This year for Christmas I want to put across the case for shopping small and local. It’s a well worn phrase by now of course, but if you as a consumer want to create a bit of your own Christmas magic then this is a very positive way to do it! My reasoning for shopping local and small myself is simple - it isn’t just a transaction, its an act of community support. Every quid spent in small, local businesses run by artisans, craftspeople and entrepreneurs circulates locally and helps strengthen and develop vibrant, singular High Streets like those in Innerleithen and Peebles. With the shopping options we now have here, there is no reason to look further afield. So here are just a few recommendations for businesses to consider supporting this Christmas, where shopping small and local can have a big impact…

Peebles Comics and Games

A great wee shop down Peebles Northgate, for the last couple of years I have picked up board games for our family. Owner Clare Mott is friendly and very knowledgeable, and her recommendations to me have been spot on. Perfect for games, but also a huge selection of comic books and memorabilia. To top it off, Clare is also a member of Peebles Business & Retail association, who work hard to promote and maintain Peebles brilliant, largely independent High Street. The association have a late night shopping event on Friday 6 Dec 5pm - 8pm so do try and support if you can :)

Robert Smail’s Printworks

If you want to get a Christmas Card with a difference then you can’t do better than Smail’s! All the cards sold in the shop are printed on vintage, letter press machines in the Printworks, so not only are you giving a card (something I am a passionate advocate of!), but you are supporting a brilliant piece of Victorian heritage. The shop is open weekends in December 10am - 4pm, running up to Christmas, and for Innerleithen’s Switched on Saturday 7 December they will have an authentic Victorian barrel organ being played to add to the 19th century vibes…

The Flower Bee

Rachel at The Flower Bee always does Christmas well, with her artistic arrangements and if you want to pick up a Christmas special then you better move quick - she will sell out! The shop, on Innerleithen High Street, also has a cute wee selection of gifts, and if you pop in on Switched on Saturday (7 December) you can get entered into a draw for a Christmas table display with every purchase.

Milne & Pickles

A Christmas without cheese is barely worth thinking about, and Milne & Pickles have an outstanding selection just waiting for you. Since opening in summer 2022, this wee delicatessen, wine bar and café on Peebles Northgate has become a go to spot in Peebles for foodies. Make it your go to place for your Christmas Charcuterie!

Villenueve Wines

Villenueve has been around for decades now, and as fashions in alcohol consumption change they have always managed to keep themselves at the cutting edge. I am not a wine drinker, alas, but there is more to this brilliant shop on Peebles Eastgate than the grape, with an excellent selection of craft beer and spirits. In particular the whisky selection is right up my street - this year the recommended Christmas bottle is a Dailuaine 16 year old - a smooth, Speyside sherry bomb for just £49.99. I picked up a bottle the other day and am cautiously optimistic it’ll make it until 25 December. Get your Christmas booze from the experts this year at Villenueve - and remember, its quality not quantity!

Forsyths of Peebles

At a brand session earlier this year we were asked to name a brand which really resonates with you. Surprisingly to some there I chose Forsyths of Peebles, the venerable, expert butcher shop and bakery on Eastgate. My reasoning was pretty simple - quality, locally reared and processed products in a shop that is always neat, smart and welcoming. Forsyths even clean the pavement outside the shop - an old skool touch but something rarely seen today on our High Streets!

They just do it right, and if you want your statement cuts of meat this festive season, then there is nowhere better. You can order online (before 14 December), for pickup at The Drill Halll (Community Centre) on Monday 23 December.

The Hub on The High Street

Last but not least, it’s the Hub on the High Street in Innerleithen. One of many fine gift shops in The Tweed Valley, it’s the perfect place to pick up cards, gifts, booze and stocking fillers - as well as catch up on the local chat. When Pauline first told me she would be opening this shop 6 or 7 years ago I distinctly recall her saying “it’ll all be good stuff, no tat!” She has been true to her word - quality products only in The Hub, making it easier than ever to pick up shopping locally. Pauline, Carmel and all the team do a great job in the community and it’s hard to imagine a High Street without The Hub - so please consider giving them your support this December :)

These are just some of the great businesses we have in the Tweed Valley, there are of course many more well worth your time and hard earned cash - let me know in the comments and on social media who else you’ll be supporting.

The businesses and products mentioned in this blog post are based on my personal recommendations and experiences. I have not received any compensation or incentives from these businesses for featuring them. My aim is to provide honest and helpful insights to make your Christmas shopping experience enjoyable and stress-free, while supporting great, local small businesses :)

Shop Small and Local in The Tweed Valley this Christmas