WEARSIDE MATTERS: Sunderland full of gift ideas for Valentine's Day

Wine and dine

How about wining and dining your significant other in Sunderland’s silver-service City Bistro?

Stunningly decorated and offering a mouth-watering menu, City Bistro is a great choice for foodie couples. It might surprise you to know that City Bistro is a training-restaurant that is run by the city’s students. Working with head chef, Kelvin, who has an impressive CV that includes stints with The Potted Lobster and Jesmond Dene House, students serve up exceptional quality food and service, in an impressive 80-cover, fine-dining restaurant, in Sunderland College’s City Campus.

Music lover’s dream

If your loved one is a music fan, how about getting them something they can look forward to?

This summer, music will fill the streets of Sunniside, as Sunniside Live once again brings singing sensations to Sunderland. This year’s line-up includes soulful songstress Heather Small, who found fame with MPeople in the nineties, and indie favourites, the Happy Mondays. Day passes are available, or if your other half loves both acts, you could splash out on a weekend pass, for both July 7 and 8. To get your tickets, visit www.sunnisidelive.co.uk.

Something a bit different

If your ‘special one’ is not into the clichéd chocolates and flowers, you can find something a little more unusual in city-centre stores Menkind, Lush and Tiger. From bath bombs, to photo frames, and stationery to handy gadgets, these stores are perfect to pick up unique gifts, for your unique person.

Sparkling gifts

Pandora, Collinson’s, Swarovski, Beaverbrooks, Goldsmiths and Ernest Jones are all home to a dazzling array of glittering gifts for your loved one. From watches for him, to earrings and necklaces for her, if your other half is a fan of the finer things in life, there is no better place to explore.

Outer beauty for her

For lovers of cosmetics Lush, Debenhams, Boots, Superdrug, the Bodyshop and KIKO have no shortage of goodies. Check out Debenhams and Boots for luxury brands like Dior, Clinique and Lancome or if you’re after stunning make-up at high-street prices, Superdrug and KIKO have some great buys.

Sunderland AFC lovers

If you’re partner’s first love is Sunderland AFC, then get along to the club’s official store to bag yourself some footie favourites. Replica shirts are just £18.79, with a half-price sale running that means you can also stock up on all kinds of club merchandise for bargain prices. You don’t even need to leave the house ... get them in the bag online at www.safcstore.com

Valentine’s keepsakes

For a gift that your significant other can keep, how about something special from The National Glass Centre, home to stunning glassware, much of which is made on-site.

From heart shaped paperweights, to glass jewellery there is something for everyone. And if you want to be a little more hands on, you can even enjoy a creative day with someone special or make them a truly unique gift for Valentine’s Day. Guided by experienced glass makers, you can create a gorgeous Valentine’s Day Heart out of molten glass, for £30. Visit www.nationalglasscentre.com for more.

If none of the options have tickled your pickle, how about checking in with The Bridges shopping centre’s resident blogger Sarah Jayne Adams, who has pulled together two great guides to help ladies create a perfect Valentine’s wish list for the man who might need a little guidance? Visit the news section of www.thebridges-shopping.com for more information. And if all else fails, help them pick their own perfect present, with the Bridges Gift Card. You can top it up with anything from £5 to £500 (if you’re feeling super generous).

And don’t forget the basics …

For the essentials, get along to Clinton Cards, Card Factory and Waterstones to pick up your gift card.