The origins of Valentine’s Day in the U.K. can be traced all the way back to the 12th century
Heart-shaped candies, supermarkets adorned with red and pink tinsel, boxes of chocolate filling every aisle, and frenzied lovers moving about the streets looking for the perfect gifts. What holiday could possibly be more near other than Valentine’s Day? For some, February 14th is a day just like any other, but for many, it’s a chance to shower the ones you love with even more affection and of course, a present or two.
If you’ve put off this year’s shopping a bit too long and find yourself at a loss for what to gift your special man, check out below the list of suggestions we’ve compiled that may just fit his personality in one way or another.
The Gamer
Over 2 million people throughout the globe are active gamers whether that’s PC, console, or mobile gameplay. Given these numbers, there are high odds that your special someone may enjoy a good entertaining gaming session every now and again. Think about what kind of gaming your guy enjoys and go from there.
ADVERTISEMENT
If he’s a PC enthusiast, a high-quality, light-up keyboard is a great option. One of the most supreme on the market today is the Corsair K100 RGB Optical which enhances gameplay like never before. Whether your guy loves playing first-person shooter games, becoming the master of his own world in city-building activities, or improving managerial status in an interactive sports game, computer gadgets like upgraded keyboards, mouses, or monitors are foolproof gift ideas for PC gamers. Even if your honey pie enjoys practicing his strategy in an online poker room, something in the category of “computer stuff” would be well received for fans of the game and heavily used during day-to-day sessions.
As far as console gamers go, raid your guy’s collection to see what he’s playing at the moment, and buy him an updated version of his favorite game. And, if you’re lucky enough, you may be able to snag him a PS5 as more restocks have recently been put in place from different retailers throughout the U.K.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Sports Fan
Completely stumped for what to get your sports-fanatic partner? Well, we’ve got you covered with a couple suggestions they will die for. First of all, in today’s tech-savvy world, if your sports lover doesn’t have a streaming subscription to watch his team’s games and tournaments, is he really even a fan? Surprise your lover with a membership to one of the best services on the market like Sling TV or ESPN+. Give the gift of around-the-clock access and you’ll never disappoint.
Another option could be to think about your partner’s favorite player whether in basketball, football, baseball, or another sport, and gift them an official jersey from that team member. They’ll wear their new apparel proudly like the extreme fan they are.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Workout Junkie
If your guy can’t get enough of the gym, there are a load of gift options that could make his workout experience even better. For starters, a pair of wireless, high-quality headphones can enhance any exercise session. Nowadays, many suppliers are developing the best of the best, making them sweat proof and completely customizable. Check out Jabra’s Elite Active 75t option, one of the most high-rated pairs out there right now.
Other ideas include accessories that can be used in everyday workout routines like medicine balls, assistance bands, mats, or weights. If you see your muscle man is in the market for some new fitness gear, you can’t go wrong with a pair of compression shorts or Flyknit sneakers.
Sunday, February 14 is a holiday celebrated in many parts of the world, known as the most romantic day on the calendar year
The Chef
ADVERTISEMENT
If your man’s hobby is cooking and he loves to shower you with delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, first of all, lucky you! In that case, you actually have a ton of gift options he will adore. From knife-sharpening sets to a cookbook by his favorite chef, the ideas are endless. You could even consider ordering him a personalized cutting board with both of your names on it so that he can be reminded of your love for him every time he’s chopping up an onion.
If by chance he isn’t in the mood to cook this Valentines Day, some Manchester-based companies are in the business of bringing sweet and savory options right to people’s doorsteps.
The bottom line: no matter how you spend the romantic holiday, the important thing is that you’ll be together.
Business
Spinningfields to celebrate launch of new app with competition to win hundreds of FREE prizes
Emily Sergeant
You can be in with a chance of winning one of hundreds of free prizes just by heading down to Spinningfields next week.
In case you hadn’t heard, Spinningfields has just launched a brand-new app that’s now available to download, and in a bid to mark the occasion and properly celebrate this exciting launch, the city centre leisure and business district will be hosting an epic ‘Spin to Win’ event where there are hundreds of prizes to be won.
The new Spinningfields app is your ultimate guide to everything happening in the area, and it gives you access to special offers, fun monthly competitions, invitations to exciting events, community news, volunteering opportunities, and so much more.
Oh, and the best part about it? It’s free to download and sign up.
To celebrate the launch of our Spinningfields app, join us at Spinningfields Square between 8am and 5.30am on Tuesday 10 September. Download our FREE app, grab a FREE coffee from 92 Degrees (just for showing up), and spin to win some amazing prizes!
To start making the most of all of these exciting perks, you just need to download the Spinningfields app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone and verify your account, and then once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to head on down to Spinningfields Square next Tuesday (10 September) to spin the wheel for your chance to win some amazing prizes.
Some of the prizes on the jam-packed lineup include tickets to Chaos Karts and The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, £100 vouchers for Australasia, £50 vouchers for Fazenda and The Ivy Spinningfields, plus free coffees, waffles, and doughnuts from Black Sheep Coffee.
You could also win yourself some complimentary cosmetic treatments at The Medika Clinic, as well as loads more, all by just spinning the wheel.
Spinningfields is celebrating the launch of its new app with a competition to win hundreds of free prizes / Credit: Supplied
And if the prizes somehow weren’t good enough to tempt you down to Spinningfields on their own, then luckily, there’ll also be a free freshly-brewed filter coffee for everyone who downloads the app and shows up on the day, while stocks last.
Basically, you’re guaranteed to walk away a winner no matter what.
The Spinningfields ‘Spin to Win’ official app launch is happening at Spinningfields Square on Tuesday 10 September from 8am to 5:30pm, and as organisers are anticipating the event will be busy one, it’s recommended that you download the app and verify your account before attending to ensure a smooth experience.
Plans unveiled to turn old Oxford Road HATCH site into new ‘entertainment hub’
Emily Sergeant
Exciting plans have been unveiled to create a brand-new “entertainment hub” in the heart of Manchester city centre.
One of the UK’s fastest-growing leisure chains, STACK – which already has several similar successful sites across the country in places such as Newcastle and Sunderland – has announced that it has now taken control of the former HATCH site beneath the flyover on Oxford Road, and will be transforming the space into a “dynamic blend” of street food, bars, and live entertainment.
The proposed new venture, which will be called STACK Manchester, has been designed with a gateway arch entrance from Oxford Road, leading to an expansive open plaza surrounded by street food vendors and bars.
Forming a permanent feature of the Oxford Road Corridor if approved, STACK Manchester will be housed in repurposed shipping containers, and arranged over two levels.
Developers say the design of the new site will incorporate “ample” glazing and pavement seating to create a “lively frontage that connects seamlessly with the street”.
Central to the development is a large stage, which will be a focal point for daily live entertainment that ranges from family-friendly events and quiz nights, to mass sing-alongs and dog shows, and in addition to this, there’ll also be two new outward-facing retail units and a dual-aspect coffee shop.
Former traders from HATCH are encouraged to apply for a place in the new STACK Manchester, and will be given priority during the selection process.
Speaking as the plans for the new development were unveiled this week, Neill Winch, who is the CEO of STACK, commented: “We believe this site is the perfect fit for our concept, and we’re excited to bring our blend of street food, bars, and live entertainment to Manchester.
“Subject to planning approval being granted, we are confident STACK Manchester will become a much-loved venue for local residents as well as a successful visitor attraction.”