As the festive season descends upon Manchester, it means the start of jolly (or dreaded) Christmas shopping. When it comes to gift giving, some rely on trusty gift cards, while others enjoy taking a look round the shops to find the ideal present. Thankfully, the city boasts an array of shopping destinations that cater to every taste and budget, making it a great place to find unique gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
From luxurious department stores to quaint independent markets brimming with unique finds, Manchester is a treasure trove for shoppers seeking an ideal Christmas present. Whether you’re after high-end fashion, quirky creations, artisanal crafts, gourmet treats or cute stocking fillers, these destinations promise to make your Christmas shopping trip in Manchester less mundane and more merry. So, check out our round-up of some of the best shopping spots in Manchester to hunt down the perfect Christmas gift.
1. Manchester Craft & Design Centre
For over 40 years, Manchester Craft & Design Centre in the Northern Quarter has been home to some of the region’s most talented independent designers and makers – so not only will you finding a one of a kind gift, you’ll be supporting a small business. Offering refuge from the busy Manchester shopping streets over Christmas, you’ll find 20 studios selling the likes of textiles, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, glass, prints, homeware, cards and wrapping. Manchester Craft & Design Centre is hosting free festive craft workshops meaning you can even create a gift for your loved ones including ceramic or spiral hanging Christmas decorations. The centre is also home to cafe Fred’s where you can grab a bite and cuppa.
📍Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, Manchester, M4 5JD.
2. Afflecks
Considered a Manchester institution, you’ll also find Afflecks in the Northern Quarter and it is quite the shopping emporium so you’re likely to find cracking Christmas gifts. The building, which has been going for over 40 years, is home to over 60 independent traders selling everything from bath bombs to badges, vinyls to nail varnish. Come away from Afflecks with a new poster, figurine, artwork, house plant or even a cassette to add to your recipient’s collection – whatever you’re looking for, Afflecks has got it.
📍Afflecks, 52 Church St, Manchester, M4 1PW.
3. The Pop-Up Club
The Pop-Up Club is bringing its innovative retail model to Manchester as it returns to the city to bring small businesses and independent traders to shoppers this Christmas. The store inside Manchester Arndale is open from 10am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Shoppers will be able to choose from the carefully curated traders on offer including independent retailers such as beautifully hand-painted watercolour illustrations from By Tilly, celestial and nature inspired jewellery by Sian Mellor designs and beaded bracelets from That Wild Feeling. It’s also helping to promote local talent as it shares the work of Manchester based unique printed homewares from Lydia Meiying.
📍The Pop-Up Club, Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ.
4. The Trafford Centre
Classed as one of the largest shopping centres in the country, The Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, is bound to have the Christmas gifts you’re looking for. Easy to get to via car, tram or bus, you’ll find all the big retail names that many know and love, whether it’s a specific item or gift card from those stores that your giftee desires. Shoppers can also browse shops from renowned designers as well as stores like M&S, John Lewis and Sephora that are home to a variety (and sometimes hard to find) brands. Plus, with a massive food court and an array of cafes, restaurants and bars across the building, there are plenty of spots to take respite during your Christmas shopping spree.
📍The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8EH.
5. Makers Markets
Offering an alternative from the usual Christmas market huts of the city centre, the Makers Markets in Manchester and Salford continue throughout the festive season, with wonderful markets popping up in MediaCity, Ancoats, Stockport, the Northern Quarter, Chorlton, Sale, West Didsbury and Prestwich between 1st−22nd December. Get your gift-buying on whether it’s jewellery, art, food, clothing or anything you might stumble across at these artisan markets, and perhaps get something for yourself too. You can find a full line up of locations and dates on the Makers Market website.
📍 Various locations.
6. Selfridges
Luckily for shoppers, there is not one but two Selfridges to visit in Greater Manchester for your Christmas shopping needs. The Christmas hampers from Selfridges filled with the likes of Panettone, pantry items and Prosecco are great for foodies and if you simply can’t decide just one festive food and drink item for them. Plus you’ll find plenty of luxurious (and tasty) stocking fillers alongside high-end fashion brands, beauty products, jewellery, homeware and gifts for kids all under one roof. Unsure what to get that’ll put a smile on your giftee’s face? Get a Selfridges gift card so they can pick what they fancy.
📍Selfridges, 60 The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 8DA | 1 Exchange Square, Manchester, M3 1BD.
7. Harvey Nichols
Another luxury department store in Manchester that really comes alive during the festive season is Harvey Nichols. From fashion to food hampers, kids to kitchenware, beauty to bags galore, there’s bound to be something that’ll likely catch your eye for a gift to family members, friends or even yourself. With an extensive food market filled with tasty treats and deli delights as well as an impressive wine shop, Harvey Nichols is a haven for food and drink connoisseurs and great for those set to entertain this Christmas. But as well as offering food and drink hampers, Harvey Nichols even have beauty hampers for those looking for some self-care this Christmas and into the new year. And with a bar overlooking Manchester’s Exchange Square, you can rest those weary feet post-shopping with some delicious festive food, a drink and a view – ’tis the season after all!
📍Harvey Nichols, 21 New Cathedral Street, Manchester, M1 1AD.