Here is our guide to Christmas gift buying whilst also supporting independent small businesses – almost all of which are based in Manchester!
Gift buying with something for everyone – including some people in Manchester who you don’t even know …..
For the whole family:
Feminism is for everyone – and so are these Ts from Everything’s Sweet Threads. We love them and we also love the fact that there is a charitable donation to Thr Pankhurst Trust with every purchase. If slogan Ts are not for you (and if they’re not – who ARE you??) then they also have fab pins, bags and temp tattoos – the perfect gift for all ages.
It’s not always about what you get, it’s about what you do – that’s what the OKS gang believe over the Christmas period. So why not spend some time together as a family at their fantastic New Year’s Eve party – 1-3pm at YES Manchester and full to the brim with family goodness – festival vibes DJ, two channel silent disco, arts and crafts, circus skills, glitter face paint, pizza and a bar! Tickets selling now.
Why not capture the joy of the festive season with a family photography session with Claire Brookes? Guaranteed to show you at your best, Claire’s natural shots are guaranteed to capture the heart of your family with photos that will last a life time. Great as keepsakes for yourself or gifts for family members.
For adults:
Hall and Hines jewellery, bags and accessories are truly beautiful pieces and all reasonably priced. From delicate earrings to statement purses, their collection is thoughtfully put together and incredibly desirable. Maybe shopping for a loved one – or even for yourself!
Date night? What’s that? Feels like ages since you spent any quality time together? Or maybe you are approaching a milestone birthday and looking for a pile of fun things to do before you get there? A Year of Dates has the answer – with gift boxes of suggestions for couples, birthdays, (and even kids), these fantastic sets add excitment, surprise and fun throughout the year. Go on – treat yourself!
And for your home you can’t go wrong with design led Crafty Willow – check out the fabulous Christmas garlands, a welcome addition to any home’s festive decoration. Flag banners and bunting bring cuteness overload all year round and in our opinion they are definitely not just for nurseries!
You can’t go wrong with a few cans of Manchester brewed Marble beer. Once parenthood strikes, nights out over Christmas may be limited but with an online shop you can now drink the very best in the comfort of your own home. And if you do manage to squeeze in a night out, it’s of course also available on tap – the Marble Arch is one of our very fave Manc pubs.
New parents and their babies:
Mama Knows really does know what’s best for keeping parents stylish and supporting teething babies. With chewable necklaces, bangles and teething rings in a whole variety of colour combinations the only decision really is which one to buy – or if like us, you can’t decide, then why not select a few?
For children:
Imagine the surprise on their faces on Christmas Day if they opened their eyes to a Kiddy Sticks display on their bedroom wall! With a variety of designs covering all tastes and colours, there really is something for everyone at this small biz website. You can choose from bright and fun to monochrome and understated – bring their bedroom to life with its own personality whatever their age.
For knittted and crocheted beauty, wooden affirmation plaques and all round loveliness, head to Gooseberry Fool for the most delicately precious handmade goods. Booties and hats with Pom Poms a plenty – we dare you to resist these adorable items for your little ones. Each made with loving care, don’t leave it too late to get your orders in so you can ensure your little ones are stylish and snug on Christmas morning.
Twinning is winning and Albie and Sebastian know how to rock a matching sweatshirt combo for stylish kids and their parents. With a fab selection of handmade clothes for those aged 5 and under, plus some twinning combos, you probably don’t need any more reasons to pay their website a visit but we have one – there is a charitable donation from every sale in the lead up to Christmas going to When You Wish Upon a Star – you can’t say fairer than that.
Do you have some Modern Little People living in your house? Then this is the website for them – and you! With gorgeous gifts for playtime, bathtime, and mealtimes too – there are a whole host of reasons to beautify your home. Babies and children, clothing and interiors – go and take a peek while stocks last.
How about a set of scooter or skateboard lessons at the super cool Projekts Mcr? With one to one sessions available for kids (and adults) this could be the ideal gift for those children who are increasingly difficult to buy for as they get a bit older. The joy of learning a new skill with a little bit of freedom and developing independence – ideal.
For someone you don’t know:
The Wood Street Mission in Manchester collects and distributes thousands of gifts ever year for children living in poverty. Families across Manchester are supported by this very special charity who ensure those in need have something to unwrap on Christmas Day, as well as working alongside large supermarkets to provide food hampers. You can drop off directly on Wood Street in town or contact them for a local drop off.
Z-Arts are getting as many of the 799 children who are aged 5-15 and living in care, to the theatre this Christmas. Donate what you can directly on their website to help to pay for this experience and up until 4th Dec, all donations are being doubled. You can donate whatever you can afford – everything is welcome – don’t forget to gift aid.
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