Traditional Scottish Gifts

By: Michiel Van Kets
Submitted: 2008-10-30 10:16:19
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You might find plentiful of traditional Scottish souvenirs and gift ideas that spring to mind, but none will ever be as familiar as Scottish tartan. To the majority tartan is just a fabric, but it has actually been part of Scottish culture and history for generations and anyone who originates from there will know that there is a fascinating and interesting story behind it. It started off when the Act of Proscription was brought out to make it illegal for Scots to wear tartan, including kilts and their highland dress. This was done to try and control the warrior clans by dissipating the Gaelic culture. This didn’t last for long, as when King George III came to power in 1782, he allowed it again. So, you see, tartan has a lot of history to it and is more than a fancy pattern and fabric.

Tartan is not just one design; there are all kinds of varied patterns and colours. Depending on what clan you belonged to, was the colour and pattern of your tartan design. The clan was a sign of the area you came from and showed for other clans where you belonged. Two clans would not have the same design.

Most commonly tartan is thought of as a woollen blanket or a kilt. Anyone who has been to Scotland will know there are plenty of other items to be found covered in tartan designs. Some of these include hats and scarves, biscuit tins and notebooks and even teddy bears.

In the cities and towns around Scotland you will find plenty of Scottish crafts and souvenirs to bring home. Each city has its own unique character and a large choice of shopping areas. Visit Glasgow and you will find designer items at Princes Square mall and a range of excellent Scottish souvenirs and crafts all over the city.

Edinburgh has a quite different atmosphere and Princes Street is occupied of traditional department stores and designer shops. Head to Georges Street with its boutiques stores or up to The Grass market area and Victoria Street where you’ll find some great Scottish gift ideas.

Kinloch Anderson is well established producers and retailers of the highland dress and tartan design. They can offer a vast range of tartan.

The Scots are well known travelers and due to this sense of adventure have settled in many different countries all over the world. You will find people of Scottish origin throughout Europe, America and in Asia. Their home might well be in a far off country but their heart remains in Scotland. So when it comes to buying or receiving gifts, something with a Scottish angle will surely be a welcomed surprise and will remind them of their home country and their families.

Look online for ideas and Scottish tartan gifts and souvenirs for those homesick family members and friends. There are a huge number of products that will plea to all types and ages. There are some great sites with an extensive selection of products to pick from. Buy direct online and have them delivered straight to your home. Online you can find anything from confectionary, glassware, t-shirts, stationery items or toys, even a national flag to fly from your home to proudly show everyone that you are a proud Scot.

If you want more quality items, look for glassware products or items of clothing, whilst if you just would like something cheap and cheerful there is always the famous ‘see you jimmy’ hat to put a smile on a friend’s face. Or if it is sweets you are longing for then buy some confectionary. Edinburgh Rock is a delicacy if you’ve never tried it before, or traditional Scottish Tablet is full of sugar, flavor, just like Granny used to make.

Popular items are clothing and flags or towels ideal for the beach or at home. Writing pads and notepads are also attractive gifts and come in a gift box all wrapped up ready to go.

Check online for novelty Scottish tartan gifts for all ages and you are sure to find a wide choice of souvenirs and gifts.

Article source: Expert Articles