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
Rochdale AFC have revealed their preferred investor as takeover talks continue
Danny Jones
Rochdale AFC have this week revealed their “preferred investor” as they look for someone to take over the Greater Manchester club.
Having been relegated from the EFL after 102 years in May 2023 and with their financial struggles worsening in 2024, the National League side has now named local businessman Sir Peter Ogden as the man they hope will complete a full buyout.
It was only last month that club chairman Simon Gauge confirmed The Dale needed a “£2 million cash injection” and now the period of exclusivity with World Soccer Holdings LLC – the Texas-based company that initially saved them from liquidation – they are now hoping the Rochdale-born and bred will swoop in.
Ogden is one of the founders of Computacenter, one of the UK’s largest computer businesses and also founded a trust of the same name along with his wife, Lady Catherine Ogden, with both still playing a key role in the local community, as well as physics and education.
Although World Soccer Holdings have now submitted an official letter of intent of their own as they hope to make their control permanent, the Ogden family have now shared a lengthy statement detailing how they hope to bolster the club should the takeover go ahead.
“We are a family with strong Rochdale roots… Our charity, the Ogden Trust, which primarily supports the teaching and learning of physics in under-represented groups, has various ongoing initiatives in Rochdale schools.”
“We were made aware of the Club’s difficulties in recent weeks, and we held constructive initial meetings with the Club and the Dale Supporters Trust. We have since been monitoring the situation while the Club has been in exclusive discussions with WSH LLC. We were informed that the exclusivity period has expired and have since stepped up our discussions and diligence efforts.”
It goes on to describe the team andthe Rochdale AFC Community Trustas“assets of immense value which need to survive”, insisting that they intend to make a full offer once they have carried out their due diligence and “all stakeholders have sufficient chance to review and consider our proposal.”
Acknowledging that time is not on their side, the potential investors have also confirmed that emergency funds have been released to Rochdale to allow them to continue operating over the next month or so as they prepare an official investment offer before the end of the season.
The statement also assures that this period will allow them to formulate long-term plans for both the first team and academy operations, signing off by insisting they will be keeping “the interests of the community at heart.”
As for WSH, they have previously assured they want to properly invest in the club, reiterating in their letter of intent: “We could not let 100 years of history go to waste, and we believe we can work together to elevate the Dale back to its previous heights and beyond.”
With Gauge having already warned that internal finances are unlikely to last much longer, a decision will have to be made soon.
Regenerage – One of the largest charity shops in the UK has opened in Bolton
Emily Sergeant
One of the largest charity shops in the UK has opened its doors at a popular Greater Manchester retail park this week.
The independently-run Regenerage superstore is the newest resident at the massively-popular Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton – which also happens to be the biggest retail park in the UK too.
Regenerage Bolton – previously known as Age Concern Central Lancashire – is the first to be launched under the brand’s new name.
Inside the huge 10,958 sq ft store, shoppers will be able to find everything from ladies and menswear, to homeware, furniture, and children’s clothing too, plus books, and new white goods – including washing machines, fridge freezers, and more.
Not only that, but there’s also a specially-created bridal and occasional wear department too.
This means customers will have the unique chance to pick up the perfect pre-loved items for upcoming occasions, like weddings and proms, in excellent nearly-new condition – with many items having been donated after just one wear.
And if all of that didn’t sound brilliant enough as it is, you can even get your hands on designer brands like Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, without the hefty price tag.
“We’re incredibly excited to be finally opening the doors of our new superstore,” commented Bel Fry, who is the Director of Retail at Regenerage.
“It’s the largest store we have ever launched and the whole team has worked tirelessly to make it stand out from the crowd. I have been blown away by the quality of items coming through the doors, and it’s a real testament to the generosity and kind-heartedness of local people for the range of products we are able to offer customers.
“We’re thrilled to be part of Middlebrook Retail Park, and we can’t wait to make our opening day one to remember.”
The new Regenerage store opens at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 20 March), and the first 100 customers through the doors will be given a free branded tote bag to pop their shopping in.
As part of the grand opening, anyone purchasing an item on the day will be entered into a special prize draw with the chance to win a £50 voucher to spend in-store too.