As we gear up for the festive season and prepare to spread some joy by checking off our gift lists, why not seize the opportunity to give back to our favourite city? With energy bills on the rise and footfall on the decline, Christmas is the perfect time to show some love to our local small businesses in Manchester and the community.
From experience gift cards that give you access to artisan-led cooking classes hosted at your favourite restaurants to handmade homewares and culture-filled afternoons, we’ve rounded up five amazing experiences in Manchester that will not only make the perfect Christmas gift but support the city we call home.
For the Budding Chef: A Creative Cooking Class
Shopping for a culinary wizard? If you’re searching for the perfect Christmas present for a fabulous foodie, leave the hampers behind this year and opt for Manchester cooking classes in the heart of the city instead.
From beginners sessions aimed at complete novices to fine dining workshops for the more advanced cook, ClassBento has a huge selection of mouth-watering gift experiences on offer, all hosted by professional chefs. Send your loved one on a global taste tour with classes that teach them how to make fresh Italian pasta, whip up delicious dim sum dumplings or master the art of flavour-filled Japanese cooking.
For the Homebody: An Afternoon in the Northern Quarter
If you’ve got a home-loving interiors fan to buy for this Christmas, treat them to something special from lifestyle store Form. Nestled away in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, this hidden gem is packed to the rafters with pieces handcrafted by talented independent makers; think beautiful ceramics in gentle earthy tones, mouth-blown glassware and handwoven textiles. If an experience gift is what you’re after, Cedar Lifestyle offers candle making workshops in Form’s lovely Scandi setting.
Spoilt for choice? Treat them to an afternoon in the vibrant Northern Quarter, filled with delicious food, warming coffee and a trip to the shop itself, where the lucky recipient can pick their own present.
For the Creative Soul: An Afternoon of Visual Arts
If you’re looking for the perfect experience gift to treat the arts lover in your life this Christmas, a visit to independent bookshop and lifestyle store Unitom is definitely going to put a smile on their face – as well as the bookshop owner’s face!
Housed in the creative Northern Quarter and run by a team of creative experts and book aficionados, Unitom stocks a huge selection of books, independent magazines and zines spanning all things art, design and travel. From huge coffee table tomes packed with works by the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Yayoi Kusama and Van Gogh to beautifully produced publications sourced from around the globe, there’s something for everyone.
Treat your favourite person to a visit, let them pick their own present and make this Christmas their best yet!
For the Book Lover: A Library Visit with a Difference
Bookworms will always agree that there’s no such thing as too many novels, but instead of hitting up your local bookshop and adding to their already overstuffed shelves, whisk them off to Chetham’s Library this Christmas and support this historic community gem.
With a collection dating from 1655, Chetham’s is the oldest public library in the English speaking world and is also an accredited museum. Treat your favourite reader to a guided tour, and let them explore the incredible building, view the historical book-related artefacts and hear plenty of interesting stories and fascinating facts.
For the Appreciator: A Culture-Filled Evening
If you’ve got a culture lover to shop for this Christmas, there’s only one place you need to go this festive season: Aviva Studios. Located in Water Street, the home of Factory International is a breathtaking venue that plays host to dance, theatre, music and visual arts performances all year round – the only problem you’ll have is choosing which one to whisk your loved one off to!
With several bars and cafes on site for you to relax in, make a day (or night!) of it and shout them dinner from one of the seasonal menus; from delicious Middle-Eastern inspired dishes to pizza, street food and plenty of vegan options, you’ll be able to keep those energy levels up to make it through the evening!
