Christmas in Porty
It’s here, folks! Christmas season is upon us! If you’ve been around Tribe Porty or chatted with me for more than five minutes in December, you’ll know I love this time of year. Lights? Love them. Tinsel? The more, the merrier. Gift-giving? Bring it on. Wallace & Gromit reruns? Absolutely.
But (and isn’t there always a but?) there are parts of the festive season that make me a bit bah-humbuggy. The tsunami of plastic tatt we’re pressured into buying and giving, the expense of it all and the overbearing need to show off on social media.
For me, Christmas is about the little joys: shared laughter, thoughtful gifts, and seeing our community come together to celebrate and share. So, this year let’s focus on just that— Portobello and all the festive magic it has to offer.
I’ve put together a festive guide full of local events and gift ideas to help you shop sustainably, support small businesses, and soak up all the warm, fuzzy vibes Christmas in Portobello has to offer.
Gift ideas for every kind of friend
For the crafty pal
There are always lots of Wreath Making Workshops available, why not treat you and your pal for an evening out! Here are two of our recommendations:
Wreath Making with Holly Grows
Holly will be at Tribe Porty and other venues in Musselburgh for fun evenings of Wreath Making. The wreaths are made with all eco friendly, sustainable materials. A glass of fizz (or non alcoholic alternative) will be available along with festive treats. You are also welcome to byob.
Wreath Making at Company Bakery
Pyrus specialise in wild and natural foliage, which you will use to create a unique and personal wreath. You will learn how to navigate the design process and listen to your creative instinct, while picking up design tips to help your design stay on track. You will be creating your own wreath alongside a spread of festive sweet and savoury Company Bakery canapes, as well as any hot drink or a glass of bubble.
For the wild friend
A gift for a friend that is willing to give anything a go! Soul Water Sauna is Edinburgh’s first mobile sauna nestled on Portobello’s promenade. Offering a place of relaxation, where you can reconnect with your body, the elements and the coastline. Give your loved ones time to care for themselves, to get cosy and find utter relaxation.
For the friend who needs some TLC
Give the gift of relaxation. Pop into Dook to chat over their range of handmade soaps, cosmetics and bath salts. They also have a lovely selection of hand crafted soap dishes, bath accessories and the most beautiful towels.
Dook make salt soap in small batches using organic ingredients, essential oils and natural colours. Each batch is mixed and poured by hand resulting in distinctive, high-quality hand and body soap.
For the Book Worm
The Portobello Book Shop has a great range of books covering all ages. They also have a fabulous stationary section with other wee gifts. The Portobello Book Shop also has some fantastic events coming up including book launches and creative workshops. The Indigo dyeing winter workshop would make a great gift and evening out for you and your crafty pal.
The Portobello Book shop will also be taking part in the late night shopping evening featuring jazzy festive tunes, complimentary mulled wine and mince pies. They are also offering 10% off everything.
This year the shop will also have a Christmas Giving Tree. They have teamed up with charities, StreetReads, HomeStart, as well as with Ecole du Bon Berger, a school based in Rwanda, to provide books to those who need them the most thanks to our customers’ generous donations.
For the coffee date friend
I’ve got a few friends I haven’t spent nearly enough time with lately. We’re usually pretty good at sneaking in coffee dates, but somehow life has been running away with us recently. That’s what inspired this idea—a little way to reconnect and keep the caffeine-fueled catch-ups alive!
Start with some freshly roasted coffee from Tanifiki—they’ve got a brilliant selection of beans, accessories, and mugs. Build it into a thoughtful coffee nook hamper by adding a sweet treat from Gogo Beets or Babyfaced Baker. Top it all off with a handwritten invite to meet for coffee in the new year—an easy but heartfelt way to make plans that stick.
If you’re feeling extra generous, why not include a few extras like tea, chocolates, or artisanal condiments? You’ll find plenty of options at Gogo Beets which also makes for great stocking fillers – organic and vegan yogi teas, vegan chocolate coins, ocelot chocolates and Gift vouchers. Gogo Beets will also making their annual Christmas vegan treat boxes that have a selection of cookies, cakes and traybakes to be enjoyed on the run up to Christmas Day!
Thoughtful, delicious, and guaranteed to brew up some good vibes!
For the Foodie
I love this idea because it works beautifully as either a gift or an experience to share. Why not create a festive dinner hamper with Aemila’s delicious handmade pasta as the star? Their new festive menu is full of fresh, comforting flavors perfect for a cozy evening in.
If you’re up for hosting, invite your pall over, add some candlelight, festive tunes, and you’re all set. If hosting feels like too much, no worries! Pick up a gift bundle instead, complete with their signature pasta, sauces, and even dessert (yes, they have dessert!), all tucked into a stylish Aemila Tote Bag.
For the Dog lover
Put together a doggy hamper with goodies from The Dog Port and Harry’s Treats. Think toys, treats, and stylish accessories for their four-legged bestie. The Dog Port take pride in curating the finest ethically-sourced natural treats to delight your furry companion’s taste buds. As well as toys galore, at Harry’s Treats you’ll find a range of homemade treats lovingly handmade at their base in Edinburgh, Scotland.
For the Triber
This year for Art Walk Porty Tribe Member Peter Jones painted our wonderful building and would make a great gift for the Triber in your life. You can place an order by contacting Peter directly. We also have lots of gift ideas from our community, if you are still stuck check out:
- 20 Photos
- Bike Packing Scotland, Markus Stitz
- It’s A Race, James Robertson
- Edinburgh Tool Library Memberships
- Gift cards from Portobello Natural Health
- Capturing Dani Prints, email directly for 30×30 prints or postcards
Events and Markets
Origami wreath making
Sunday 1st December @ Portobello Town Hall
I absolutely adore some Christmas Crafts, particularly to spruce up a Christmas gift or to use as part of a Christmas window. Here’s a fab activity to do with a pal or your kids at Portobello Town Hall.
Get into the festive spirit with Makiko in a delightful and relaxing Origami Workshop. Learn to fold beautiful Christmas wreaths and snowflakes—perfect for festive decorations. Suitable for everyone, no experience needed. By the end, you’ll take home your handmade, sustainable, and everlasting decorations.
Makers Christmas Market organised by Support The Makers
Sunday 1st December @ Portobello Town Hall
There’s nothing I love more than a market to source Christmas gifts. Showcasing a selection of handmade products from local makers including art, accessories, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, textiles, houseplants, home-baking, coffee & creative workshops.
Porty Local Market
Saturday 7th December @ Brighton Park
Portobello Local Market is a much loved monthly event for truly local food, drink and crafts.
Porty’s Festive Light Switch On & Late Night Shopping
Thursday 5th December @ the Christmas Tree near the Town Hall
The big light switch on with entertainment from the Throwback Choir and Porty Pop Stars. Most of the shops along the high street will be trading late with festive treats and discounts on offer.
This year, let’s do Christmas differently—together. Shop local, gift thoughtfully, and soak up the community spirit that makes Porty so special. Because honestly, isn’t that what this season is all about?
Happy Holidays Porty!
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