It’s been a rough few weeks for businesses in Manchester, whose Christmas trade has been slashed by concerns around Omicron.
But there are ways you can support your favourite indies, while ticking off a few tricky last people on your gift list.
We’ve rounded up some brilliant Christmas gift ideas that are perfect for those people who are impossible to buy for, and give a little something back to Manchester at the same time.
Do you know of a great business we’ve missed out? Let us know on our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Restaurant vouchers
Salvi’s in the Northern Quarter
Everyone, and I mean everyone, loves going out for dinner – but with Covid cases rocketing, a lot of us are spending a bit more time at home in the run-up to Christmas.
A great way to help your favourite restaurant to weather the current storm is to buy a restaurant voucher, paying it forward to a date where things are a little calmer.
It’ll give your friends and family something to look forward to, too.
Loads of local indies offer vouchers, but a few to consider are Salvi’s, Elnecot, and Mowgli.
Secret Spa
Credit: Secret Spa
Got someone in your life who absolutely loves a pamper?
You can deliver whole spa treatments – complete with professional masseuse/nail tech/spray-tanner – to their door with Secret Spa.
Services include manicures from £27, massages from £45, and spray tans from £27, all performed in the comfort of your own home between the hours of 6am and 10pm.
Mancs can take £20 off their first book using code THEMANC – the code expires on January 31, 2022.
There are gift cards too. You can browse the lot at secretspa.co.uk.
Zymurgorium
Zymurgorium’s mini bottles
Let the festivities be gin, am I right?
Manchester’s got loads of local distilleries but if you want to have a bit of fun with your booze, it’s got to be Zymurgorium.
Beer-lovers can sip on The Cub Gin, made in collaboration with Congleton brewery Beartown; pink drink fans can go for a shimmering Realm of the Unicorn gin liqueur; and there’s even something for jam fans in the marmalade gin, made by the legendary Duerr’s.
You can order a yard of gin, a Zym Experience Pack of five little bottles, or just commit to one of their many flavours as an ideal Christmas gift.
Manchester’s beautiful bagel bakery and florist hybrid has put together the ultimate Christmas morning hamper.
You can win over the hearts of your tricky relatives by rocking up and Christmas day armed with a selection of bagels, schmears, smoked salmon, sparkling wine, coffee, juice, and a floral centrepiece.
The hampers are available to collect from Kampus on Christmas eve, but if you can’t make it, there are also gift vouchers you can pass on as an IOU.
Tipples of Manchester
It’s getting a bit close to the wire to be relying on online orders, but if you’re in the city centre you can grab some great gifts at Tipples on Lloyd Street.
This independent booze shop has got a whole library of liqueurs and spirits to suit every taste.
The staff are always happy to make recommendations if you’re really struggling too.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever
Emily Sergeant
The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and there’s a new tipple on the scene to help celebrate.
That’s right – two of the UK’s most beloved treats, Baileys and Terry’s, has dropped the ultimate collaboration and it’s launching 100 days before the big day arrives, gearing up to be the Christmas tipple of choice for chocolate orange lovers.
Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange is a limited-edition treat blending the distinctive taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream with flavours of chocolate and zesty orange.
It’s fair to say that Baileys and Terry’s Chocolate Orange are both beloved staples once the festive season rolls around, with each having taken on various different variations over the years, combining new flavour profiles to create delicious treats.
Baileys has collabed with Terry’s Chocolate Orange on the most festive tipple ever / Credit: Baileys & Tom Harrison
But surprisingly, this is the first time the two brands have come together for a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
This new collaboration between the two iconic Christmas brands is inspired by the season’s most quintessential flavours.
“For generations, Terry’s Chocolate Orange has been a staple of the Christmas season, so partnering with Baileys is an exciting way to reimagine that tradition in a new and indulgent form,” commented Lorène Decam, who is the Senior Marketing Manager at Terry’s.
“We can’t wait to see fans enjoying this irresistible treat in the run-up to and during the holidays.”
Rolling out nationwide from tomorrow (16 September), Baileys x Terry’s Chocolate Orange will come in 50cl bottles with a 17% ABV and will likely set shoppers back £11 each when they get it from leading retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Co-op.
Not only that, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on the new drink online from Amazon, as well as in selected Greene King pubs and bars.
Featured Image – Baileys & Tom Harrison (Supplied)
Christmas
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam trains are back again this Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas, and tickets are already on sale… genuinely.
Sure, it’s literally only the second week of September, and we’ve technically still got the rest of summer, and the small matter of Halloween and Bonfire Night to get through first, but East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is already looking ahead to the most magical time of year.
The heritage railway has announced that its popular ‘Santa Specials’ steam train rides are back once again from late November.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West.
You can already grab tickets for Greater Manchester’s beloved Santa steam train rides this Christmas / Credit: ELR
And in recent years, the much-loved event has been even bigger and better than ever before.
ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make ‘enchanted memories’ that last a lifetime.
The truly special Christmas day out starts as you make your way through a winter wonderland at Bury Bolton Street Station.
You’ll first get to meet some old favourites and new characters, including the magical talking Christmas tree, Mrs Claus, and ELR’s very own Ice Princess, all before before having a singalong with a chorus of musical polar bears.
The festive fun then continues on the Santa Special steam trains themselves, with an 80-minute ‘enchanting voyage’ through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
And, of course, you can expect a special visit from Santa while you’re on board.
The famous East Lancashire Railway ‘Santa Special’ steam train / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography (via ELR)
After you’ve grabbed a selfie or two with the big man himself, the grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and festive tipple, while little Mancs can enjoy a soft drink, some chocolate, and take a festive-themed activity pack home with them.
East Lancashire Railway’s famous Santa Specials are running on weekends and selected weekdays from Saturday 22 November – Wednesday 24 December.
Tickets now on sale starting from £22.50 for kids and £23 for adults.
Daisy Jackson -
17th December 2021 
