The festive season is just around the corner and shoppers across the country are on the hunt for perfect presents for friends and family. Have you thought about checking out the Inveraray Jail shop this Christmas? You’ll find a sackful of great gifts for all ages. To give you a taste of what’s on offer, we asked our shop manager, Marion McKinlay, to pick her favourites.
Gorgeous grandparents
They might say ‘We don”t need anything,’ but you could surprise your grandparents with something a little bit different. Marion reckons that one of the shop’s pretty scarves would make a perfect gift for granny. They’re super stylish, come in a range of patterns and all cost a very reasonable £7.50. If your granddad is quite a gentleman, then he might like a bottle of Chin Chin Shaving Oil by Fox and Pepper. Refined, elegant and old fashioned – just like some granddads we know.
Marvellous mums
Looking to treat your mum this Christmas? Then pop into the shop and browse our range of accessories. Marion, who’s a mum of two, reckons the Nova Silver range of jewellery is guaranteed to go down well. It’s quirky but classic and features beautiful bird, flower and leaf motifs. Personally, Marion has her eye on the glamorous black sparkling clutch bag (hint hint).
Dazzling dads
Why settle for a pair of socks when you can treat your dad to a stylish watch for just £19.99? Marion says that the shop’s Eton Watch range is hugely popular with men. The watches, which are available in four different styles, are high quality, beautifully designed and come in a gift box. Dad will think you really splashed out on him.
Gourmets
If you’re searching for gift ideas for the foodie in your life, feast your eyes on the beautiful slate table-ware by the Just Slate Company. Marion tells us that the slate trays with chilli-pepper or stag antler handles are ideal for serving cheese and crackers on Christmas Day. And the matching condiment pots will do nicely for the chutney!
Boys who love toys
Discover the perfect gifts for boys who like to play. We have lots of exciting and inspiring toys, as well as a host of books that little lads will love, such as ‘Horrible Histories Scotland’. The Metal Money Box that comes with a combination lock is always popular with boys according to Marion. And you can’t go wrong with the children’s police hats and handcuffs!
Little misses
The shop has lots of lovely gifts for daughters, nieces and sisters. Marion’s favourite is the Tin Tea Set. She gave it to her niece for her birthday and she absolutely loves it. The 18-piece set comes in a gorgeous carry case, has a pretty, vintage feel to it and costs just £19.99.
Stocking fillers
Finding fun stocking fillers that won”t break the bank can sometimes be a tricky task. Here in the shop you’ll find an array of smaller gifts costing less than £5. From lip gloss to dinosaur toys, dainty clip-purses to harmonicas, there are lots of little treasures that will delight girls and boys on Christmas morning. Marion recommends the Inveraray Jail-branded range known as ‘swag’ for something a bit different. The ‘Prison Bars’ of chocolate and jars of ‘Punish Mints’ are bound to be a winner, as will the pencil cases, fridge magnets, key rings, dog tags and other wee mementos.
The bookworm
The shop has an extensive book range. You’ll find everything from Scottish novels to stories about real-life Glasgow criminals to books about local history. Marion recommends Para Handy by Neil Munro. It’s a great read and is rooted in the area – the author’s house is just around the corner and the Vital Spark is moored in the town. She also says it’s worth taking a look at the selection of humorous books, such as the ‘Keep Calm and …’ range by Summersdale. There’s also a fantastic selection of kids’ books, from sticker books to Christmas stories. Marion loves ‘Santa is coming to Glasgow’ by Steve Williamson.
The person who has everything
We all know someone who seems to have everything and they’re always the hardest to cross off our Christmas shopping lists. But browse the selection of unique gifts in our shop and you’re sure to find something special for that person who appears to have it all. Marion recommends the Enigma range of candles and candle holders, which come is all sorts of unusual designs and colours. Alternatively, you could give an ‘On the run from Inveraray Jail’ t-shirt – totally individual and only available to buy from one place in the world!
A little gesture…
If, like Marion, you like to give your friends a little gesture at Christmas, the shop has a collection of pewter tokens with inspirational messages such as ‘reach for the stars’ and ‘live the life you love’.
Why not make a day of it and do your Christmas shopping in Inveraray this year? The town itself has a fantastic selection of independent shops, including the famous Loch Fyne Whisky Shop, Purdies Scottish Soap Co and the Christmas Dove, which sells festive gifts and decorations. In between shopping, make sure you find the time to take a tour of Inveraray Jail. We’re open every day from 10am to last admission at 4pm until March.
