One for the Whisky lovers!

December 8, 2015Dining, Experiences, MasterclassCameron McLaughlin

Still not started your Christmas shopping, or even worse, not got a clue what to buy your nearest and dearest? Well don’t panic, there’s still plenty of time to be the hero on Christmas Day and we can help! Today on the eight day of our official Christmas countdown we’ve got something for the dads, brothers and uncles of the world…or anyone who enjoys a fine whisky or two!

Whisky Tasting Experience at The Bothy

In this great gift experience a tour of Scotland’s finest distilleries from the comfort of The Bothy. This whisky and food pairing experience is the perfect night out for whisky lovers, combining delicious food with expert whisky knowledge. Hosted by the in house expert, guests will taste their way through a selection of unique whiskies, accompanied by the Bothy Chefs whisky select three course menu. If you’re lucky there might even be some bagpipes!

Located in the heart of Kinnoull Street, Perth, The Bothy restaurant has built a reputation of serving quality Scottish favourites and bistro bites in a warm homely setting. Perth is a short distance from major Scottish cities Glasgow and Edinburgh making it the perfect place for a mini break, and chance to soak up some proper Scottish countryside.

Put on your Dancing Shoes, it’s Ceilidh Time!

December 7, 2015Dining, Experiences, MasterclassCameron McLaughlin

When it comes to celebrating it doesn’t get much more traditional than Christmas festivities, you’ve got the turkey dinner, Christmas crackers, mulled wine…the list goes on. We’re rather fond of all things traditional here at Gift Ideas and you can’t get any more traditional than a good old Scottish ceilidh dance!

Dinner and Ceilidh Experience at Forgan’s

Experience a true taste of Scotland in one of our Scotland’s most historical towns! In this oh so Scottish experience, not only will you learn to dance, shake and shoogle the Highland Way but will also enjoy a delicious traditional three course menu from the famous Forgan’s restaurant.

The experience will include a guided walk through on popular ceilidh dances with one of Scotland’s best ceilidh bands. The best thing about the experience is that it’s available for all levels of dancer, the main point is having fun and learning something new. One thing that can be guaranteed is that it’s a hoolie to remember!

Forgan’s is a truly unique venue in the heart of St. Andrews with delicious local Scottish dishes at the heart of their menu! You’ll also find an amazing range of whiskies, gins and ales including their own specially brewed Forgan’s!

An insider fact, the name Forgan’s is in homage to Robert Forgan, a name known to many for making the best golf clubs money can buy. The building itself once housed a ‘cleek factory’ owned by the man himself!

A DJ Masterclass with a Difference!

December 4, 2015Experiences, Gifts For 2, MasterclassCameron McLaughlin

It’s almost the weekend and we have a severe case of that Friday Feeling!

For some of us the weekend is all about looking sharp, going out and getting down to some good music. A top notch DJ can transform a run of the mill Saturday into one of those unforgettable ‘you had to be there’ nights, they can be heroes, real modern day rock stars.

This gift experience is perfect for the music maestros, the party people or those that just want a taste of that DJ life!

DJ Masterclass at The Shimmy Club

This is a DJ masterclass with a difference, the real deal if you will. Choose a one on one lesson or a group for up to four people and learn how to spin in a real nightclub environment! This flexible course is suited to aspiring DJ’s as well as those looking to refine their craft. A top Glasgow DJ will be one hand to tutor you on all aspects of DJing on the best equipment and a top of the range sound system.

The added bonus is that the course also includes club entry for that night, where you can get inside the DJ booth where you can watch your tutor put some of his lessons into action! For those that really want to make a night of it there is also and exclusive club package upgrade, which as well as club entry includes bottle and booth package, hostess service and complimentary cloakroom.

Sharing is Caring! Lobster & Fizz at The Hyndland Fox

December 3, 2015Dining, Experiences, Gifts For 2, Special OccasionsCameron McLaughlin

Welcome to day three of our best of the best Gift Ideas countdown calendar. Today we’re really feeling the love!

Buying the perfect gift for that special someone is always great, but sometimes it’s even better when you get to enjoy that perfect gift together. A wise person once said that food was the language of love, and we couldn’t agree more…

Lobster & Fizz for Two at The Hyndland Fox

This is the perfect sharing gift for couples, friends and general lovers of food, enjoy a full lobster with frites to share plus a bottle of Prosecco at Glasgow favourite, The Hyndland Fox. P.S. Don’t be afraid to use your hands!

Still a relatively new addition to Glasgow’s vibrant Hyndland district of the West End, the Hyndland Fox has gone from strength to strength since opening. With a new menu inspired by some of the best spots in Melbourne, a fantastic selection of craft beer, refreshing wines and highly skilled baristas The Fox has steadily established itself as a firm favourite for locals.

Still looking for the perfect couples gift? We’ve got plenty more at Gift Ideas!

Give the gift of Gin this Christmas!

December 2, 2015Experiences, Gifts For 2, MasterclassCameron McLaughlin

Okay, we all know socks are good, but don’t you want to give that special someone something more than just ‘good’ this Christmas? That’s where we come in!

Give an experience that can be shared and enjoyed together, something that will tickle their taste buds and teach them something new, give the gift of Gin!

Gin on The Mile, Gin Tasting for Four – £99

As the only Gin tasting masterclass on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile this gift is truly one of a kind. In this unique experience for four people, you will enjoy four premium Scottish Gins each served with a unique tonic mixer, learning about the flavours in each, how to properly taste and tips on how to best serve. Once the gin tasting is complete, everyone is invited to select a classic cocktail and have it specially made with their favourite gin. Each cocktail will also be accompanied with a cupcake, hand selected to match your gin choice.

This experience is not only a fantastic gift for gin lovers and drinks connoisseurs alike but also great for a trip to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. As the name suggests, The Inn on The Mile is situated slap bang in the heart of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. What better way to soak up the buzz and history of the city, than with a gin in your hand and loved ones by your side!

Gin on The Mile, Gin Tasting for Four – £99

One for the Foodies! The Luxury Deli Hamper from Mitchell’s

December 1, 2015Dining, Special Occasions, Under £25Cameron McLaughlin

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! That’s right we’re now in December and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Over the next 25 days we’ll be putting on our Santa hats to bring you the best in unique gift experiences from Gift Ideas, from stocking fillers to the biggest present under the tree.

The Luxury Deli Hamper from Mitchell’s Deli

We’re going to kick off our December gift rundown with something for the foodies, the drinks aficionados and those cooks who like to be a little adventurous in the kitchen. The Luxury Deli Hamper is the perfect gift for all of the above. You can create your very own bespoke hamper of goods from the fantastic selection available at Mitchell’s, including everything from luxurious truffles and locally sourced produce to craft beers and organic wines.

A purveyor of fine food and wine in the heart of St. Andrews, Mitchell’s Deli is both café and takeaway delicatessen, with a commitment to using only the best, freshest, local and seasonal Scottish produce. Lots of which is sourced from St. Andrews and the local area (it doesn’t get more Scottish than that). This great gift gives you the opportunity to recreate some of your favourite Mitchell’s dishes, with many of the menu ingredients available to include in your own personal hamper.

An added bonus is the flexibility of this gift, you can either custom make the hamper to give as a gift or leave it entirely up to your loved one to design their own!