Our city is absolutely full to the brim with amazing independent businesses, from food to drink to art to nightlife. We spend the year seeking out exciting new spots across the 10 boroughs, which means we’ve accumulated loads of excellent ideas for creative Christmas gifts.
But what do you buy for the person who has everything, or just isn’t really into ‘stuff’. This edition of the Manchester gift guide is all about the things you can give that aren’t things. From craft workshops to pasta-making to relaxing spas, this is our round up of the best independently-led experiences you can enjoy, and most importantly enjoy with others, in the city.
New starter pack, FIX MCR
£57
There are loads of benefits to ‘contrast therapy’ – where you alternate between hot and cold environments – like improving your mood, reducing fatigue, speeding up recovery and just making you feel better overall. Sessions can be up to 90-minutes long, and as well as icy dips and hot saunas, they incorporate other restorative elements like breathwork, meditation, stretching, sound and gua sha (which is like a massage for your face). You can give the gift of all-round relaxation in the form of three whole sessions for £57. Single sessions cost £29, so it’s quite a significant discount.
Handtied flower bouquet workshop, K Craft Studio
£25
Situated in Kampus, K Craft Studio – which specialises in Korean-style craft workshops – offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in some wholesome, creative fun. There’s loads of different activities on offer, from candle-making to creating your own soft toys, but we think you can’t go wrong with the aesthetically-pleasing dried flower bouquet workshop. You can purchase a specific activity, or a gift card of your chosen amount.
NiniSpa gift voucher, NiniSpa
Various amounts
A five-star day spa located in the heart of town, NiniSpa is a calm and tranquil oasis in the city. Standing for ‘Now I Need It’, their mission is to share the importance of rest and recovery. Whether you’re looking for a deep tissue massage to recover from injury, or just after something a little more relaxing, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re craving in one of their facials and massages. Why not gift a treatment to that person in your life who is always on the go?
Pottery wheel class, Moss Studio Store
£60
Located above a charity shop in the heart of Altrincham, this pottery studio is a real hive of activity. You can attend solo or group classes led by friendly potters. Choose from a number of pottery styles, like hand-building or wheel sessions, and give the gift of a fun experience, alongside something they can keep, and hopefully adore, for every.
Manchester Wine Tours
£75
Founded by food and wine writer Kel Bishop (whose words have featured right here in Manchester’s Finest), Manchester Wine Tours is a wine tasting ‘with legs’. You get guided around some of the best wine spots in the city, while sampling amazing wines and snacks. It’s suitable for experts and amateurs alike, which makes it a great Christmas gift for you and a wine-loving relative, partner or pal.
Intro to rubber stamping day course, Hot Bed Press
£65
This open-access print workshop based in Salford has been running since 1994, they have a wealth of knowledge, expertise and equipment covering all aspects of print-making. For hardcore devotees, there are year-long courses, but beginners can experience the world of rubber stamping, for the artist or crafter in your life, or that person who always seems to have a new hobby.
HOME vouchers, HOME
Various amounts
One for that person in your life who loves a difficult arty flick (ideally with subtitles), independent theatre productions, or simply to sip coffee while taking in the cultured environs of HOME. What’s great about HOME’s vouchers is that you can automate the date it arrives in their inbox, so as not to spoil the surprise.
Wellness treatments, The Farm Club
Various amounts
Manchester isn’t exactly known its stunning open water. If you’re brave, you can go for a dip at Sale Water Park. More discerning wild swimmers opt for Pick Mere though, a lake in the village of Pickmere, just outside Knutsford. A beautiful spot in its own right, with serious beach vibes in the summer, the addition of The Farm Club has made it a bona fide wellness destination. You can book onto yoga classes and sound baths, as well as guided breathwork sessions, all topped off with a bracingly chilly but utterly refreshing dip in the lake. If someone you know fancies themself as Cheshire’s answer to Wim Hof, why not gift them a voucher?
Sken Studios, Recycled Silver
£150
Sken – which means a gleam or glow in Swedish – a hidden-away spot in Sale town centre where you can get together with your mates or partner to design a totally unique signet ring. Using the ‘lost wax’ technique, you carve a wax version of your design which is then cast in molten recycled silver. Lead by jeweller Sabira, you’re invited to take down all your Pinterest inspiration, and she’ll help you realise your vision. A perfect gift experience for a partner or jewellery-loving pal.
Rum Blending, The Spirit of Manchester Distillery
£70
Brewery tours and cocktail making may have been done to death, but rum blending is a new one to us, and one we can absolutely get behind. Based under a railway arch just off Deansgate, this place is a positively steam-punk looking hive of mysterious machinery and enticing ingredients. As well as a tour and overview of the history of rum, participants create a one-of-a-kind 700ml bottle of the spiced stuff to take home and enjoy. Launching in January, you can book onto the experience every Saturday, 12-2pm.
Pasta Masterclass, Pasta Factory
£64.76
If you’re going to learn to make pasta, you may as well do it at a place called The Pasta Factory. This Shudehill restaurant is renowned for their authentic Italian pasta and relaxed, inviting vibe, but you might not know what they offer classes so you can learn how to make your own. You’ll learn how to make various shapes from semola, ’00’ flour and eggs, and how best to pair them with different sauces. Fun, informative and most importantly, delicious.
Read more:
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