‘Tis the season to be jolly. ‘Tis also the season to battle through department store crowds and be repeatedly told about ‘Black Friday’, ‘Cyber Monday’ and other days that crop up at will on the shopping calendar.
If you’re wanting to avoid all that this year, why not buy artwork, crafts and other special items? Not only will the gifts be all the more special, it’s a great way to support independent artists, makers, crafters and arts spaces.
Here, we’ve rounded up a small selection of orgs that have got festive treats by the bucketful.
Windblown silk scarves, cultural crofting playing cards and inspiring landshapes (yes, shapes): the ATLAS Edition collection has it all.
As an award-winning producer of contemporary art, ATLAS’ collection is top notch, and a gift from this Skye-based organisation would be a lovely addition to any stocking.
Find the full selection of products on the ATLAS online shop.
Last month, Collective Gallery launched on Calton Hill. With spectacular views of the city (and some pretty spectacular art works to match), the new city centre space is already a hit.
Happily, Collective have teamed up with curatorial practice, Panel, to create a new collection of products created by artists and designers in close collaboration with manufacturers and makers across the UK and Europe.
The collection, Souvenirs of Calton Hill, features everything from hanging mobiles and ponchos to necklaces and scarves. Find more information at shop.collective-edinburgh.art.
Project Ability is a visual arts organisation that supports people with disabilities and lived experience of mental ill health.
Their shop (which can be found on the Project Ability Website), has a range of products available, from paintings, drawings and prints, to ceramics, accessories and homeware.
Recent items include a portrait of George Michael, a Musical Guide to Scotland Poster, and a selection of penguin ceramics.
Street Level aims to provide ‘inspiring encounters with photography for all’, and is embedded locally, whilst being connected internationally.
If you’ve got a loved one who appreciates some good lens work, take a look at Street Level’s online shop. You can pick up everything from books to prints, editions and merchandise.
This centre for contemporary art is known as a printmaking powerhouse in the North East, with an impressive shop to match, featuring works from the likes of Barbara Rea, Donald Urquhart and Frances Walker.
It’s perfect for that friend or relative with too many blank walls. Browse online at peacock-visual-arts.myshopify.com/.
Fruitmarket celebrates world class contemporary art in the centre of the city. Their bookshop also happens to be a haven for visual art books, gorgeous coffee table books, gift books and lovely wee postcards.
If you’re feeling like you can't decide what to buy for that pal of yours, you can also buy a gift voucher. Your lucky recipient will have a brilliant time trawling through the well-curated shelves.
Check out their collection, which features books on everything from Lee Lozano to Phyllida Barlow, on the Fruitmarket website – or pop into their space on Market Street.
CCA’s open again – hurrah! Which means we can now, once again, gaze lovingly at their brilliant collection of items in the shop.
For visual art fans, in collaboration with Welcome Home, CCA has developed a series of limited edition artworks by Sarah Forrest, Ciara Phillips, Lucy Skaer and Gregor Wright.
This cyclical project aims to provide the opportunity for CCA's audience to buy an affordable piece of contemporary art with the profits returned to the editions programme. Find out more on the CCA website.
In the building, you can also pick up everything from notebooks to collectible magazines, too.
Cove Park creates year-round residencies in all the art forms for national and international artists, collaborative groups and organisations.
Some of the creative fruits of these residencies can be found on the Shop for Art section of their website, where you can pick up work from the likes of Nathan Coley, Dawn Youll and Graham Fagen.
Photography is in the frame at Stills. They have a special section of their website dedicated to Christmas Gifts for snap-happy friends and family. Choose from a Digital Gift Box, an Analogue Gift Box, film-filled stocking fillers and more.
Or, you can buy some photography prints, for that friend that really appreciates a strong snap.
Craft Scotland is the home of contemporary Scottish craft. Their Craft Directory has information on a wide range of independent makers and their practices, which makes it easier to connect and enquire about buying their wares.
Their online marketplace also has a wide selection of gifts, accessories, home décor and jewellery – so you’re bound to find something lovely.
Own Art makes buying art easy and affordable by letting you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan. With around 280 galleries and thousands of original works of art to choose from, why not buy something you love today from as little as £10 per month!
