Gift Guide Aberdeen
A few years ago, I posted a mini gift guide based on experiences, not things and it’s proved to be quite popular so l thought I’d do an update for anyone that is looking for inspiration this year. It covers a range of ages and budgets and isn’t purely focused on experiences this time (though that is the main emphasis). As time passes, I find myself drawn less to things and more to moments—time spent with friends and loved ones in shared experiences that create lasting memories. It seems to be getting more difficult to schedule those times in so l find that having an event/ experience booked in to enjoy together goes a long way towards helping this. In our family, while we still delight in choosing presents for the children, we've adopted a Secret Santa for the adults. It’s a simple tradition that keeps the excitement alive while making sure every gift is intentional. With only one thoughtful gift to buy, there's more head space to choose something meaningful, something to savour rather than store.
If you’re in the same frame of mind, here are some gift ideas that promise joy without adding clutter.
For Culture Enthusiasts
Aberdeen Performing Arts Voucher – Perfect for a night of entertainment, this voucher lets recipients choose from theatre shows, music events, and more. You could also buy tickets for a specific show. For my daughter, I’m looking at tickets for The Nutcracker ballet coming to HMT at the end of January. For teens, a night at Six the Musical could be just the ticket.
Van Gogh Experience – This immersive art event will arrive in Aberdeen in summer 2025 and gives visitors the chance to step inside Van Gogh’s paintings with stunning light and colour. It’s already been hugely popular in London, Manchester, Glasgow and more. Tickets will be available soon (I’ve heard to expect an official announcement on the 22nd of November) with ticket prices from £13.50 - £46.20. I wanted to see this when it came to Glasgow so I’m beyond excited that it’s making its way up to Aberdeen.
For Creative Hands
Highland Moss Workshops – Get crafty with a terrarium, succulent garden, or moss art creation. Highland Moss on Constitution Street offers workshops for plant lovers to bring a bit of nature indoors, making it both a memorable experience and a long-lasting gift.
Calligraphy gift set or workshop. - Donia Rae offers calligraphy workshops at various locations in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. She also has a calligraphy gift set available for purchase at the Hidden Scotland shop out at Milton at Crathes.
For Holiday Magic
A 2025 calendar from Inkifi. Always popular with grandparents in the family. I also really love their Walnut Photo Calendar - a stylish way to present your calendar of images. You can then buy a refill calendar pack each year. (Both of these are discounted at the moment).
Tickets for the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry – We visit this every year (although the teen is making noises about not coming next year). It feels like the best way to welcome the winter. An evening in the forest beautifully lit up to a different theme every year, accompanied by a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
For Nature Lovers & Adventurers
Wild Braemar Experiences – Ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors and adventures. Wild Braemar offers experiences like wild swimming, forest sketching, foraging and a wild sauna all in the beautiful surroundings of Braemar. A voucher towards this would be a great gift for a group of friends - it would make the perfect girls day out. Especially finished with a bar supper or meal at The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar.
Ordnance Survey Personalised Map – Celebrate a favourite place or a memorable trip with a custom map. This gift is great for hikers, travellers, or anyone with a special location in their heart.
Straloch Wild Picnics – Nestled in the heart of the Highlands, these wild picnics make for an extra special unforgettable day out in the Scottish Hills. A gift of a scenic outdoor picnic here (in their custom cosy bothy), paired with a stay at Straloch would be perfect for a special occasion.
Straloch Wild Picnics
For Foodies
Ooni Pizza Oven – For those who love to cook or entertain, an Ooni pizza oven brings restaurant-quality pizza into their home! It’s a great way to gather friends and family around a delicious meal. Perfect for pizza aficionados or anyone who enjoys outdoor cooking. I’m not a big pizza person but I’ve definitely been converted since we got one of these.
Something home-made - my favourite is a Christmas themed granola because l can make lots of it in one go for little effort and it really does make the tastiest granola. I picked up some jars from Sostrene Grene and decorate them with ribbon. I generally find that if I’m struggling with a gift for someone that has everything, putting together a hamper of nice food works.
For homebodies
Books, books, books. My idea of heaven is a cosy room, lots of blankets, a wood burning stove and a pile of carefully curated books. I have some book recommendations listed in the post here. To add to the experience element, you could always sign the recipient up for an online or in-person book club. Backstory bookshop hosts both fiction and non fiction book clubs with once a month online meets. Another option is to buy a special edition. I can see myself being quite easily lured in by all the beautiful publications with intricate foils, gilded endpapers and sprayed edges (spredges). These look beautiful on bookshelves and provide a forever keepsake. It’s usually easier to source these in independent bookshops. A quick look online shows a selection available at The Bookhouse, Broughty Ferry.
In choosing any of these experiences, you’re giving something lasting—a day or night that becomes part of your loved one's cherished memories. Here’s to gifts that go beyond the wrapping paper and create moments to treasure.
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