It’s a waste of money receiving them, and an even bigger waste buying them, so how about trading in the Lynx Africa deodorant set for something a little more unusual? Here are the best gift shops in Manchester to buy your unique Christmas gifts this year…
Ferrious
On the hunt for some contemporary and original homeware? Well, we have the place for you. Ferrious holds an impressive collection of designer gifts, furniture and lighting that would make perfect and practical gifts for friends and family. Perhaps you have friends that have just moved into a new house. Don’t waste your money on a bottle of wine or a cheap bunch of flowers, get something that they need! Ferrious is the home to many well-known designer brands such as Vitra, Moooi, Flos and ArchitectMade, meaning every item on sale is chic, classical and quality. Who knows, maybe you’ll ‘accidentally’ buy a new sofa and a few lamps for the living room while you’re in there too…
Arch 61, Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WQ
Oklahoma
Anyone who lives in Manchester city centre has heard of Northern Quarter’s Oklahoma- the weird and wonderful home of unique gifts and homeware. First established in 1997, Oklahoma has remained a popular destination for shoppers who are on the search for gifts with a personality. From eccentric kitchenware to books, stationary, toys, cards, wraps, books and novelty items, there is nothing High Street’s most vibrant shop doesn’t sell. And, if you’re looking for something truly unique, Oklahoma works with small independent designers only, so you can rest assured everything you buy will be extra special.
High Street, Manchester, M4 1ES
Scribbler
First and foremost a card shop, Scribbler has a card for you and your occasion. However, their strength lies in their comedic cards which are, if I do say so myself, god damn hilarious! To complement their funny, laidback vibe, Scribbler also offers a small range of gifts that are bound to make you giggle. From lightsaber barbeque tongs to whoopee cushions, you’ll not leave empty handed when you step into the colourful sanctuary that is Scribbler’s. And, it’s pretty cheap too!
14 Market Street, Manchester. M4 3AT
Piccadilly Records
Would you believe that one of the world’s best independent record shops is here in Manchester? Well, I wouldn’t be lying. Piccadilly Records has been in business since 1978 and has become one of the leading stockists for rock, pop, indie and alternative music records on the planet. Voted the Best Record Store at Giles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards, and having featured in countless newspapers including the Observer’s World’s Best Shops, Piccadilly Records is one of Manchester’s most iconic stores, so what better place to pick up some classic vinyl’s or CD’s for your friends and family? It doesn’t get much more Rock n Roll that this.
53 Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JR
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a generous indoor space made up of 16 studios and stalls. Each workplace is hired by individual businesses all of whom sell a range of beautiful, often handmade prints, jewellery, ceramics and homeware. Whether you’re searching for something sentimental or unconventional, Manchester Craft and Design Centre is certain to have what you’re looking for tucked away in one of its many stalls. Oh, and if you happen to get a little thirsty, take a seat and enjoy a hot drink and some snacks at its handy indoor café.
17 Oak Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 5JD
Scoots Suits and Boots
Everyone knows a mod. Come on- it’s Manchester for gods sake. But buying for them is pretty tricky- I mean, there are only so many Ben Sherman t-shirts one person can have. Trade in the designer crap this year for something truly retro. Head to Scoots Suits and Boots in Oldham for your Christmas shopping this year and take your pick of vintage, Mod, Retro and skinhead clothing at a pretty MODerate price. You’ll save a fortune!
72 Yorkshire Street, Oldham, OL1 1SR
Fred Aldous Ltd
Fred Aldous Ltd is Manchester’s very own arts and crafts sanctuary. However, it goes far beyond glitter gel pens and coloured paper. Fred’s advertise a range of ‘make your own’ craft kits that sees customers creating their own glass, ceramics, jewellery, basketry, lampshades, beads and cane seating. As well as stocking every art material you could imagine, including paint, spray paint, pens, ink, oil pants and canvases brushes, the Lever Street harbour even stocks equipment for metal work, candle making, mould making, scratch building, wood craft and clay work. So if you have any arty friends, you know where to go to get your Christmas gift with a difference.
37 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1LW
MenKind
As you can tell from the name, MenKind is a whacky shop in the Arndale centre that sells anything from novelty poo’s to high-tech gadgets (everything men love, right?). Whether you’re on the hunt for a joke present or something special, MenKind has a surprisingly varied range of weird and wonderful gifts that are sure to put a smile on your boyf/pals’ face. And if you’re strapped for time or don’t want to face the Christmas crowds, MenKind also offer an online service for quick, easy, stress-free purchasing.
29a Barbirolli Mall, The Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ
