It seems strange that in a world of interconnected virtual supermarkets, we are still scrambling around on the 24th December looking for that perfect gift that you know will make them beam with delight. Or is it? There is a certain charm to Christmas shopping in public - pottering around the different stores, listening to Christmas music, seeing all the festive decorations, maybe stopping for a coffee.
It gets you in the perfect festive mood that sitting at home in front of your laptop can't quite match. Sure, Christmas shopping can be the most stressful thing you can ever do on this planet between the queues and endless waves of frantic shoppers but I'm a big believer in 'christmas shopping is what you make of it'. If you leave everything to last minute (like me) then you are going to very stressed indeed - we want to help with that.
We have a few shopping destinations shortlisted for your convenience - some obvious, some not so obvious. There is no better place to start than to check out Trafford Centre and Manchester Arndale for all your gifting needs - you can even check out their Christmas Opening Times here. Maybe you are looking for a gift that is a little 'off the cuff'? May I suggest that you take a little peak around Afflecks in the Northern Quarter? You are sure to find something wonderfully unique in there!
You might even fancy your chances at one of Manchester's many Christmas markets that populate the city centre - there are always some great stocking fillers at Albert Square! I was wondering whether you had heard of Bud's Winter Warmer 2014, a great set of markets that have hundreds of potential gifts, all from local businesses in the area - a great initiative!
One of the many perks of living in Manchester is the abundance of great shopping locations! No matter where you decide to go this year, have fun with your shopping expedition! For all things Christmas, stay tuned to TheBestofManchester.
