Your Glasgow Southside Local, Independent, Ethical Gift Guide

Support local businesses, charities and social enterprises in Glasgow this festive season and buy from some of these independent makers and organisations.

 
 

Lote by Shola von Reinhold  – Category is Books – £8.99

At everyone’s favourite local bookshop you can find a whole host of stocking fillers, from lesbian-led graphic novel to academic readings on sex workers, and a medley of delightfully queer badges. 

Why not cosy up with a book from a local author this winter? Lote, by local resident Shola von Reinhold, revolves around a young woman’s obsession with a black modernist poet eclipsed from history. It won The James Tait Black Memorial Prize, the oldest book prize in the UK.

Rustic Scaffold Chopping Board – Rags to Riches – £15.00

Govanhill Baths’ recyclable initiative sells bespoke items the celebrates the idea that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. They upcycle waste textiles, plastics and wood into unique designs that are brilliant for the planet! 

These chopping boards handmade from upcycled scaffold boards, and a whole host of other sustainable products are available from their Govanhill Baths shop.

Reworked Bags – Seamster Vintage – From £10 

Go second hand or upcycled this year and pay a visit to the Seamster Vintage shop in The Cooperage, off Pollokshaws Road.

As well as wavy garms, you can also find accessories are all handmade in store like bags and purses made from vintage fabric which start from just £10

Angelica EP by TAAHLIAH – Some Great Reward – £19.99

Glasgow-based DJ and Producer has fast become one of the biggest names in Scotland’s electronic music scene. Find out why with her new EP, and browse other records in the Cooperage-based record shop.

The Laurieston Bar Print – Kieron Redmond – From £20

This deluxe print of this well loved 1960s pub is one of several iconic Glasgow sights, created by local artist and printmaker, Kieron Redmond.

THE WEE BEER SHOP - VARIOUS

If you’re looking to find that special someone and equally special beer, then check out The Wee Beer shop on Pollokshaws Road for a brilliant selection of beers.

Christmas Wreath – Locavore – £20

Social enterprise and local supermarket Locavore will be whipping up a number of Christmas delights this season. Aside from having festive treats on their shelves, residents will also be able to pick up pre-made food for their Christmas dinners, including a seitan roast. 

Get yourself a Christmas wreath individually decorated with foraged, local materials.

Deadline for last orders is 19 December.

Gold plated, hand painted earrings – Flow Creativity – £15

Modern style with a vintage feel; Flow Creativity jewellery is inspired by nature with each piece individually hand painted by local maker Justine.

As well as hand painted Jewellery, you can find cards and hanging decor decorations with art nouveau & art reco influences.

Available at flowcreativity.scot and Art Space G41. 

Posties Calendar – Southside Solidarity Network – £12

(Naked) workers of the world unite! Southside Solidarity Network have teamed up with the local posties, who have been striking over a pay dispute, to create 2023’s hottest calendar. Funds raised will be equally donated to the Royal College of Nurses, local community organisations Milk Cafe and Living Rent (as voted by members of the group). 

Badges of Honour Jigsaw – Glasgow’s Women Library – £16

The library has produced two jigsaws that celebrate their wonderful collection of badges, available in a feminist or LGBTQ+ editions.

Instrument Library Membership – Music Broth – From £6 per month

Give the gift of music with an individual membership,  you’ll get access to a library of instruments and be able to swap your instrument when you like.

flowers subscription – From £15 per month

Occasional gay neighbourhood flours’ as they describes themselves on their Instagram. Gift your special person a monthly or fortnightly subscription of Flowers, a surprise bunch picked fresh from the markets every month. Collection is from Bam, another great place to shop in the run up to Christmas.

Govanhill Map Giclee Print – Nebo Peklo – From £20

A beautiful illustrated map of our neighbourhood featuring iconic buildings such as the Govanhill Baths, Dixon Halls and Queen’s Cafe.

They’re made using pigment-based inks with high quality acid-free paper to achieve Giclée prints of superior archival quality, light fastness and stability. The prints are sold unframed.

You can also find tote bags, prints, and other maps, as well as a Glasgow building themed calendar.

Govanhill Loved and Lost Book – Govanhill Baths – £10

Another one for Govanhill-lovers, this book by Bruce Downie focused on the ever-changing landscape of Govanhill, exploring its buildings, streets and places.

Buy it from Govanhill Baths online shop, where you can also pick up his more recent book on the history of the baths.

Natural, holistic candles inspired by Ayurveda and ancient healing practices. Hand-crafted with love and care in Glasgow. All Bear Tree Apothecary products are vegan and ethically sourced, using the highest quality products and ingredients.  

Developed more than 3000 years ago, “Ayur” is the Sanskrit word for “life” and “Veda” means “knowledge”. Ayurveda is based on the belief that the mind, body and spirit need to be balanced for health and wellness to be achieved. It makes use of the five elements of life; earth (Na), water (Ma), fire (Shi), air (Va) and ether (Ya) which have been thoughtfully incorporated into the products I make.

Candles are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, from wax melts to luxurious glass vessels. Synthetic chemical free, each item is individually prepared with carefully selected essential oils, herbs and gemstones, making them therapeutic and wonderfully unique.

Pottery / Life Drawing Vouchers – Studio Malkuth – £20-30

As well as workshops, they sell ceramics (tableware, homeware, plant pots and sculptural work) as well as prints and jewellery. They also stock plants, herbs, textiles, soaps and bath salts, calendars and Christmas cards from local artists and creatives. They are also setting up a pay it forward scheme to fund workshops and classes for those who wouldn't usually be able to access them. They are a working studio, andopen as a shop Saturday and Sunday 11-4pm.

aume

From mugs, glasses candles, Christmas baubles and vases, Aume on Pollokshaws Road has all the home wear gifts you can imagine.

Stop in the shop in person to see the full range of gorgeous gifts or you can order online.