45+ Fun Gifts from Edinburgh [2023]

Have you fallen for the Scottish capital? Are you looking for a keepsake souvenir from Edinburgh or perhaps the perfect Scottish gift for friends and family? Edinburgh has so much to offer from great local produce, literary talent, history, culture and more. So go ahead and check out our fab suggestions below of gifts from Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Gifts For The Home

Edinburgh Framed Wall Art Print

It’s lovely to have a reminder of a place close to your heart on the walls of your home. We’ve got a number of Edinburgh and Scottish landscapes in our house and they always make us smile. We particularly love this black and white print of the Edinburgh skyline. The Wee Blue Coo (love the name!) has a few prints available including this gorgeous Auld Reekie skyline as well as the iconic Forth rail bridge.

For our US readers >>> click here

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2022 Edinburgh Wall Calendar

This is the perfect gift for anyone wanting a daily reminder of the Scottish capital. This wall calendar will delight you with many pretty pictures of various iconic landmarks and scenic spots around Edinburgh. 

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For our UK readers >>>click here

City Map Art of Edinburgh

Another print to adorn your walls! This time it’s a city map art. I particularly love the minimalist look of this map of Edinburgh poster.For our UK readers >>>click here

Edinburgh Gin

The gin industry has exploded in Scotland and Edinburgh has placed itself firmly on the map as a fine gin producer. Enter the wonderful Edinburgh Gin company set up in 2010. They have a vast array of gins including our favourite  Rhubarb & Ginger Pink gin as well as the similarly named gin liqueur.For our UK readers >>>click here

You may also want to push the boat out and opt for this pretty wicker hamper gift set that contains a bottle of Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger Liqueur with two Fentimans Premium Indian tonics. It makes the perfect Scottish gift for Mother’s day, birthday, Christmas, anniversaries – who even needs an excuse?!

For our UK readers >>>click here

→ Edinburgh Gin Website

Edinburgh Crystal Whisky Tumblers (Set of 2)

Edinburgh is also famous for its cut glass crystal which was manufactured in Scotland between 1867 and 2006. You can find all types of drinking glasses, however, as whisky lovers, our favourite has to be this set of large Royal Scot whisky tumblers. And for the ultimate gift, why not get an accompanying Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership! 

For our US readers >>> click here For our UK readers >>>click here

Edinburgh Monopoly Board Game

We’ve already told you about the Scotland monopoly board game (check out this post on fun gifts from Scotland) but here’s an even better option for Auld Reekie enthusiasts! Check out the Edinburgh monopoly board game and explore the iconic landmarks around the city including the Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, the Scots Monument, Edinburgh Zoo and more. It’s the perfect after dinner board game!For our UK readers >>>click here

Edinburgh Taxi Board Game

Here’s another board game with a twist. We all know that taxi drivers are full of local information and this game will test your own ‘cabbie’ knowledge of the capital. Prepare for 600 questions and earn some tips / gratuity as you share facts on a particular Edinburgh subject.

For our UK readers >>>click here

Edinburgh Cluedo Board Game

The classic murder mystery game but this time it’s set in Edinburgh. I’m sure Arthur Conan Doyle would approve! Have fun trying to solve the mystery whilst taking a virtual trip to familiar places.

For our UK readers >>>click here

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Edinburgh Gift Experiences

Over the years, we’ve mostly chosen to gift experiences rather than material items as we’ve found them to be more meaningful. They also provide a great way for loved ones to create long-lasting memories. We’ve gifted vouchers for meals in a top-end restaurant, tickets to the theatre, high tea at the Balmoral, Historic Scotland and National Trust memberships. So here’s some gift ideas for you!

Historic Environment Scotland Pass

Free entrance to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urqhart Castle, St Andrews Castle, Skara Brae and so much more… We were gifted a family Historic Environment Scotland pass a couple of years ago for Christmas and it was hands down, the best gift ever. It meant we were able to visit Edinburgh castle as often as we liked – often just popping in for a quick half hour – and our in-laws also knew that we had a trip planned to Orkney (check out our post on top things to do in Orkney)! Taking a family of 4 round all of the must-visit sites can quickly add up so this was such a fantastic money-saver for us.

→ Click here to buy a Historic Environment Scotland Pass

>> Are you visiting Edinburgh during the festive season? Click here for ideas of things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas time! <<

Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership

Before having kids, we were proud members of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (this all changed after our kids were born, haha!). There are two beautiful venues in Edinburgh – one in Leith (the Vaults) and the other on Queen Street. You’ll get to taste a vast array of cask-strength whiskies in one of their exclusive members’ only rooms.

Click here to buy a membership or you can also buy a bottle as a gift. This is a really unique gift as you can only find these whiskies at the society.

Edinburgh Zoo Membership

Once we had children, we swapped our whisky society membership for a zoo membership! This is also a great present if you’re looking for unusual Christmas or birthday gifts. The pass will allow you unlimited access to the zoo as well as to the Highland wildlife park! You’ll also get 25% off tickets for up to 6 guests per visit. Plus, a trip to the zoo is such a great activity to do with children in Edinburgh.

→ Click here to buy a zoo membership

>> Check out our post for more ideas on things to do with kids in Edinburgh! <<

High Tea Gift Voucher

This is the ultimate treat and not something you’re going to indulge in every day! Make someone’s day and gift them a high tea at the Balmoral or the Signet Library.

Tickets For A Walking Tour in Edinburgh

There’s no better to get to know a place than through a local’s first-hand knowledge. There are many different walking tours available in Edinburgh – ghost tours, Harry Potter tours, hidden Edinburgh tours, guided walking tours and more.

Check below for some ideas or simply buy a Get Your Guide gift card so that your loved ones can choose their own activity.

Tickets To The Panto

A few years ago, we gifted tickets to our family to the panto in Inverness. We combined lunch out with a trip to the Eden court theatre. It was so lovely to have this event in the diary and something to look forward to . We really made some great family memories which we’ll cherish for a long time. So if you’re looking for a fun Christmas gift, why not consider purchasing tickets to Edinburgh’s famous panto at the King’s Theatre.

>> Are you looking for other ideas of things to do in Edinburgh at Christmas time? Make sure you check out this post! <<

Ticket to Edinburgh’s Botanics Light Trail

Carrying on with the festive theme, this is another really fun and quirky Christmas gift. Again, we treated our family to a night at the Botanics Light Trail a couple of years ago. We had such a lovely evening, made some wonderful memories – toasting marshmallows, following tunnel of lights, the laser garden, visiting Santa & his elves. The festival runs for about 5 weeks starting at the end of November.

→ Click here for the Christmas at the Botanics Website

>> Read our post to find out all about the Magical Christmas Light Trail at the Botanics! <<

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Books About Edinburgh

Perhaps you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh or perhaps you’re surprising someone with a trip to Auld Reekie… A city travel guide makes the perfect gift and we have a fab selection for you to choose from – some mainstream guides and some less so!

Lonely Planet Pocket Edinburgh (Travel Guide)

Although there is plenty of information available on blogs (ahem), sometimes, you really can’t beat a proper, chunky guide book that you can hold in your hands. We’ve always loved the Lonely Planet travel guides and this one is no exception.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Edinburgh Pocket Map and Guide (Pocket Travel Guide)

This is the perfect companion to the Lonely Planet Pocket Edinburgh travel guide. It’s a very practical purchase but useful nonetheless. The pocket map is very handy for you to get your bearings, to plan your outings or for those times when your GPS fails you or (God forbid!) your phone runs out of battery.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Only In Edinburgh: A Guide to Unique Locations, Hidden Corners & Unusual Objects 

Did you know that Edinburgh is home to the UK’s largest poppy factory or that the castle has a cemetery dedicated to soldiers’ dogs? Well, pick up this guide and you’ll discover plenty of fun facts about the city as well as some great insights into Edinburgh off the beaten track. You’ll discover 103 different attractions including secret gardens, mysterious monuments, haunted theatres and much, much more. This book is perfect for independent travellers who are looking for all the information you won’t find in the guide books!

>> Click here to check out our post on Edinburgh off the beaten path! <<

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Edinburgh’s Hidden Walks

Again, if you enjoy getting off the beaten track, this is the book for you! You’ll find 14 illustrated walks with lots of fun facts and historical information about the city.

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>> Interested in finding places to walk, run or cycle in Edinburgh? Check out this guide! <<

111 Places in Edinburgh that you Shouldn’t Miss

If you’ve read our Edinburgh bucket list post then you might already be aware of the city’s must-visit sites! However, this book would make a lovely gift for someone planning a trip to the Scottish capital. It provides a real insider’s guide – including lots of hidden gems off the tourist trail – and locals will even find out about places they didn’t even know existed!

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Secret Edinburgh – An Unusual Guide

This is another guide that showcases the many hidden gems that can be found in Edinburgh (you might also want to read our post on Edinburgh off the beaten track). If you’ve visited Edinburgh and ticked off most of the must-visit sites, this unusual and quirky guide book will help you delve deeper and explore lesser known sites in the capital. The book is very detailed and provides information on how to reach the various places including which buses to catch, etc. It’s perfect for travellers and locals alike.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Pockets of Pretty: An Instagrammer’s Edinburgh 

The title says it all! This book is beautifully written and is full of pretty photographs of Edinburgh including many hidden gems. The author, Shawna Law, shares her love of the Scottish capital with readers and gives plenty of local insider tips and recommendations.

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>> Read our post to find out about the many wonderful photography spots in Edinburgh! <<

The Edinburgh Art Book: The City Through The Eyes Of Its Artists

Edinburgh is a very arty city – you’ll soon find this out when you check out our post on all the free art galleries and museums. There are so many pretty images of Edinburgh in this book, I love it! Using various mediums, over 50 artists have showcased the beauty of the capital city through drawings, paintings and collages.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Books Set In Edinburgh

If you’ve visited the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh, you’ll already know that the Scottish capital is a hub of literary talent – think Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle and more contemporary authors such as Irvine Welsh, JK Rowling and more.

Reading a book that’s set in one of your favourite places is a wonderful way to bring your visit to life. I personally love diving into a book either before or after my visit and even when I’m a local, I love to recognize particular places in a book or a film.

Trainspotting – Irvine Welsh

You’ll no doubt be familiar with the classic 90s film starring Ewan McGregor, but have you read the book? Available to read in Scots, Scottish English or British English, this is Irvine Welsh’s first novel which is set in Leith (Edinburgh) and follows the lives of a group of young, heroine addicts.

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44 Scotland Street Series – Alexander McCall Smith

I absolutely love Alexander McCall Smith’s 44 Scotland Street series. Set in Edinburgh’s New Town, the novels tell the story of the various eccentric residents of this (real) street. There is a total of 13 books in this series which originally started as a serial in the Scotsman newspaper.

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Rebus novels – Ian Rankin

Author, Ian Rankin, has written a series of crime novels with the infamous Inspector Rebus at the centre of every story. The books are mainly based in and around Edinburgh and delve into the dark underworld of the capital. Rankin wrote his first Rebus novel back in 1987 and has since produced over 20 further crime thrillers. Click here if you want to read them in the order they were published.

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The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie – Muriel Spark

Set in Edinburgh in 1932, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie tells the story of an unconventional school teacher and her influence over 6 impressionable girls – her Brodie set, her ‘crème de la crème’ – at the Marcia Blaine school. It traces her eventual downfall and her betrayal by one of her ‘set’.

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Harry Potter – JK Rowling

Who hasn’t heard of Harry Potter? Although the novels aren’t actually set in Edinburgh, the author, JK Rowling, was heavily inspired by her adopted home-city when writing the Harry Potter books. It is believed that Diagon Alley was inspired by Victoria Street, Hogwarts by the private school, George Heriot’s and if you like, you can even head to the Elephant House or the Spoon café to discover where JK Rowling wrote some of her books.

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Edinburgh Books for Kids

We have amassed a huge collection of Scottish children’s books over the years and here we share some of our favourite Edinburgh books for children. 

Horrible Histories: Gruesome Guide to Edinburgh 

Horrible Histories is such a great series and this book is no exception. It provides a great introduction to children (and adults!) to Edinburgh’s gory history. You’ll find out about Edinburgh’s dark past including murders, kidnappings, hangings and more…

For our UK readers >>> click here

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This is Edinburgh

This is one of my all-time favourite Edinburgh books with its timeless and beautiful illustrations. It’s hard to believe that it was originally published in 1961. It’s a real treasured possession of ours as it was gifted to our eldest when we left Edinburgh. The illustrations would make beautiful framed pictures.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Edinburgh Castle for Kids: Fun Facts and Amazing Activities

If you’ve got children, there’s a good chance you’ll be visiting the iconic Edinburgh Castle and this is the perfect companion before or after your visit. Likewise, it would be a great gift for friends or family who were planning a trip to Edinburgh. Kids will learn about the castle, the grounds, its former inhabitants with some fun history thrown in.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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>> Visiting Edinburgh with your family? Check out our epic guide of things to do in Edinburgh with kids! <<

Greyfriars Bobby

This is the heartwarming story of Bobby, the faithful Skye terrier, who refused to leave his master’s grave for 14 years. Bobby even has his very own statue at the corner of Edinburgh’s Candlemaker Row and George IV Bridge.

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Hamish McHaggis and the Edinburgh Adventure

Follow the adventures of Hamish McHaggis as he attempts to get to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on time. Find out whether he and his friends make it or not. This would make a lovely gift for someone planning to visit the Edinburgh festival with their family. A lovely book for the under 5s – click here to check out the rest of Hamish McHaggis series.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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The Colouring Book of Edinburgh

This will delight children and adults alike! Colouring in is the new form of meditation, didn’t you know? This colouring book features 23 iconic locations within Edinburgh, from the Castle to the Parliament, Arthur’s Seat, the Meadows, etc. It’s a perfect purchase to keep the kiddos busy for hours and is ideal for long car journeys.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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>> Check out our guide on Scottish children’s book for even more inspiration! <<

 

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Films set in Edinburgh

Who doesn’t love watching a film set in your favourite city? Here’s a quick round-up of our top 6. DVDs are becoming obsolete (sniff) so why not stream the movies via amazon prime or Vimeo or YouTube.

Sunshine on Leith

This is such a lovely, feel good film set in the neighbourhood of Leith in Edinburgh. Produced by the makers of Trainspotting and the Last King of Scotland, this musical comedy follows the journey of best friends, Dave and Ally, after their return from serving in Afghanistan. It features love, romance, betrayal, forgiveness and lots of music from the Proclaimers – you won’t be able to stop yourself from singing along! You’ll recognise many familiar spots around Edinburgh including Leith (of course!), the Mound, the Grassmarket, North Bridge, Calton Hill and the Royal Mile to name but a few.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Trainspotting

This iconic 90s film barely needs an introduction! The story follows the main character, Mark Renton (Ewan McGregor), and his friends who have fallen into the heroin addiction trap. Based in Edinburgh, Renton eventually decides to move to London to get away from his problems but finds that they follow him there… 

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The Illusionist (2010)

This is a lovely animation film produced by French director, Sylvain Chomet, in 2010. The film features a French illusionist who has come to Scotland to make his fortune. He finds himself struggling to make a living until he meets Alice who believes in the power of his ‘magic’. They head to Edinburgh together where they embark on a life-changing adventure…

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Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga

This is such an entertaining feelgood movie! Initially set in Iceland, the hapless contenders to the Eurovision take to the skies and land in Edinburgh for the song contest of the year – the Eurovision! Through an unlikely set of circumstances, the pair find themselves representing Iceland at the song competition. The film features a number of Edinburgh locations including Ross fountain below the Castle, Calton Hill and Victoria Street. This Netflix original is fun and light-hearted entertainment.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby (2006)

The well-known book  Greyfriars Bobby has been turned into a movie (there are several versions but this is one of our favourite’s). The loveable Skye terrier shows incredible loyalty by returning daily to his deceased master’s grave in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard. The plot thickens when the council decides to ban all stray dogs from the city… This leads to all of Bobby’s friends rallying to save him from a terrible fate.

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Burke & Hare (2010)

This black comedy tells the story of Burke and Hare (Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis), the grave robbers, who dug up bodies and ended up killing 16 people in the early 19th century to sell to Edinburgh’s medical school.  And if gore is your thing, you can even head to Surgeon’s Hall Museum and see first hand Burke’s death mask, nice! Click here to read our post on Edinburgh off the beaten track.

For our UK readers >>> click here

For our US readers >>> click here

>> Check out our post on 8 great must-watch films set in Edinburgh! <<

 

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Quirky gifts from Edinburgh

To round up this epic post, here are some fun and quirky Edinburgh gift ideas for you.

Ross’s of Edinburgh Castle Rock Gift Box

This is a fun gift from Edinburgh – some rock hard candy! Pick it up on the Royal Mile and pop it in your suitcase (handily it won’t take up much space) or order it here and get your fix wherever you are in the world!

For our UK readers >>> click here

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Marshmallow lady

From one candy to another…this is a goodie! Based in the Bellevue neighbourhood of Edinburgh, the Marshmallow lady will delight your tastebuds with all kinds of tasty and unusual flavours of the fluffy stuff. You can either pop straight into her shop or simply order up from her online shop and get your fill of marshmallows delivered straight to your doorstep!

→ The Marshmallow Lady Website

Joey D Edinburgh

Based on Broughton Street, Joey D is an incredibly talented artist who does an amazing job of upcycling and creating some stunning and unique pieces. Whether it’s a piece of furniture, a handbag, a kilt, he delivers! I absolutely love my Joey D handbag and often get asked where I got it from. Have a look at one of his latest facebook posts to check out a happy couple’s quirky wedding outfits. You can either buy directly from his shop in Edinburgh or via his facebook page (discounts usually apply when buying from his fb page).

→ Joey D Website

Edinburgh 100% Cashmere Unisex Scottish Tartan Multicolor Scarf

You may not be aware that Edinburgh isn’t just famous for its castle… it’s also a great producer of woollen products. If you’ve been to the castle, you may have noticed the Edinburgh Woolen Mill centre a stone’s throw from the fortress. So why not bag yourself a souvenir and keep warm at the same time.

Click on the links below to discover the full range of scarfs (there are plenty to choose from!)

For our UK readers >>> click here

For our US readers >>> click here

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Scottish gifts and we’ve hopefully shared with you some of the best that the capital has to offer. We certainly hope you enjoyed our round up of gifts from Edinburgh!