Give the gift of a happy dance by shopping with East Lothian independents this Christmas

Shop smart, shop local – give the gift of a happy dance, by shopping with East Lothian independents this Christmas 

The gift of a happy dance. That’s what you will be giving the owners of Buck & Birch, Seilich and Yummikeys, if you shop with them this Christmas.

Three East Lothian businesses with three real-life stories; stories that took them from kitchen-table ideas to beloved Scottish names, all with the support of a local community. 

And what do they want this festive period? For you to keep it East Lothian. 

Stocked, sold and in many cases, created locally, each brand offers a touch of Scottish magic, intertwining a respect for their hometown with products that keep customers returning again and again. 

These labours of love not only supply the best of the best, but continue to support their East Lothian by connecting and collaborating with other businesses, hiring local talent and promoting seasonal produce. Buck & Birch. Seilich. Yummikeys. The only brands to be shopping if you want to give back to your highland home. 

So, what can Santa bring you from East Lothian this year… ?

Boozy bounty from Buck & Birch 

The ethos of Buck and Birch is to go back to the source, hand harvesting ingredients when they are at their best, just like the old days. The founders are driven by passion and inquisitiveness, constantly exploring the full potential of the enigmatic ingredients found along Scottish shores, and in the local woodlands and hedgerows.  

For those who want a luxurious taste of the wilds of Scotland, the Aelder Amarosa Gift Set (£25 for 2 x 200ml bottles wrapped up in a classic box) contains two delectably fruity liqueurs to liven up any cocktail.

Aelder Elixer Elderberry Liqueur and Amarosa Aromatic Rosehip Liqueur give the sweet and spicy edge to your Christmas day. 

For the gin connoisseur? The Botanist Gin Wild Cocktail Collection (£29). 

A collaboration with Botanist Gin, the Wild Gin Cocktail Collection offers a limited-edition range of three pre-bottled cocktails, just ready for the drinking. Inspired by their shared knowledge and passion for the place they call home, flavours in The Ramble, The Amigroni and The Plants & Quincidence will never fail to transport you back to your Scottish roots.  

Something sweet from Seilich  

Skin-saving botanists, Seilich grows all plants themselves in a meadow in Scotland, creating lotions, sprays and balms utilising flower waters from native produce. Harvested organically, at least 50% of each product comes from the Seilich meadow and the rest from other vegan, organic and natural sources. The first company to gain Wildlife Friendly certification in the UK, each item is nourishing and made to suit every skin care addict, ensuring there is something sweet-smelling for everyone on your list. 

Perfect for those dipping their toe into the natural beauty world, the Complete Cleansing Set (£23) offers everything needed to create the most luxurious cleansing routine. A Wild Carrot and Camomile Cleansing Lotion and Peppermint and Camomile Gel Cleanser are paired with a sumptuously soft Tabitha Eve Organic Bamboo Flannel, to leave your face glowing and rejuvenated. Use the zingy gel morning and night, followed by the soothing cleansing lotion and finish off with a hot cloth to ensure that your favourite part of wearing make-up, will be taking it off.  

Combining Wildlife Friendly floral waters with moisturisers and botanical extracts of oat and comfrey, the divine Face Mist Set (£28) not only smells incredible but offers three skin-friendly additions to your regime. Soothing, hydrating and refreshing, each face mist can be used morning or night to add a delicate sheen and boost your skin’s moisture levels. Containing Rose and Mallow Face Mist, to nourish, Mint and Yarrow to refresh and Wild Carrot and Camomile to calm, the hardest part will be choosing which one to spritz! 

Yuletide calm from Yummikeys 

Created following a bill for lost car keys, Yummikeys is taking on the world of single-use plastic, one family at a time. With over 90% of toys ending up in landfill, founder Elspeth Fawcett’s mission was to make a toy that was not only un-put-downable for baby, but also a treasured keepsake for parents; a family heirloom to be loved from generation to generation. Safe, recyclable, engravable and most importantly, FUN, the stainless-steel teethers have garnered awards and attention along the way.   

A set of three stainless-steel animal Yummikeys interlocked with bright silicone beads, these cooling accessories are perfect for the ‘obsessed with car keys’ stage, but without all the worry. Safe, hygienic and not the predecessor to a large motor bill if lost, these keys offer hours of fun and are perfect for newly emerging teeth. For mamas who want to cherish the memories of baby for a little bit longer, keys can be engraved with name and birthdate too. Dishwasher proof and recyclable – Christmas music to our ears. £24.50 (£34.50 engraved). 

Made with mum in mind, each Ultrasound Scan Necklace is delicately engraved with your personal ultrasound image; a cherished keepsake of the time when it was just you and them. Carefully designed, each elegant disc, which comes with one scan engraving as standard, is available in silver plated stainless steel or rose and yellow 18ct gold plate (all £39.50 each).

On the back, optional dates, names and number of weeks can be added (£10 for up to 20 characters) and each necklace has the option to add more discs (£30 per), meaning you can hold all your babies close to your heart.  

Get all wrapped up, shop local and have a very, merry East Lothian Christmas!