own hotel. It is home to a mixture of rescued cats, dogs, alpacas, goats, horses, hens … and humans. The handmade textiles include an assortment of blankets, aprons, bags, sketchbooks, candles, linen cushions, and shoes.
Each item is lovingly handmade from their very own angora wool from goats and alpacas – transformed into winter warmers or items to make your busy life easier. If you are looking for a gift that is highly unique and bespoke (and want to support a truly local business in the Argyll area) Kames Farm is the place for you.
Loch Leven Tablet Company
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a selection of sweet treats, and the Loch Leven Tablet Company has all your sweet-toothed needs covered.
Located on the Isle of Skye, the tablet is handmade by Donnie, who sells his traditional Scottish treats from a bright pink shed in Geary in the Waternish Peninsula, where he operates an honesty box system for locals and visitors alike. Thankfully, there is also an online shop, and deliveries of his fine array of sugary goodness can be sent worldwide.
The Loch Leven Tablet Company also has a brilliant selection of hampers that would make the ideal gift for Scottish food lovers. Select one of their ready-made packages (including cheese sables, chocolates, jams, and Dundee cakes), or hand-pick your items for a build-your-own wicker hamper.
Highland Soap Co.
The family-run Highland Soap Co. has its head office and workshop located at the base of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. They use the surrounding landscape as inspiration for their product ranges, making them a unique gift idea for mountain lovers and those who like to get outdoors.
Help your loved one soak in the beauty of Scotland with scents such as Whisky and Honey, Hebridean Seaweed, and Scottish Bog Myrtle. Their vast product range includes soaps, bubble baths, hand creams, and home diffusers and their original soaps are handmade in small batches, using centuries-old traditions (with each bar taking around 4 weeks to cure).
Most of their products are vegan-friendly, and all are raw, organic, and cruelty-free. These gifts are presented in recyclable packaging, making them a thoughtful option for your environmentally conscious loved one.
Loch Melfort Hotel Gift Vouchers
The wonderful art of creating memories to last a lifetime is something we’ve become experts in at Loch Melfort Hotel and our handy Hotel Gift Voucher selection allows you to treat that special someone to a Highland experience of their own.
We provide the perfect balance of luxury and comfort in the most tranquil of settings, with fantastic sea views to the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides. Treat them to an overnight stay voucher that will kick-start their next adventure around the dramatic Argyll coast, or tickle their taste buds with a delectable Afternoon Tea experience by our roaring log fire.
On the hunt for more than one foodie friend? Send an e-gift directly to their inbox for a Dinner for Two in The Restaurant – an amuse-bouche followed by a delicious meal made from fresh, local ingredients.
A short break with us is also the perfect gift to yourself (because aren’t we all a bit guilty of picking up a few extra personal rewards whilst Christmas gift shopping?). We still have some availability for early 2023 so don’t delay, start your own memory making and come and visit us in the New Year!
