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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
The Pop Up Club – pop-up shop for independent retailers to return to Manchester this weekend
Thomas Melia
The Pop Up Club is coming back to Manchester city centre this weekend, offering a prime retail space to independent businesses and small creators.
Through providing this platform for these businesses, The Pop Up Club has managed to help its traders earn £1.5 million across all their previous events which run up and down the UK.
The brilliant pop-up retail space was previously on King Street in Manchester, but this time The Pop Up Club is moving into the Manchester Arndale.
Shoppers will be able to choose from the curated traders on offer, such as beautifully handpainted watercolour illustrations from By Tilly, celestial and nature inspired jewellery by Sian Mellor designs and beaded bracelets from That Wild Feeling.
It’s also helping to promote local talent as it shares the work of Manchester based unique printed homewares from Lydia Meiying.
Moonshine Prints, a trader who creates a variety of fascinating and eclectic wall art for everyone to buy and display in their homes, will also be at The Pop Up Club when it returns to Manchester.
The Pop Up Club will offer a chance to browse local traders who normally wouldn’t have a platform as big as this, while also supporting art and culture direct from the north.
Tillie Peel, creator and founder of The Pop Up Club.Inside the incredible retail space providing opportunities for small businesses.Peel, admiring works by small creators which are part of her small business initiative.Credit: Publicity Pictures
The businesses The Pop Up Club uplifts and works with may be small but the amount of traders definitely isn’t – they’ve shone a spotlight on more than 500 independent retailers since setting up the social enterprise.
It’s also nice to hear that creatives who have worked with them in the past would more than likely consider working with The Pop Up Club again as according to the statistic on their website, ‘100% of traders said they would return’.
The venture was founded by Tillie Peel, who says: “Manchester has always welcomed us with open arms, and the friendly Northern spirit was calling us back once again.
“Utilising an empty space at the Manchester Arndale is a dream come true for us, as it puts us at the heart of shopping in the city and with events such as the Christmas Markets returning, the footfall of the city centre will be highly welcomed by us and all our traders in our Manchester store.
“With over 5 million small businesses in the UK*, there are so many that deserve attention and shopping small can bring huge benefits to the economy as well as supporting local income. This Christmas is the perfect time to shop from small businesses and independent traders, where a purchase can make a real difference to that brand.
“Our network of independent businesses have found being in our stores offers real value, as well as allowing them to speak to customers, see the reactions in real time to their items and to get a taste of what the high street has to offer.”
Shoppers who just can’t wait to get on down to The Pop Up Club can browse the shop in person on 16 November at Manchester Arndale.
Viral bakery Half Dozen Other set to open new site this December
Thomas Melia
Famed for their incredible sweet treat pastries and fresh bread offerings, Half Dozen Other are preparing to open a brand new cafe and bakery in December.
Founded by ex-Rugby players Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan, who’ve both competed for the St. Helens team alongside a whole host of different clubs throughout their astonishing careers.
The pair also own Manchester coffee shop Pot Kettle Black, an establishment which has earned its stripes as a frontrunner in the city centre cafe scene.
Half Dozen Other opened a new bakery last summer, painting the Green Quarter landscape with a splash of coral pink thanks to their brightly coloured warehouse plot – and now they’re expanding again.
This bakery is opening their second site at Circle Square, the new Bruntwood Scitech development which is also home to Onda and Federal.
The esteemed bakery will also be accompanied by a whole host of foodie favourites like Detroit Slims and Hello Oriental who all currently reside in the same neighbourhood.
Some of the incredible bakes and creations by the team over at Half Dozen Other.The bright coral pink site that started it all for these Manchester-based bakers.The lovely food and drink options by Half Dozen Other to feed your appetite.Credit: The Manc Group
Not too long ago, Half Dozen Other collaborated with Indian restaurant Dishoom to launch their tasty ‘Chai custard tart’ creation.
The sweet treat specialists supply their delicious bites to many Manchester famous eateries including some of the city’s favourites like San Carlo and Tast Catala.
At the new site, they’ll be serving baked-fresh-daily ‘classic bakes, modern takes’.
November has been a very busy month for the Half Dozen Other team as they’re halfway through running their specials of the month including a Pistachio Croissant, PBJ Cookie and a vegan Tarte Tatin Croissant.
With so much going on including ever-changing new products and its brand new Oxford Road development, the bakery is teaming up with speciality coffee brand Ozone to offer £1 coffees every day in December.
Jon Wilkin said: “We’re obsessed with creating things that didn’t exist yesterday.
“Our bakers are already working their magic while Manchester’s bars are still thumping, committing to a mind-bending graft against the clock to ensure your morning toast is worth getting out of bed for.
“Some people count sheep to fall asleep, we count pastries to stay awake. It’s our obsession, an obsession that’s growing. Speaking of growth, we’re pretty chuffed to be opening a bakery shop in Circle Square on Oxford Road. Come at us!”
Charlotte Wild, Head of Retail & Leisure at Bruntwood SciTech commented: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Half Dozen Other to the Circle Square community.
“This is a brand founded on passion, craft and innovation and one we know will thrive within our vibrant neighbourhood, which is fast becoming a city centre hot spot for hospitality innovators.
“As well as freshly baked artisan treats we are excited to be bringing a new artisan bakery to Circle Square and we can’t wait to see what the team create at their new home.
“Half Dozen Other will be joining the likes of Onda, Detroit Slims by Ramona, Firehouse & Diecast, Federal and North Taproom and will complement this exciting mix perfectly.”
Sweet tooth lovers and bread aficionados can count themselves lucky as by next month, they can add a stop at Half Dozen Other at Circle Square on Oxford Road to their morning commute serving pastries, bakes and coffees from 7am.
The Manc -
8th February 2021 
