Buy the Best Souvenir from Scotland: 9 Ideas and Tips

If I had the room in my suitcase, I swear I would’ve brought back every souvenir from Scotland… Seriously, they’re winning the souvenir game! 

It’s always so hard buying the perfect souvenir, and Scotland doesn’t make it any easier. 

Scotland knows how to work all their souvenir bases from Scottish clothing, to food and drinks, cute animals, and TONS of TV and movie references.

So if you don’t know what to buy in Scotland, here are some tips and ideas for buying the best souvenir from Scotland.

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

What Is The Best Souvenir From Scotland?

The best souvenir from Scotland will ultimately depend on your interests. But here are just some of the many ideas for souvenirs from Scotland!

1. Local Hairy Coo Art

When I say I wanted to bring everything home, it’s really because of all the hairy coo Scotland souvenirs I found.

If you didn’t know, hairy coos are the local name for highland cows. These are true born and bred Scottish cattle that are able to withstand the harsh Scottish Highland weather.

When I first saw a picture of these huge beasts, with their long, luscious hair covering their eyes, I immediately fell in love. And turns out, I’m not alone…

I was shocked by the sheer amount of hairy coo souvenirs.

They had everything hairy coo themed, from magnets, key rings, to mugs … you name it, they have it!

So needless to say, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding hairy coo souvenirs from Scotland.

Where To Buy Hairy Coo Souvenirs From Scotland: Buy Local

How do you sift through all the options to find the perfect hairy coo souvenir?

The trick is to keep your eye out for local artwork. Every artist has their own interpretation of these majestic slow-moving beasts, so find an artist that speaks to you.

If you’re looking for Scotland souvenirs in Edinburgh, my personal favourite artist is Roy Anstey,  who managed to give the coos a personality of their own! 

You can find him set up at the Waverley Market (above the train station) everyday except for Saturday in Edinburgh. Don’t worry, if you’re there on Saturday, that just means he’ll be at the Grassmarket for the day. 

You can also check his schedule (scroll down to see the calendar), he travels throughout Scotland to different markets as well.

You can also find some neat local hairy coo art at the Mary King’s Close gift shop in Warrinston’s Close (also known as the Royal Exchange Coffee House).

You might also be interested in…

Where To Highland Cows EASILY From Edinburgh 

2. Iconic Souvenirs Of Scotland: Something Tartan

If you know one thing about Scotland, it’s probably that they’re the land of tartan! did you know that each tartan pattern represents a unique Scottish clan!?

So you can’t leave without bringing home at least one tartan souvenir from Scotland. 

The best tartan item to buy is something that you can use during your time in Scotland and also when you’re back home.

For example, buy a tartan scarf to keep you warm while you’re touring, and you’ll have it back home to use too.

If a scarf isn’t your jam, there are so many other tartan products to buy, like even a tartan print umbrella will also work wonders for your time in Scotland!

If you’re able to, leave room in your luggage to bring back a warm tartan wool blanket from Scotland. But if you don’t have the luggage space, you can still order one online.

You might be interested in…

Don’t overpack! Make sure you have enough room for your Scotland souvenirs with my digital and printable packing guide available on Etsy…

Tips For Buying Tartan Scarves In Scotland

Buying a tartan scarf in Scotland is easier said than done… they come in many prints, fabrics, and prices.

For example, tartan scarves can be polyester, lambswool, even cashmere, and be anywhere from £5 to £100.

Polyester will be the cheapest option, then the lambswool, and finally cashmere will be the most expensive. Personally, I don’t find lambswool to be that comfortable though (I find the material can irritate my skin).

When you’re looking at cashmere, the price can range from £50 to over £100. This is where you really have to watch out. The cheaper tartan cashmere scarves are really short and might even be made overseas, to save on costs. 

So if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find a casmere tartan scarf that’s a normal length and actually made in Scotland.

To know that you’re buying a Scottish brand, you’ll want to buy are either Balmoral or Dunedin Cashmere. They’re expensive brands, but they’ll last, and you know they were made in Scotland!

3. Buy Something Tweed In Scotland

Scotland isn’t only about clan tartans, but also tweed.

Tweed is a woollen fabric that originated from Scotland in the 1700s, and today it’s become a staple autumn style. 

While in Scotland, why not pick up some Harris Tweed to enhance your wardrobe? They sell clothing, fall accessories, and even purses and wallets!

The Harris Tweed hats were a huge hit in my family. Both my partner and dad bought one and they never took them off while touring Scotland and love wearing them back home.

Plus, they added a nice Scottish flair to all our pictures from out trip!

Tips On Where To Buy Tweed Scotland Souvenirs In Edinburgh

There’s a Harris Tweed store on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. But most tourists shops will also sell their items. 

If you want to make sure you’re getting quality, like when shopping for tartan, look for Balmoral or Dunedin Cashmere shops.

4. What To Buy In Scotland: Scotch Whisky

Now that you’re all warm and cozy in your new tartan and tweed outfit, we can move onto alcoholic Scottish souvenirs! 

If you are interested in Whisky from Scotland, I recommend doing a bit of research beforehand.

For starters, make sure you can actually bring it back in your suitcase (are you checking your luggage?), but also confirm your countries alcohol allowance.

Next, find out if you can actually buy it back home, and if you can, how much it costs. It’s surprisingly not any cheaper to buy whisky in Scotland, and most brands are exported internationally today.

But! There is one type of whisky that you won’t be able to find back home…

Best Souvenir From Scotland: Whisky Independent Bottlers

When buying Scotch as a souvenir from Scotland, you want to look for are independent bottlers, which don’t even exist in North America.

Some distilleries in Scotland sell entire casks for companies to bottle themselves. Independent bottlers will usually age the whisky for longer, and more importantly, bottle it at cask strength.

P.S. when you buy whisky, it’s typically around 40% alcohol because they’ve added water. Cask strength whisky isn’t diluted, so it’s closer to 60% alcohol. 

So buying from independent bottlers gives you the chance to taste whiskies at cask strength and water it down to your liking. You won’t be able to find these back home, that’s for sure!

Here’s a more in-depth explanation of why you should buy from an independent bottler in Scotland.

Where To Find Independent Bottlers In Edinburgh?

The most popular independent bottler in Scotland is Cadenhead’s, and they have a location in Edinburgh.

Cadenhead’s, on the Royal Mile, is the oldest independent bottler in Scotland. They’re very knowledgeable and helpful, ask them anything you like about whisky! 

They also offer whisky tastings, so you can try the whisky first and then buy the one you like.

Whisky Add-Ons To Buy In Scotland!

If you’re travelling in a carry-on, or can’t bring back whisky, don’t worry!

You can still go home with whisky souvenirs from Scotland! There’s no shortage of cute flasks you can choose from (a Harris Tweed one perhaps?).

Or better yet, bring back a Glencairn glass from your favourite distillery visit. FYI, Glencairn glasses are the optimal glass to taste and drink whisky from (invented in Scotland of course!).

Some distilleries will even give you a mini one included in your tour price (like Dalwhinnie). The Scotch Whisky Experience also includes a full-size Glencairn glass in the price.

Worried About Glass Breaking In Your Suitcase?

Order Scotland Souvenirs Online From Amazon below.

5. Souvenirs Of Scotland: Scottish Gin

Over the last few years, there has been a rise in gin distilleries in Scotland. That’s because distilling gin is actually a gateway to distilling whisky.

The first process of distilling gin and whisky are the same and uses the same equipment. The difference comes in the ageing process.

You have to age whisky for at least 3 years, whereas gin is ready right away.

So there are a lot of new Scotland distilleries popping up selling gin, while they wait for their whisky to age. 

So if you’re not into whisky, you’re in luck; you can bring back some gin from Scotland instead!

Which Scottish Gin To Buy?

If you’re in Edinburgh, you can buy local Edinburgh gin from Edinburgh Gin in New Town, they have a wee shop (and you can even sign up for a distillery tour as well!). 

Or, if you’re in town on a Sunday, head to Stockbridge market where you can find the Eden Mills St. Andrews booth. They have samples that you can try before you buy!

6. Scottish Tea Blends To Bring Back

You’re in the U.K. where it’s all about tea, and Scotland is no exception!

You don’t have to be a huge tea lover to want to bring back a nice Scottish tea blend.

Like England and Ireland, Scotland has its own breakfast blend: Scottish Breakfast. It’s a blend of several black teas meant to enjoy with breakfast (especially if you like milk in your tea). 

If you’re a sceptic (as I am), it’s not called Scottish breakfast simply because it’s sold in Scotland. It’s actually a different blend from both English and Irish Breakfast tea. Apparently, it’s actually the strongest out of the three.

In case Scottish Breakfast doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are various other Scotland blends to try. I was recommended Queen’s Breakfast as a lighter version to Scottish Breakfast, and apparently a go-to gift if you’re unsure of people’s tea preference.  

You might also be interested in reading…

English, Irish, And Scottish Breakfast? Is There A Difference? 

Best Places to Pick Up Tea In Scotland

For the classic Scottish breakfast blend, Brodies offers a few tea options.

Brodies has been a classic tea vendor for over 75 years in Edinburgh. You can find their tins at the Tron Market on the Royal Mile if you’re looking for Scotland souvenirs in Edinburgh.

If you want very unique blends, head to Whittard of Chelsea on Princes Street.

They sell delicious whisky tea (don’t worry there’s no alcohol in it). So, if you want the sweetness of whisky without the burning aftertaste of alcohol, you’ll want to pick up a bag of this tea, it’s delightful! 

Whittard of Chelsea also ships internationally so you don’t have to ever worry about running out if you fall in love with a tea.

For a very local tea experience head to the Stockbridge Market on Sundays. BeTea might be there selling their Scottish tea blends!

But my favourite tea shop while in Edinburgh is Rosevear Tea. They only have three locations in Edinburgh, but they offer a huge selection at a very reasonable price. P.S. this is where you’ll find the Queen’s Blend tea. 

7. Sweet Treat Souvenirs Of Scotland

If you want to bring back food as some souvenirs of Scotland, you have some options!

Scotland is home to two delicious sweets: shortbread cookies and fudge tablets.

Shortbread cookies have been around since the 12th century in Scotland. But it was Mary Queen of Scots who made them popular in the 16th century.

Scottish tablets are like fudge, although are a bit harder and grainier, but are nonetheless very sweet! These goodies have been around since the 18th century in Scotland.

Which Shortbread & Fudge To Buy In Edinburgh Scotland?

You can find shortbread cookies everywhere in Scotland, even in the grocery stores.

My advice, find your favourite tin and buy those! Also, stay away from Walkers, you can probably find that brand at home. 

Fudge can be a bit trickier, but you can find it at most souvenir shops throughout Scotland.

But if you’re in Edinburgh, head to one of the markets (like the Stockbridge Market on Sunday) to pick up some local homemade fudge!

8. Harry Potter Souvenirs From Scotland

Did you know that Edinburgh is the birthplace of Harry Potter?

This is where J.K. Rowling spent her time writing the novels, and where she got most of her inspiration from.

So if you’re a Harry Potter fan you’ll definitely want to pick up some kind of Harry Potter souvenirs from Scotland.

Sneaky Place To Buy H.P. Souvenirs In Scotland

My tip, don’t waste your money at any of the Harry Potter themed shops. They’re overpriced.

For fun, and reasonably priced Harry Potter merch, hit up Primark (there’s one in Edinburgh on Princes Street).

There’s a Harry Potter section selling all different kinds of goodies. They have sweaters, pyjamas, socks, even bedding, and all kinds of accessories!

The only thing you won’t find here is your Hogwarts acceptance letter and your wand.

9. Bring Back A Scottish Book

As it turns out, Scotland was home to three very famous authors: R.L. Stevenson (author of Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scott.

So you can easily pick up one of the many books from an old Scottish author, or pick up one about Scotland itself.

I brought back a book containing a collection of different Scottish folklore stories, The Folk Tales of Scotland.

But bring back any book that catches your eye!

Where To Find Books In Edinburgh To Bring Back?

If you want a quirkier coffee table book, head to the Tron Market. They have a great selection, from fairy tale stories to a picture book of men in kilts (my personal favourite!).

If you’re looking for a book by one of their three famous authors, try to find an antique or second-hand bookshop.

Looking For A Place To Stay In Scotland?

I stayed at an Airbnb for a month in Edinburgh just across from The Meadows. For shorter stays, I found these accommodations to stay throughout Scotland.

Hotel In Edinburgh: If you’re in Edinburgh for a few nights, you want to stay in the heart of it all. You can’t get a better price or location than Motel One Edinburgh – Royal. It’s just down the street from the Royal Mile, a short walk to all the main attractions. See room rates & availability.

Hotel In Glasgow: The Dakota Glasgow is a classic style hotel in Glasgow’s city centre. Next to the two main train stations and popular events halls in Glasgow. See room rates & availability.

Hotel In The Highlands: If you’re travelling through the Highlands, we did actually go on a two day road trip from Edinburgh and stayed at the Loch Ness Clansman hotel. It’s conveniently right off the highway, making it an easy place to stop for the night between Inverness and Urquart castle. But my favourite part about staying here – watching the sunrise over Loch Lomond while enjoying breakfast! See room rates & availability.

See more accommodations in Scotland on Booking.com.

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Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API