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.
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.
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.
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
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
Manchester City sign record-breaking deal to extend Puma kit partnership for another DECADE
Danny Jones
Manchester City have officially signed a long-term extension with global sports brand Puma to continue making their kits for at least another decade in what has been reported as a record-breaking sponsorship deal.
The eight-time Premier League champions brought on Puma as their primary kit manufacturers six years ago, and the pair have been together during the most successful period in the club’s history.
Boasting a Treble, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and four consecutive league titles to their name throughout this time, it’s pretty much been a perfect marriage, so neither City nor Puma were likely to part ways anytime soon.
With that in mind, the collaboration has been extended by another decade in a deal reported to be worth a potential £1 billion – the same figure that made up the total prize pot for this year’s Club World Cup.
Not that we’re assuming you’re terrible at maths, but to put this into context further, this extension is worth a whopping £100 million a year, making it comfortably the most lucrative kit partnership in Premier League history.
The initial contract between Man City and the sportswear giants was worth £65 million (also spanning 10 years) back in 2019, but the prolific and highly profitable spell that has followed has led to this extension being welcomed by both parties.
Writing in a press release, the club said: “Commercially, Manchester City and PUMA have set new club sales global records, in addition to co-creating iconic, best-selling kits such as the 2022/23 Colin Bell-inspired home shirt worn during the Treble-winning season.
“PUMA and Manchester City have introduced industry-leading innovations both in terms of product and marketing campaigns over the past seasons.”
Citing crossovers with Puma subsidiary, stitchd, and brand activations such as the AI kit design competition for the 26/27 campaign, they insisted that their work together thus far has “delivered breakthrough innovation, cultural moments and commercial success, both on and off the pitch.”
#ManCity’s kit deal extension with Puma could eventually be worth £1 BILLION, with the agreement now running until at least 2034/35 and valued at £100M a season – making it the highest in Premier League history.
The club went on to add that, “This is a partnership built on shared values: performance, creativity, innovation, community and sustainability.”
Meanwhile, CFG (City Football Group) CEO Ferran Soriano, said of the fresh announcement: “We joined forces with PUMA with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons.
“PUMA have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we’ve enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally. Today’s renewal and extension solidifies our relationship and projects it to an even brighter future.”
How would you rate Man City’s Puma shirt designs up till now out of 10, Blues?
Featured Images — Press shots (via PUMA/Manchester City)
Business
Bury Food and Drink Festival returns to the borough this month
Danny Jones
Bury, brace for unbuckling your belts, because the borough’s annual food and drink festival returns for 2025 this month.
Following the inaugural event last year, Bury Food and Drink Festival (BFDF) is officially back, hoping to go even bigger and better than last summer.
Promising more traders this time around, not to mention a more fully-fledged programme than the maiden Manc feast, BFDF ’25 is shaping up to be a brilliant weekend.
Better still, with the summer sun looking like it’s sticking around for a while, it’s set to be another scorcher across Greater Manchester – the perfect weather for some more al fresco face-stuffing.
Salford Rum CompanyIddons fruit and vegCredit: Bury Market (supplied)
This year, Bury Food and Drink Festival boasts 70 different independent traders from around the local area and beyond.
In fact, over in the town centre’s Kay Gardens, there’s set to be a brand-new Hong Kong-style market featuring over 50 traders alone.
Set up by nearby favourite, Moliuliu’s Store, visitors can find gifts, jewellery and artisan craft goods, as well as tonnes of amazing flavours from around the region.
There’s also set to be a new ‘Beer and Bands’ night on Bank Street, where the festival was first born, making way for an evening of live up-and-coming local talent and brilliant Bury brews.
Organised by the Bury Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the world-famous Bury Market and local council, Bury Food and Drink Fest remains a completely free town-centre celebration of native hospitality, cuisine and culture.
The Town Centre Director for Bury BID, Nigel Shields, said of their sophomore event: “It’s a pleasure to be announcing the return of the Bury Food and Drink Festival to the town centre, and to be able to build on the success of last year’s event.
“We’ve got an exciting and diverse range of local, authentic traders joining us, showcasing the very best flavours and cuisine from Bury and all over the world. The festival is a fantastic addition to our town and what it has to offer – we can’t wait to welcome guests from far and wide across the weekend!”
You can see a full map of the festival down below.
Spanning across three days and multiple central sites, BFDF 2025 kicks off this Friday, 18 July from 9:30am, and will close between 4:30/5pm every day until Sunday.
Part-funded by Local Growth & Place Flexible Grant Funding, the aim is to promote and help give back to popular indies like The Finest Fudge Co, The Thai Food Van, Sip & Sparkle and Daily Grind, just to name a few favourites.
Councillor Charlotte Morris added: “We’re delighted to bring the food and drink festival to Bury town centre once again. The fantastic range of businesses involved is testament to the strength of food and drink offering here in Bury, and the appetite (literally!) for exciting events.
“The festival will be a chance to explore Bury, support local business, try something new and enjoy flavours from all over the world. We look forward to welcoming visitors from Bury and beyond!”
Find all the details around timings and all the other important info HERE.
A trip to Bury Market usually ends with us spending far too much on two things: chocolate and cheeseThe Thai Food Van
The Manc -
8th February 2021 
