Royal Edinburgh Repository & Self Aid Society, Edinburgh

Tucked away up the dead end of Castle Street in the center of town is this unassuming little shop full of hand-knitting and quilts made by local ladies. Every penny you spend goes to help the needy. You will find tartan knick-knacks from car blankets to toilet roll covers, knitted Highland dolls and appliqued goodies. But the really special thing here is the range of handmade baby shawls, drawer-fulls of them, lacy and frothy confections that far surpass the mass-produced offerings of the high street.