I love a bargain as much as the next person – and there’s no doubt that Black Friday has gone to a whole new level this year. In fact, it seems to have lasted a whole fortnight. But in my heart of hearts, I love my local area and today want to shout about ‘Indie Friday’ instead.
Indie Friday is simply an alternative to Black Friday. It’s asking people to remember that there’s individuals out there, working hard to provide the public with variety. To me, small independents don’t replace chain stores, but rather they offer something different. Be it a personal shopping experience, or the provision of a unique object, small business gives us a contrast to the big.
To me, that contrast is important – I love wondering round out local shopping centres decorated for Christmas – the kids love seeing Santa and seeing lots of lights. Equally, I love seeing the amazing displays in small shops and the displays they’ve thoughtfully curated.
Over the last week it’s been brilliant to see my Instagram become awash with images asking people to remember the ‘little guy’ too. It’s been awesome to see people using their streams to shout about their favourite independent businesses as I always love to find those hidden gems.
So, I thought I’d follow suit and highlight some of my favourite Edinburgh based businesses that you could support this Christmas:
Mama Tot
New to the scene THIS WEEK – Mama Tot is an online store selling the most beautiful baby items around. Also definitely one to shout about this Friday as today 10% of all sales are being donated to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust. I could not think of a better way to celebrate Indie Friday.
Spektakulär and Lilla
Spektakulär and it’s baby, Lilla basically is scandi heaven – but in Morningside. Katie would happily own every single item in Lilla and is delighted to have such a reliable source of Moomin items. The window displays in the are just stunning at the moment so it’s definitely worth calling in.
The Edinburgh Bookshop
Nestled in the heart of Bruntsfield, The Edinburgh Bookshop is everything a bookshop really should be – crammed full of books and possessing a wooden ladder, signed by loads of authors, ready to scale the bookshelves. I also love that they were one of the first to stock Alison and Coo’s lovely book – Maggie’s Mittens!
Rosy Penguin
If I had the budget, I would literally replace my whole wardrobe with Rosy Penguin clothes – since updating my Autumn Wardrobe here last month, I’ve had to be incredibly restrained not to go back and buy the leather skirt, beautiful jumper, other beautiful jumper, amazing hat, huge scarf I loved… etc. etc. Judith is just so helpful when it comes to style advice (and honest) I’m not sure I really could be bothered shopping for clothes anywhere else!
The Treehouse
I couldn’t forget my beloved Stockbridge and the gem that is The Treehouse – or as Katie still calls it the ‘monkey shop’. You’ll need to go visit to find out why exactly she calls it that – but it’s just the place to pick up some extra wee goodies this year. Our plan is to add another Lottie doll to Katie’s collection or maybe some new accessories as they’ve got a brilliant range.
Do you have an indie you can’t help raving about? I’d love to discover some more so do comment here or over on Facebook to let me know – it’s always good to find a new gem – but I also hope you have the chance to explore my favourites too!
