10 of the best shops in Glasgow for unique gifts this Christmas

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Glasgow may boast some big name high street brands, but if you want to avoid shopping chaos and pick up some hidden gems, you're best to stay off the beaten path.

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Whether you’re buying for someone who loves books, beer or vintage clothing, you’ll find the perfect gift at one of the city’s independent retailers.

The Braw Wee Emporium

Hidden away in the Barras is The Braw Wee Emporium - a quirky little not-for-profit shop which specialises in music and gifts.

Here you’ll find unusual homewares, jewellery, greetings cards and accessories, with a focus on Glasgow designers, as well as a range of handpicked folk, jazz and acoustic CDs and vinyl records.

Visit: 54 Calton Entry, G40 2SB - braw-wee-emporium.com

Monorail

A dream come true for music lovers, railway cubby Monorail boasts a wide selection of limited edition vinyl and one-off finds - not to mention more than a few Glasgow music royalty guests playing low key slots or just browsing through records.

Visit: 97 King Street, 12 Kings Court, G1 5RB - monorailmusic.com

The Shop of Interest

As the name suggests, The Shop of Interest sells a wide range of interesting things, including paintings, prints, jewellery and gifts.

Many of the products on sale are made by local designers, including Glasgow-based artist The Grey Earl, and textile designer Jill Kirkham.

Visit: 1058 Argyle Street, G3 8LY - theshopofinterest.co.uk

Young’s Interesting Books

This Skirving Street shop is heaven for bookworms, with titles stacked loosely according to genre and no chain store-style organisation to be seen.

Young’s will take you from the history of tenements to French philosophy in three paces - as well as providing the buzz on (and tickets for) the latest southside events.

Visit: 18 Skirving Street, G41 3AA - facebook.com/Youngs-Interesting-Books

Liquorice Tree

Selling jewellery, homeware, stationery, accessories and other gifts, Liquorice Tree has something for everyone.

There’s a mixture of local products and trendy brands here, and their inspiring displays will help you to find the perfect present, no matter what you’re after.

Visit: 431 Great Western Road, G4 9JA - liquoricetree.com

Valhalla’s Goat

Great Western Road booze emporium Valhalla’s Goat offers a huge selection of craft beer and other drinks, and their prices are some of the best in the city.

Here you’ll find fridges stacked with everything from local Drygate brews to international beers, as well as floor-to-ceiling wine racks, and fancy chocolates under the counter.

Visit: 449 Great Western Road, G12 8HH - valhallasgoat.com

Mr Ben

The city is home to plenty of vintage clothing shops, but top of the pile is Mr Ben.

Long located in the hip Kings Court alongside vegan restaurants and beloved music venues, this retro emporium is Glasgow’s answer to Edinburgh’s Armstrongs, with historical uniforms and period dresses hanging side by side with ’60s shifts, ’70s leather bombers and more.

Visit: Kings Court, 101 King Street, G1 2RB - mrbenretroclothing.com

Paper Plane

If you’re going for a shabby chic decor and Cath Kidston florals vibe, make sure to visit Paper Plane.

Pop in here for everything from a birthday card or some wrapping paper to books, quirky novelty gifts and glassware.

Visit: 12 Skirving Street, G41 3AA - facebook.com/paperplaneshawlands

The Hidden Lane

From tea rooms and artists studios to nail salons and jewellery shops, there’s everything you could ever need going on at The Hidden Lane.

You could easily spend hours here, browsing through hundreds of handmade gift options from independent makers.

Visit: 1103 Argyle Street, Finnieston, G3 8ND - thehiddenlaneglasgow.com

Glorious

Glorious is a clothing boutique which hovers somewhere between vintage and second hand.

With a more boutique feel than a charity shop and more modern pieces than a vintage shop, it’s the perfect place to look for some affordable recycled high street and designer pieces for the fashionistas in your life.

Visit: 496 Great Western Road, G12 9BG - facebook.com/Glorious