Christmas shopping in Glasgow: 5 of the best alternative options

As countless television adverts continue to remind us, Christmas is almost here. T’is the season to shop, spend and try not to stress over stocking fillers and secret santas.

If you want to avoid the hassle of the department store bustle this year, then why not pay a visit to some of Glasgow’s independent retailers.

Here’s a round-up of five of the best that the city has to offer.

Voltaire and Rousseau Bookshop, Otago Lane

The perfect place to find a bargain for a beloved bookworm this Christmas. Voltaire and Rousseau is Glasgow’s oldest antiquarian and second-hand bookshop. This shop stocks a huge variety of literature, whether it is science, fiction, or even science fiction. Spend an afternoon digging through piles of books and find a truly unique secondhand stocking filler this year.

The Shop of Interest, Argyle Street

This unique shop offers a range of unusual gifts, from a personalised family tree papercut to a cut and play circus kit. Here you can find original works of art, fashion items and quirky totes. This place does exactly what it says on the tin. It truly is a shop full of interesting items that stand out this season.

Mixed Up Records, Otago Lane

If hundreds of copies of the latest X Factor winner’s single aren’t what you are looking to play on Christmas day, then head to Mixed Up Records. This independent record shop boasts a wide selection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs and books. This is the place to go for one-off finds and blasts from the plast.

Pierrot & Coco, Abbot Street

This unusual boutique, which is known to locals as a hidden gem, is one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets. This Christmas, they have a wide range of gifts for all the family. Here, you buy your standard scents and smelly products, but they also have a line of quirky gifts, from vintage style nick-nacks to unique homeware.

Retro, Otago Lane

As one of Britain’s longest established vintage clothes shops, Retro Clothes is one of the best places to go for alternative clothing. Whether you are after an evening dress for your Christmas night out, or some fabulous sixties pieces this festive season, Retro has a fantastic selection of vintage items on offer this year.