Beyond the big department stores you can find in any European capital, Edinburgh is full of small independent shops.
In some of them you’ll find a huge range of original items and handmade products. And as well as taking home things you can’t buy anywhere else, remember that many of these shops help Edinburgh’s artists make a living from their work.
If you want to buy something original and take home a unique souvenir of Edinburgh, these are our favourite independent shops in Edinburgh. For the main shopping streets, see our guide to shopping in Edinburgh.
1. Life Story
53 London Street, Edinburgh EH3 6LX
If you love Nordic style for your home, take a look at Life Story. It’s one of the best independent shops in Edinburgh for homeware, stationery and beautifully designed gifts.
As well as some legendary Scandinavian designers, Life Story has lots of pieces by local designers with the same minimalist feel.
You’ll find things like HAY stationery, bath and body products from Mirins Copenhagen, homeware from Ferm Living and jewellery from Wolf & Moon.
The shop itself looks straight out of Pinterest. One of the cutest shops in Edinburgh.
2. Red Door Gallery
42 Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2JW
Victoria Street is probably the most photographed street in Edinburgh, and some of its shops help give it that special look.
One of them is Red Door Gallery, a shop where you can buy small, unique works of art, prints, cards, homeware and all kinds of really original accessories.
One of its specialities is its prints of Edinburgh. All by local artists, they make a perfect, stylish souvenir or gift.
3. Museum Context
40 Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2JW
Museum Context is a spectacular shop on Victoria Street, a universe of curious objects and vintage-style keepsakes where you’re sure to find something you love.
One of its specialities is Harry Potter. The shop was designed by fans of the saga, and you’ll find small tributes to J.K. Rowling’s magical world all over it. Discover more on our free Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.
4. Curiouser and Curiouser
93 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RZ
In this charming gift and curiosity shop you’ll find all kinds of interesting things, from stationery to homeware, books and jewellery.
Most of its products are strongly influenced by the work of independent Scottish artists and illustrators, especially from Edinburgh. Perfect if you’re looking for a gift that isn’t the usual one: you’ll always find something special here.
The shop is on Broughton Street, one of Edinburgh’s nicest and least touristy streets, full of interesting shops to explore, as well as pubs and restaurants. A lovely walk.
5. Godiva
9 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2JA
Very close to the Grassmarket, this boutique specialises in clothes by independent designers and vintage clothing and accessories: printed shirts, pleated skirts, 1950s dresses and much more.
A shop you should visit if you’re looking for that unique piece you haven’t found anywhere else. If you love vintage, Godiva is one of our favourite shops.
6. I. J. Mellis Cheesemonger
30 Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2JW
This small shop specialises in artisan cheese, with a huge range of Scottish cheeses and cheeses from other European countries.
There are so many styles, flavours and textures that you’ll find it hard to choose. Don’t worry: the staff will happily help you find the one you like best.
As well as cheese, there’s a small selection of charcuterie and things that go well with cheese, such as bread and chutney. If you prefer to take home a souvenir or gift for the palate, I. J. Mellis is a safe bet.
7. Homer
8 Howe Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TD
Halfway between the city centre and charming Stockbridge, right in the New Town, is Homer, a shop selling homeware, textiles and gifts.
What makes it really special is that it’s in an old Georgian townhouse, typical of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the world.
The shop is divided into five rooms, like the rooms of a house, each with things for that part of the home: the living room, the library with its careful selection of books, the bedroom with its textiles, the kitchen, with a superb ceramics collection, and the garden, with candles and lanterns, among many other fantastic things.
Homer is the perfect shop for something special for your home, and a chance to see inside an old Georgian townhouse.
8. Armchair Books
72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE
Very close to the Grassmarket is one of the most charming bookshops in Edinburgh.
It’s a small second-hand bookshop with shelves up to the ceiling and a huge selection of titles, including a large collection of antiquarian books where you can find real treasures.
Armchair Books is a paradise for book lovers and, without doubt, one of the best independent shops in the city.
9. Armstrong’s Vintage
81-83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ
If you’re looking for stylish vintage clothes or accessories for a period costume, you’ll find all kinds of authentic clothing and accessories here.
As well as the Grassmarket shop, there are other branches in Edinburgh. Visit them all until you find what you’re looking for, as the stock is huge.
From a 19th-century gentleman’s cape to a woollen cycling jersey that Fausto Coppi himself could have worn, or a top hat, at Armstrong’s you’ll find everything.
10. Scottish Design Exchange
117–119 George Street, Edinburgh
Scottish Design Exchange brings together art, crafts and design by Scottish makers. Its George Street shop is a great stop for a gift with personality while exploring the New Town. It also runs the market in the Tron Kirk.
You’ll find prints, jewellery, ceramics, stationery and homeware, from small souvenirs to pieces to decorate your home.
It’s a great alternative to the usual souvenirs, especially if you want to support artists and designers.
11. Eden
37 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
This little shop just off the Royal Mile is full of curious things that make a special souvenir of your time in Edinburgh.
You’ll find hundreds of soft toys, postcards, small homeware items and lots of other very original gifts.
12. Royal Mile Whiskies
379 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW
A whisky shop might not sound like one of the most unique shops in Edinburgh, but if you want to buy a bottle of whisky as a gift from your trip to Scotland, we recommend a visit.
As well as expert advice, you’ll find over a thousand different whiskies, from the rarest, costing more than a thousand pounds, to much more affordable bottles.
If you’re only travelling with hand luggage, you’ll also find whisky tasting accessories, which make a fantastic gift.
