We’ve been rounding up the best of Manchester’s Christmas gifts, from unique experiences to budget stocking fillers, via fashion and food. We’ve compiled them all here in an ultimate guide, to help get inspired and get your shopping boxed off joyously, rather than under a cloud of Christmas eve stress.
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The best fashion gifts in Manchester
This Thing x 1733 Naglene Bottle Bag, This Thing of Ours
Painfully cool city centre streetwear store This Thing Of Ours have ventured into creating their own garments, and for their first project they’ve collaborated with 1733 on this impossibly practical bottle bag made from hardwearing rip stop nylon. Perfect for fashion conscious friends who love the great outdoors, or like to be well kitted out for trekking around the city centre.
Neighbourhood Caps, Manchester’s Finest
£27
For the person in your life who loves all things hyper-local, grab them a neighbourhood hat. Available in a selection of colours and in stylish and hard-wearing corduroy, it’s the ideal gift for that friend who knows every place, seeks out every new opening and is just simply about everything in town. Hey, have you heard that Stockport is the new Berlin?
The Manchester 100% silk scarf, Private White V.C.
£100
Private White V.C. have been designing and making some of the finest clothing around since 1853. These guys are the real deal – they’ve supplied trench coats to the military and waterproof parkas to the RAF. Now more focussed on civilian clothing, this is the place to go for a piece of style history with serious heritage. Their 100% silk scarf, which is made just up the road in Macclesfield, is a playful but stylish tribute to our sartorial city.
Friday Sling Bag by NOTS, Norah Store
£190
Ancoats’ Norah Store is the place to go if you want to seek really beautiful and unusual brands from around the world, with a focus on buying fewer but better things you’ll wear and love. We love these bags by NOTS, which are hand-knotted from rope. Not only are they sustainable, but they’re created by founder Emilia right in the middle of Manchester at multi-purpose creative space Altogether Otherwise.
Limited Edition Artist T-shirts, Lifeshare
£25
Manchester-based charity Lifeshare have released their annual Christmas t-shirt designs. Seven local artists and designers have been tasked with designing limited edition tees, the proceeds of which go to tackling all aspects of homelessness in the city. We especially love Raissa Pardini’s funky green design, Mikesian’s ‘Make Homes Affordable Again’ slogan, and Han Valentine’s bold, love-focussed message. Just get your pre-orders in before 9 December.
Le Labo Discovery Gift Set, Selfridges
£54
One of the most sought-after and effortlessly cool fragrance brands around (honestly, the hype around this stuff is unreal) is available exclusively at Selfridges. You can gift this discovery set, which contains miniature samples of three of their most popular fragrances: Another 13, Santal 33 and Thé Matcha 26.
Baby Furoshiki Bag, Roop
£60
Roop is the sustainable Stockport-based brand that’s taken the fashion world by storm. These handmade bags and accessories are made from recycled or vintage silks, and are created using traditional Japanese tying methods. There’s loads of fun colours and they make the perfect party accessory. You can even create your own colour combinations and add embroidered personalisation to make them extra special. Shop online or also in Ancoats’ Norah Store.
Merch Beanie, Local Space
£53.00
Inspired by the bold graphics of music, culture and advertising hoardings of the Northern Quarter, this impossibly cosy beanie by Local Space is a tribute to one of our favourite Manchester neighbourhoods. It comes in loads of interesting colour ways and is pre-shrunk, which means its shape and fit will last. An gift for someone who likes to stand out while staying cosy.
Le Bon Shoppe Cloud Socks, Idaho
£14
There’s buying socks for Christmas, and then there’s buying these socks for Christmas. Impossibly cosy and comfy, they don’t call them ‘cloud’ socks for no reason. You can find them in a range of fun colours at Idaho – an independent boutique full of lovely stuff – with spots in Altrincham or and Sale.
Salford Lads Club Knit Sweater, Bound
£90
The historic Manchester venue has been immortalised in knitwear. Bound, the Manchester-based streetwear brand, have managed to combine the kitsch world of the festive jumper with the decidedly cooler world of music merch. The result is this 100% cotton knit sweater, which we love both ironically and un-ironically in equal measure.
Merino Hood in Green, Nola
£55
Nola is the aesthetically-pleasing boutique in the equally aesthetically-pleasing Barton Arcade in the city centre. Full of independent womenswear, you’re bound to find loads of potential stylish gifts in here that just feel a bit more thoughtful that your fast fashion spots. We’re particularly drawn to this Merino wool hood, which is part bonnet, part hat and part neck warmer too. We think she’s a winner, giftwise, and perfect for the accessory obsessive in your life.
Atlas eau de Toilette by Laboratory Perfumes, Auteur Store
£80
Auteur Store on Chorlton’s indie-centric Beech Road is a hotspot for some of the most beautiful, high-quality menswear we’ve ever seen. With sought-after brands from Japan, Scandinavia and the United States, you can find really some special pieces. Their gift selection is just as well-chosen, and this Atlas eau de toilette with notes of tobacco, rum and lavender is sure to impress.
Kanon Recycled Wool Knitted Vest, Beaumont Organic
£140
Beaumont Organic is the little green-fronted shop on Hilton Street that’s been creating sustainable and organic clothing since before slow fashion was cool. They only work with responsible suppliers and even offer a repair scheme, so you can wear your clothes for longer. We’re especially fond of their recycled knitted vest which has a relaxed, slouchy shape and is a much chic-er alternative to the ubiquitous Christmas jumper.
Varsity Jacket, Clint’s
£185
Shopping for someone who loves a statement outfit? Clint’s varsity jacket is vintage-inspired with a modern silhouette, and it’s designed by Clint’s, who have a track-record for creating some of the most interesting streetwear in the city.
Rust Orange Duck Down V2 Puffah, Drama Call
£224.99
There are puffers, and then there’s Drama Call’s puffah: water repellant and filled with duck down. A stylish and versatile piece that is genuinely useful too, from Manchester-born streetwear brand Drama Call.
Jellycat Marshmallow Bag Charm, Selfridges
£25
The admittedly adorable fuzzy phenomenon that is Jellycat make great presents for more people than you’d expect. Who among us doesn’t feel their heart melt at the sight of a plushy grumpy turtle or a baguette with legs. These marshmallow charms are admittedly very, very charming, and available from Selfridges.
The best Manchester food and drink gifts
Barney’s Tiramisu & Percy Dean Bowl, Skof
£150
Skof were one of the most exciting restaurant openings of 2024, and their shop is full of thoughtfully-curated and slightly eccentric foodie treats. Fans of their tiramisu can gift a 10-person serving of it, which is presented in a limited edition ceramic bowl by artist Percy Dean. Once polished off, the bowl then takes on a life of its own as a beautiful piece of homeware. £75 from each bowl goes to supporting Multiple System Atrophy Trust, which supports people with this rare and incurable neurological disease, so a worthy Christmas gift all round.
Buzzrocks’ Jerk Marinade, Buzzrocks
£3.99
For the flavour fan in your life, why not get them their own supply of Buzzrocks’ distinctive jerk marinade. The Caribbean takeaway in Hulme has been a staple of the community for decades, not least because of their signature marinade, which has a cult following of its own.
Chocolate Hamper, Sam Joseph’s
£56
Altrincham Market’s Sam Joseph are specialists in all things chocolatey, and their hamper is a showcase of the best of the best. It’s complete with individual truffles, bars of chocolate, caramel mince pies and indulgent hot chocolate powder. If you bought one for yourself, we wouldn’t judge.
Pre-batched cocktails, Stray
£30
Stray has really made its mark on the Manchester cocktail scene since it arrived a year ago, taking over the corner unit of the always-buzzing Mackie Mayor. Now you can enjoy some of their signature drinks at home. Both the tomato vine margarita and the rhubarb and pine gimlet are available pre-mixed in 500ml bottles. Simply make sure your favourite glass is frosty cold, and enjoy. Perfect for sipping your way through the festive period, and a welcome change from bucks fizz.
Kinto glass water bottle, Deadstock General Store
£14.00
Deadstock General Store is one of those inviting little shops whereby you can’t entirely describe what the theme is, other than everything is beautifully made and swoon-worthy. From kitchenware to scarves to funky little useless objects, you’re bound to be drawn to at least something in here. A more budget-friendly option is this elegant glass water bottle by Kinto, which means you’ll at least stay hydrated during the over-consumption of the festive period.
Salvi’s Ultimate Pasta Bundle, Salvi’s
£12
For the ardent pasta-lover in your life, why not pick up Salvi’s Ultimate Pasta Bundle. The Mancunian institution imports the very best of the best from Italy, and there’s no standard fusilli to be found. Instead give the gift of wavy ribbons of mafaldine, curly-edged lasagne riccia, and satisfying tubes of pachetti, perfect to level-up their pasta skills, and all made in a family-run factory in Campania.
Yamashiroya Standard Class by Koshimeijyo, The Sparrows
£36
The Spärrows is known for being everyone’s favourite swanky späzle spot in the city, but you might not also know that they know as much about sake – the Japanese rice wine – as they do carb-tastic plates of delight. Browse their bottle shop, which is available to shop both online and in their stylish Red Bank restaurant, and you’ll find their Yamashiroya Standard Class from the Koshimeijyo brewery, a refreshing, revitalising bottle, and a great intro to this fascinating area of booze. They also have loads of more splurgey options, if you fancy pushing the boat out.
&k Haines Butter Dish, Idaho
£35
Here’s a gift that proves that, yes, a butter dish can be adorable. For the baker or toast-enthusiast in your life, this ceramic butter dish by designer Hal Haines and studio &k is both fun and practical. You can seek it out in the treasure trove that is Idaho, a lifestyle shop with spots in Altrincham and Sale.
Rum Cream Liqueur, Salford Rum
£35
Salford Rum are known for their indulgently flavoured spiced rums made in small batches under a Salford railway arch. This year they’ve released something almost impossibly festive, a Rum Cream Liqueur. It’s described as a silky-smooth blend of Salford Rum with luxurious dairy cream and notes of vanilla, cocoa and cinnamon. Enjoyed over ice or in a cocktail, we think it’s one to rival that other festive cream-based beverage. You know the one. Make sure you pre-order to ensure Christmas delivery.
The Christmas Pantry Hamper, Selfridges
£200
This lavish hamper has absolutely everything in it to keep your cupboards stocked with those extra special bits and bobs over the Christmas period. Things like indulgent hot chocolate, seasonal jams and marmalades, fizz and mulled wine and loads of amazing bits that you can enjoy, or show off if someone happens to stop by unexpectedly. An incredible gift for a loved one, or an easy way to make yourself look like the absolute King or Queen of Christmas.
Harth Winter Solstice Hot Chocolate 40g, FORM Lifestyle Store
£8
What says thoughtful Christmas gift more than a ‘thick and luxurious, Swiss-style drinking chocolate’. This stuff, sourced by ever-beautiful homeware store FORM, is organic, vegan and lightly spiced. If cosiness was a drink, it’d be this. And if you happen to find yourself in FORM’s well-curated shop, why not complete the gift with some of their unique ceramic mugs.
Deli hampers, Ancoats Deli
From £35
If there’s one thing the team at Ancoats Deli know how to to, it’s source tempting, quality grocery bits. From £35 you can pick up a hamper-load of tasty olives, crisps, chocolate, booze and the like. Simply pre-order via Instagram and collect before 20 December and give your stock cupboard a little festive glow-up.
Manchester’s Finest x Manchester Union Light Lager, Manchester Union Brewery
£29.90 for 12
How could we resist? Yes, we’re biased, but Manchester’s Finest Light Lager – brewed by the quite brilliant Manchester Union Brewery in the centre of town – is simply a crowd pleaser. It’s light, it’s citrusy, it’s crisp and it goes down a treat with annoying uncles and bored cousins alike over the festive period.
Rosél Rosé Vodka, Harvey Nichols
£30
Christmas drinks don’t have to be all about Baileys and sherry. For fans of something a little fruitier, you can pick up Rozél rosé vodka from Harvey Nics – a blush pink vodka inspired by Provence. This one is great for spritzes, if you fancy manifesting a Christmas that is more sunshine-soaked than snow-covered.
Frida Cooper x Blossom Stacker Cup, Blossom Coffee Roaster
£20
Old Trafford-based coffee roasters Blossom have teamed up with local ceramicist Frida Cooper to create a perfectly stackable coffee cup in a very stylish speckled design. Perfect for sipping on one of their carefully selected single origin brews.
Dinner by Meera Sodha, Rare Mags
£27
A cookbook that is as beautiful as it is useful, ‘Dinner’ is full of really useful veggie and vegan recipes which are simple, satisfying and actually do-able. Find it at Stockport’s incomparable Rare Mags, an absolute treasure trove of niche and beautiful books and magazines perfect for print-lovers and admirers of beautiful objects. And yes, home-cooked dinner counts as an occasion when it’s as delicious as this.
Limited Edition Tea Towel, Eat Well MCR
£14
Printed sustainably and in short runs to avoid waste, Eat Well MCR have a range of extremely stylish printed tea towels, with the designs taken from a recent photo exhibition celebrating some of the city’s best chefs. They have a range of really interesting designs, and the best bit is that the proceeds go to Eat Well, the most excellent nonprofit which provides meals to families experiencing homelessness and food poverty across the city. There’s also a really great tote bag, if that’s more your thing, as well as photo prints and postcards.
Noello Olives Christmas tree decoration, Selfridges
£20
Shamelessly emulating the fancy brand of olives you find in all the best natural wine bars and small plate restaurants, this bauble is the perfect permanent version for the foodie in your life. And yes, they do a pickle version too, if they tend to prefer an alternative brined cocktail garnish.
The best experiences to gift in Manchester
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.
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?
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.
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.
The best gifts in Manchester for around a tenner
Panettone Chocolate Bar, Selfridges
£4.99
If you know, you know. This little oblong of pure festive cheer contains all the flavours of the Italian favourite as well as luxurious milk chocolate. A bit of a secret Santa no-brainer. Pushing the boat out? Get two.
Allpress Festive Blend, Allpress
£12.50
Indulgent and sweet with a hint of spice, Allpress’ Festive Blend is a great gift for a coffee lover who likes to brew their own at home. Available online or in Allpress’ ultra modern cafe spot on Sadler’s Yard.
Cafe Royal Books UNITOM
£6.70
Sheffield-based arty publication house Cafe Royal Books are great at sourcing really interesting archival imagery and putting together these zines about architecture, history, music and more. They make great gifts for fans of everything from Wu-Tang Clan to Blackpool in the 80s. Perfect for you most ‘niche interest’ friend.
Manchester Soap Company Handcrafted Soap, Goodness Zero Waste
£7.50
Goodness Zero Waste is an Urmston emporium full of groceries, household products and gifts which reduce waste in one way or another. As well as cereals and cleaning products and even a make-your-own peanut butter machine, they sell gorgeous handcrafted soap by The Manchester Soap Company. With loads of natural ingredients and anti-oxidant properties, we’d opt for a Manc-adjacent flavour like ‘Honey & Oats’ or ‘Sunshine’ (pronounced ‘sunshiiiiiiine’, obviously).
Rickard Sisters ‘Time To Strike’ Matches, People’s History Museum
£12
Located on the banks of the River Irwell, where Manchester crosses over into Salford, the People’s History Museum sometimes gets sadly overlooked in round ups of Manchester’s cultural institutions. It tells ‘the story of democracy in the UK’, and explores ‘radical stories of people coming together’ to fight for change. We love their clever ‘time to strike’ illustrated matches, designed by graphic novel creators the Rickard Sisters.
Magpie x Hornsea Cat Enamel Pin, The Modernist
£8.50
The Modernist is a magazine dedicated to modernist architecture, and they have their own dedicated shop and exhbition space in the Northern Quarter. It’s full of beautiful prints, books and homeware objects for those who love vast expanses of concrete, clean lines and niche design. This enamel pin is taken from iconic mid-century pottery brand Hornsea and is, we think, really quite nice.
Footprint Socks, Clint’s
£10
Streetwear brand Clint’s are best known for their outrageous statement footwear and outerwear, but their basics are pretty sweet too. These socks are really nice quality, and come it an array of flattering colours – and with the legend ‘step correct’ on the sole. Just a bit more exciting than an M&S multi-pack.
Charm Hoop Earring, Blóma
£10
Blóma is the Manchester-based design studio specialising in ‘floral inspired jewellery and other cute things’. These individual charm hoops come in at a tenner each, and have loads of different designs, from fruit to fish. They’re cute, they’re fun, and perfect for that friend who firmly believes earrings don’t have to come in matching pairs.
Elliot Eastwick’s Volcanic Vimpto
£7
Could an indie gift guide be complete without a small batch hot sauce? We say it simply could not. Elliot Eastwick’s World Famous Hot Sauce is a familiar sight at foodie markets across Manchester, and the eponymous Elliot creates all sorts of madcap hot sauces, rubs and gravies. We’re intrigued by the ‘Volcanic Vimpto’, a sauce with Carolina reaper heat, alongside the distinctive grape, raspberry and dark fruit flavours of Greater Manchester’s most historic fizzy drink.
Claire Birtwistle Glass Coasters, Fred Aldous
£4.95
Fred Aldous is the long-standing art supply and gift shop on Stevenson Square which has saved the day countless times when it comes to last-minute gifting. Among their array of gorgeous bits and bobs, you’ll find this exclusive collaboration with artist Claire Birtwistle. These glass coasters would look great on the table for your arty friend of your coffee-loving colleague, and for £4.95 each, you can get them a couple and still come in under budget.
Bread and Butter Milk Chocolate Bar, Doormouse Chocolates
£6
Deansgate Mews’ award-winning chocolatier Doormouse have teamed up with their award-winning bakery neighbours Holy Grain to create a bread and butter chocolate bar, with browned butter and a caramelly crunch. Perfect for fans of chocolate and baked goods alike.