We all love a good cheese board or cosy nights in putting up the Christmas tree, but chaotic December shopping crowds can put fear in even the most festive of people. No need to scramble around trying to find the true essence of your loved one - if you're looking for hassle free, personalised Christmas presents then here is a last minute Christmas gift guide for those in love with this beautiful city.
For the Corrie lover
The Coronation Street set has seen over 750,000 people walk its streets since the site became open to the public in April 2014. Most die hard fans will already be aware that the tour is ending on the December 31, but if you don't, it's your last chance to get your picture taken behind the bar of the Rovers Return before demolition in the new year. If you've been before, it may even be worth going around again to see the Christmas-themed set.
Coronation Street Tour
For the art lover
First Street's HOME is a thriving cultural hub that has been promoting innovative theatre, art and cinema since the grand opening earlier this year. For the art-lover in your life, you can purchase a gift card to use in the whole building, or you can purchase a HOME gift subscription that includes a load of benefits including 10% off the food and booze bill, plus exclusive invites to meet artists and creative teams behind the art. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, The People's History Museum offer a similar subscription service to use in their museum and cafe.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a relaxed shopping environment, the Craft and Design Centre on Oak Street is a perfect place to find unique gifts made by local artists. Katheryn Edwards can be found in studio 25 and illustrates Manchester's most iconic buildings, ranging from greeting cards at £2.50 to one off illustrations for £200 onwards. A sample of her work can be found on Etsy.
HOME
For the beer lover
Everyone loves a bit of booze under the tree, but this year keep it local. The craft beer revolution is taking over Greater Manchester, welcoming over 40 breweries and a host of regional beer festivals so as a special treat, grab a case that was brewed a few miles from home. Try Marble Brewery based in North Manchester for a local's favourite, or specialist beer shop Beermoth in Northern Quarter that has a local brewery gift box in store now.
Marble Beers
For the environment lover
For those who want more of a subtle taste of the city, give a delicious honey based present to your environment conscious loved one. Bees were adopted as the city's motif in the Industrial Revolution and and is still a strong symbol of modern Manchester, featured in the city's crest of arms and in the mosaics strewn across the Town Hall floor. Partly due to this strong Mancunion identity, there's a whole load of hive initiatives popping up in the Lancashire area, including a few on top of Manchester Art Gallery (the honey is then sold in the gallery shop subject to availability). Honey has so many health benefits for both inside and outside the body, but also has enormous benefits for the environment - the decline of bees could mean a significant shift in our natural eco system. For information on Manchester's hive co-operative, try Three Bees Co-Operative who also sell soaps, balms and edible treats all coming from their South Manchester hives.
Three Bees Coop
For the history lover
For those who think they know Manchester, give them the gift of knowledge for Christmas! Walking tours are a great way of engaging with the alternative history of the city whilst strolling around parts you never knew existed. From Manchester's eerie underground tunnels to Northern Quarter's vibrant street art, there is a something for everyone. Various groups and organisations offer tours, including Skyliner Field Trips.
The Skyliner
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.