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. Tartan is a fabric and a pattern that can be found on a myriad of clothing and products. If you originate from Scotland then you will be familiar with the origin of tartan as it has been a proud part of the Scottish history for generations. The Act of Proscription was responsible for making it illegal to dress in the Highland Dress, which also included wearing tartan or a kilt; this was made in an attempt to bring the warrior clans under the control of the government 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 will be found in many colors, designs and patterns. Scottish tartan identifies from which clan you are from. A clan doesn't identify family origins, but from the area of Scotland you were born in. 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.

The most popular items on the market in tartan are by far kilts and blankets. If Visit Scotland today, you will see all manner of Scottish gifts bedecked in tartan, from the traditional kilt, teddies, biscuit tins, blankets and scarves, even notebooks and writing sets will be found covered in tartan.

In the cities and towns around Scotland you will find plenty of Scottish crafts and souvenirs to bring home. Scottish cities are great for shopping as you will realize that they are so different to each other. Glasgow is proud of its Princes Square mall with famous designer names, such as Lacoste or Calvin Klein or quality Scottish souvenirs and crafts gathers there.

Edinburgh has a quite different atmosphere and Princes Street is occupied of traditional department stores and designer shops. There are unique Boutique shops at Georges Street and if you are searching for antiques or looking for some Scottish gift ideas then give the Grass market area and Victoria Street a try.

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

Scottish people love to travel and can be found 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.

If you are living far away from home or have a homesick friend longing for the highlands, check out buying Scottish gifts online. 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. Buying online is simple, and they will even deliver it to your home. Some gift ideas to consider might be sweets and biscuits, notebooks and writing pads, scarves and hats, T-shirts and glassware.

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.

If it is something longer lasting you want then how about a Scottish flag beach towel? Writing pads and notepads are also attractive gifts and come in a gift box all wrapped up ready to go.

Take a look on the internet for souvenirs and novelty Scottish gifts for all ages and you will definitely bring a smile to a Scottish face.