Manchester has it all, so if you’ve not thought about gifts for your other half this Valentine’s Day, strap in for our big ideas. We’ve got suggestions for the classic couples out there, to those who like to do something out of left field – think flowers and chocolate to pottery and unique experiences, all for the best Valentine’s gifts just for you in Manchester.
1. An indulgent spa day in (or out of) the city
Give the gift of relaxation and total serenity this Valentine’s, to both your partner and yourself, with a spa day, treatment or even a hotel stay at one of our many spas in the city centre, or even outside of Greater Manchester for some country air. Whether it’s RE:TREAT, Marriott Piccadilly, The Midland or another city centre oasis, hop along after work or even take the day off and treat your partner – or go further afield to the likes of The Swan, Carden Park or The Manor House, and get away from it all. True wellness.
👉 See our spa guide here.
2. Flowers from one of Manchester’s many independents
We’re properly spoilt for choice in Manchester when it comes to plant and flower shops – we just love a botanical! Whether you pop into Northern Flower or Giraffe Flowers, you’re sure to get your hands on the most beautifully crafted fresh bouquet, and there’s always the option to order ahead of time, if you’re just that organised! We also have the boujee option of going down to Selfridges on Exchange Square, and the Trafford Centre, as Northern Quarter florist Frog Flowers has a plot in the luxury accessories department, providing beautiful art-led creations that feel really special. A must for Valentine’s Day! Plus, many of these flower shops offer workshops and masterclasses, perfect for partners who love to get involved.
👉 See our flower shop guide here.
3. Treat them to a meal out in Manchester
We have some amazing restaurants here in Manchester, and whether you’re a fan of fine dining, or a sucker for a tear-and-share, there’s something for every kind of couple. Special Valentine’s menus are available at the likes of Sexy Fish and Six by Nico, with offers worth taking up this February at The Blues Kitchen and Wolf at the Door. A meal out doesn’t have to be expensive or opulent, but just letting your partner know how much you care for them, through the medium of amazing food, can mean more than words – after all, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, as they say.
👉 See our restaurant guide here.Â
4. A ridiculously beautiful box of doughnuts from DGHNT
When we say ridiculously beautiful, we mean it. Never has so much care been taken when crafting doughnuts, but it’s a daily occurrence at DGHNT in Manchester. Whilst DGHNT offer really very niche flavour combinations, making for truly unique options, they can also provide a mixture of their amazing doughy creations, making sure your partner (and most likely you) can sample what they have to offer. Not only are their doughnuts great to look at, bringing some art to the doughnut world, after a maximum of five seconds of staring, they’ll taste immense too.
đź“Ť DGHNT, Mackie Mayor, Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU.
5. Tickets to a gig or show
There’s so much going on in theatre and gig land this February in Manchester, so why not give the gift of pure joy this Valentine’s day? There’s truly nothing better than dancing around for a few hours without a care in the world to one of your favourite artists, or getting immersed in the story and performance at a live show, and to be gifted one of these will show true love and care. Whether your other half is a pop princess or heavy metal rocker, a musical fiend or always looking for the newest incarnation of Macbeth, Manchester is the perfect place for live entertainment.
👉 Find our guides for gigs here, and theatre shows here.Â
6. A luxurious stay at one of Manchester’s many hotels
Manchester is full of beautiful staycation destinations, and whether you’re a bougie couple, or like to keep it casual, there’s a hotel for you. Imagine a cheeky romantic getaway at one of the city’s most iconic spots, like The Midland or King Street Townhouse, or perhaps a jaunt to the stylish Hotel Gotham or beer-focused Brewdog Hotel – you’ll be in the good books until next February.
👉 See our hotel guide here.
7. Beers from North Taproom or The Old Pint Pot
With new breweries and very well-stocked pubs popping up almost weekly in Manchester, an unusual gifting option could be right on your doorstep. Relatively new opening North Taproom brings a lively edge to the new and developing Circle Square, just off Oxford Road. The brewery has a variety of house-brewed craft beers, from light pilsners and pale ales, to dark stouts, as well as Negronis on tap, and the fun, light ambience makes for a fuss-free gift this Valentine’s Day for the beer lover in your life.
Another great option is The Old Pint Pot in Salford, with a riverside terrace to chill and sip on warmer days, and an array of classic pub games. The Pint Pot benefits from your usual pub draughts to some real craft gems, all for really affordable prices. Either of these options make for a less conventional Valentine’s gift, but there are definitely people in Manchester who’d appreciate a beer more than anything!
đź“ŤÂ North Taproom, Vita East, Circle Square, Nobel Way, Manchester, M1 7FA | The Old Pint Pot, Adelphi Street, Salford, M3 6EN.
8. Coffee from one of Manchester’s caffeine hotspots
Whether you’re a caffeine afficionado, or prefer a decaf (that’s OK too), we can all agree that a coffee date is one of the small pleasures in life – so why not treat your other half to a really lovely coffee and sweet treat this Valentine’s Day? With the likes of Federal, Bold Street Coffee, Just Between Friends and Allpress in our midst, there’s no shortage of great quality coffee in Manchester, and if you’re looking for a more quirky experience, there’s House of Books and Friends, Chapter One and Animaid to keep you on your toes.
Plus, if cosy comfort is what you’re looking for, you won’t struggle, as the likes of ManCoCo, Ancoats Coffee Co and so many more act like a warm hug on a cold day, so you can dodge the elements and get cuddled up this V-Day.
👉 See our coffee shop guide here.
9. Paint your own pottery at Pottery Corner
Ever since Ghost came out in 1990, pottery has been a symbol of romance and seduction. Now you can try your hand at clay classes and pottery painting yourself at Chorlton‘s Pottery Corner. Whether your partner is a dab hand with heaps of creativity, or a complete novice, Pottery Corner has activities for any level.
A class together or a dual painting session could be a lovely way to say ‘I love you’, spending time together and getting something out of it at the end, but equally Pottery Corner offers take-home kits for those more confident in their own space. Either offering would be a great Manchester-based Valentine’s gift and could awaken the creativity in both you and your other half.
đź“Ť Pottery Corner, 34 Beech Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9EL.
10. Chocolates from Cocoa Cabana
Manchester is truly a chocolate lover’s paradise, with endless choices of sweet treat spots. Cocoa Cabana is full to the brim with the stuff, offering all kinds of cake, brownies, and hot drinks overflowing with chocolate.
Their specially crafted artisan chocolates and truffles take the biscuit, though, displayed in their counters, made with quality ingredients and beautiful designs. Chocolate may have become a Valentine’s clichĂ©, but at Cocoa Cabana you can be sure to pick up something truly special, and delicious, often catering to dietary requirements.
📍 Cocoa Cabana, 7 Murray St, Ancoats, Manchester, M4 6HS | 168 Burton Rd, West Didsbury
Manchester, M20 1LH.
11. Fever gift card for various shows and experiences
Shows and experiences are always good presents, but sometimes allowing the recipient to choose their preferred activity can be the best way to go about it – enter, the Fever gift card. Fever offer so many different experiences, from comedy shows to luxurious meals, and Candlelight concerts to festivals, and a Fever gift card gives you the option to gift any one of these, both to your Valentine and yourself if you so choose. The gift cards are valid for one year from purchase and can be used anywhere in Manchester – you could even plan a hometown city break around the event you choose!
👉 You can purchase a Fever gift card here.