Emmeline Pankhurst, the Gallaghers, Tony Wilson, Morrissey—what do these people all have in common? They’re all fellow Mancunians who called what was once the heart of the Industrial Revolution their home.
Known best for its killer music, world-class football and relentless rain—it’s about time we celebrate our city in the best way possible this Christmas. Here’s our roundup of the best Mancunian gift ideas to give to your loved ones this festive season…
One of Chorlton’s hotspots, the Chorlton Art Market is the best place to start if you’re looking for some independent art and creations lovingly made by the people of the city. One of the most colourful stores in Manchester, this shop actively supports over 50 local artists and craftspeople who sell their incredible work there.
Selling hand-curated vintage pieces, bespoke ceramics, funky wall art, one-of-a-kind jewellery and some killer homeware—this is the place to go to get your Christmas shopping sorted once and for all.
Ran by two local lads, M21 Vintage is the go-to spot for any fashion lovers out there. Small but ever-expanding, this retro retailer is all about making deadstock fashion accessible and affordable. With an emphasis on stocking the rarest and most-wanted garments at a price that won’t hurt your wallet too much—check their website out to browse through a wide range of stellar stock.
From European sportswear to designer streetwear—M21 has definitely got you covered for the best threads this Christmas.
What better place to get some truly Mancunian gifts than the Manchester Art Gallery? Selling some killer limited-edition prints by Manchester creatives, art supplies, a whole range of cracking coffee table books alongside a very extensive lineup of celebrity faces on socks—you’ll be sure to find something of interest here.
A perfect opportunity to support the local arts scene whilst gifting someone a thoughtful and creative present—be sure to head down to the gallery’s gift shop and be wowed by their extensive selection of goodies.
In search of the perfect stocking fillers? Head to Tib Street for Manchester’s award-winning independent gay bookshop, Queer Lit, who have inclusion and diversity at the very core of their foundation. Stocking over 250 books at under £7.50 each, this is perfect no matter what your budget is this Christmas.
Alongside all the latest and classic titles, Queer Lit also has a brilliant selection of cards, flags, pins and other merch to go perfectly with your book bundle.
Now, this couldn’t be a Mancunian gift guide if we didn’t include the city centre favourite, Oklahoma. Known best for their larger than life and colourful storefront, Oklahoma is definitely the hub for the weird and wonderful of the city.
Stocking just about everything and more you can think of including Freddy Mercury baubles, embroidered cat cushions and duck lamps just to name a few, this emporium is filled to the brim with gifts perfect for anyone in your life.
This specialist beer store, based in the heart of the Northern Quarter, stocks all the city’s favourite beers including Track, Cloudwater and Pomona Island alongside a whole load of smaller independents and bottles from around the world.
Beer Moth’s huge selection will leave you spoilt for choice but if you’re a little overwhelmed by it all, they do have gift vouchers too making this one is totally fool-proof.
Perfect for anyone who likes their bling a little outside the box, this Manchester-based jewellery store is all about being out-there, colourful and straight out of the 90s. With a great ethos of sustainability, driven by small batch production and recyclable packaging—this one is a no-brainer.
From galaxy star sign necklaces to glittery lockets, July Child Jewellery is a brilliant small business to support this festive season.
Most notably known for his doodle maps of a city impressively created by just his trusted Posca pens, Dave Draws has become something of a Manchester icon. Mapping key spots including Chorlton, Salford and the Northern Quarter—Dave Draws’ work comes in the form of prints perfect for any walls and even face masks, because that’s a thing again.
Unsure of which map to go for? His website also offers gift cards so whoever you’re buying for can choose their own.
Nestled in Withington’s buzzing high street is this gem, Wilderness Records. Part bar, part café, part record store—this spot is the perfect place to browse through some limited edition albums, classic bangers and anything a little different.
Whether you’re looking for records, cassettes, CDs or zines—this will definitely be a different experience from your average chaotic Christmas shop perfectly ended with a cup of coffee after.
Local botanical boundary-pushers Zymurgorium started life in a shed in Northern Moor and have since gone on to become a Manchester favourite.
With weird and wonderful flavours like Fruit Salad Pineapple & Sweet Raspberry, and the My My Apple Pie Gin Liquer, their tipples are anything but plain.
- Words:
- Rhiannon Ingle
- Published on:
- Sun 19 Dec 2021
Want to up your cuppa game for next year? Look no further with Rebuilding Manchester’s brilliant selection of mugs with graphic designs of iconic parts of the city. From the Cromford court apartments, Hulme Crescents, The Haçienda and Market Street—this Etsy shop also celebrates the resilient regeneration of the Manchester city centre following the post-war years.
Definitely more than just a Mancunian souvenir, these carefully designed pieces celebratee the iconic landmarks and history of the city—from industrial wasteland to urban metropolis. Even better? 10% of each mug sale will go straight to local homeless charity, Coffee 4 Craig, which aims to provide support for people in social and economic crisis.