Best of Scotland: Scottish Gift Ideas

Thistle image and other uncredited Scotland images courtesy of morgueFile.

If you love books and Scotland, you'll be spoiled for choice!

Scotland has many popular authors continuing a long literary tradition. From Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott to crime writer Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith (of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency fame, whose Isabel Dalhousie series is set in Edinburgh), there will always be a Scottish author writing about his or her homeland.

Books about Scotland abound too, fiction and non-fiction alike. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series has caused many a reader to fall in love with the history and landscape of this northern land. For truth as strange as fiction, the life and death of Mary Queen of Scots makes for a fascinating read.

For a Scottish gift idea for film fans, how about a DVD? Many movies have been made about the history of this land and its people. Here are some of the best known movies set in Scotland.

• Mrs Brown
  
• Braveheart
  
• Rob Roy
  
• Brigadoon
  
• The 39 Steps
  
• Highlander
  
• Trainspotting
  
• The Winter Guest
  
• Greyfriars Bobby (Disney)
  
• Whisky Galore
  
• Gregory's Girl
  
• The Last King of Scotland
  
• The Wicker Man
  
• Dog Soldiers
  

Who is your favorite Scotsman? If there's one thing it's got, Scotland certainly has its fair share of well-loved actors. Sir Sean Connery, now a Hollywood legend, was once an Edinburgh milkman who delivered pints to a former colleague of mine. Ewan McGregor has become one of modern cinema's greatest stars, recently been joined by fellow Scotsman James McAvoy.

Other highly-regarded Scottish actors include Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting, The World is Not Enough), David Tennant (Dr Who), John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sliding Doors, The Mummy), Dougray Scott (Desperate Housewives, Mission Impossible), Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter), and Gerard Butler (The Phantom of the Opera, P.S. I Love You).

While the women are under-represented, silver-screen star Deborah Kerr (The King and I) hailed from Helensburgh.

As an Celtic country, Scotland has both produced and inspired beautiful silver Celtic jewellery.

Brooches and cloak pins make classic gift items, or perhaps a celtic knot ring or pewter bracelet would be just the thing for someone special.

Pledge your allegiance with a Scottish themed gift - cuff links are a good choice for the man who has everything.

Scotland themed souvenirs and gifts available via Zazzle from StarBrightNights (U.S.), plus direct from Zazzle international stores in Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, and more! Visit now to view the whole range and to personalize your gift or to select other styles, sizes and colors.

For making memories of your travels in Scotland, there are many Scottish-themed items you can use in your crafts. Here are some suggested themes:

• Tartan - nothing could be more Scottish, but there are many beautiful variations you can try to keep it interesting. A simple tartan ribbon can often give an elegant and understated Scottish touch.


• Classic symbols of Scotland - for a fun look, think Highland cows, bagpipes, the St Andrews cross, thistles and kilts.


• Celtic theme - perfect for this ancient Celtic land.


• Rennie Macintosh style - this beautiful theme that looks good on any project.

For knitters, use the Highlands and islands as your inspiration for projects using tweed yarns, luxurious cashmere, or Aran knits. Or try a beautiful Fair Isle design. The colors of Scotland are the purple of heather, the blue-gray of the sea, and muted greens.

Scotland has a rich and plentiful larder. Why not cook a loved one a meal to remember? Here some wonderful Scottish recipes to inspire a special menu.

***********
Starter: Cock a Leekie Soup or Scotch Broth

Main: Mince and Tatties or Pheasant Casserole

Dessert: Cranachan or Typsy Laird

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For gifts, traditional shortbread, in rounds or petticoat tails, is always a favorite. A wedge of mature Scottish cheddar cheese goes down a treat on an oatcake. Or, for a special meal, how about smoked salmon?

Scotland has plenty of funny men and women to tickle your funny bones. Comedy began with vintage comedians Harry Lauder, Jack Buchanan and Jack Milroy.

Their modern counterparts continue the uniquely Scottish humor. Visit their official websites, catch them on YouTube or check out their books and DVDs as a treat for someone who loves to laugh:

Billy Connolly

Frankie Boyle

Danny Bhoy

Rhona Cameron

Did You Know: Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy began his career in Glasgow, delighting the notoriously difficult to please audience!

The wild Highland landscapes have inspired many an artist. Misty mornings and the muted colors of the scenery seem designed with watercolor painting in mind.

To recreate the ambience of a castle, where the Laird and Lady welcome their elegant guests, choose traditional prints of hunting scenes or the classic stag.

For more contemporary tastes, consider the Scottish Colourists with their explorations of color and light.

A popular Scottish artist today is Jack Vettriano, who used the beach in his hometown of Leven as the setting for his well-loved painting The Singing Butler.

I have just one name for you, and it's the only one you'll need: Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

This Glasgow-based architect designed some of Scotland's best-loved buildings, including The Willow Tearooms in Sauchiehall Street and the Glasgow School of Art.

His timeless style of design included the use of strong right-angles and squares, often in combination with curving flower motifs.

It is said that the game began on the site of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, where shepherds knocked stones into rabbit holes in the 12th century. St. Andrews remains today the home of golf, with the oldest golf course in the world. The rest of Scotland enjoys many excellent golf courses (according to Golf Digest 2005, it has the most golf courses per capita of any country in the world).

A St. Andrews inspired gift makes a fitting tribute to the golfer in your life, even if Tiger Woods has little to fear from the competition!

Scotland is picture perfect wedding location. Marry in a castle or an old Scottish kirk, serenaded by pipers. Indulge yourselves in the romance of the Highlands, which form a wild and ancient backdrops for your photographs. Or enjoy the elegance of a fine Edinburgh hotel, from which you can explore the capital once you've tied the knot. And what better to tie it with than a Celtic wedding band.

For couples planning a Scottish themed wedding, the right music is a must. Conjure up the misty glens with bagpipes or celtic-inspired music.

This selection of Scottish Gift Ideas shows the designs of Zazzle store keepers. Clicking on an image will take you to the designer's store where you can view it in more detail. Each product is copyright of the original designer.

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