If you’re looking for some present inspiration, we’ve rounded up some suggestions, from shopping local at independent businesses to Mackem merchandise.
5. SAFC-themed Christmas gifts
The ALS shop in Sheepfolds has a great range of SAFC-themed gifts, from Steve the sprout knitted Christmas decorations and football books to red and white bobble hats and socks. Available in store or at www.a-love-supreme.com/shop Photo: submitted
6. New Christmas-themed Shipyard Girls book
Shipyard Girls Under The Mistletoe is the latest instalment from the pen of Sunderland author Amanda Revell Walton, who writes as Nancy Revell. It’s the 11th release in the series, which regularly makes the top 10 of the Sunday Times Bestsellers list, in total selling half a million copies so far. Though fictional, the books are inspired by the hundreds of real life women who took on the backbreaking work of Sunderland’s shipyards during the war, playing a huge role in the war effort. Shipyard Girls under the Mistletoe, published by Penguin, is out now priced £7.99. The books are available from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Waterstones, Amazon, WH Smiths, Gardner, independent book shops and Fulwell Post Office. Photo: submitted
7. A festive hamper
Treat your loved ones to some quality, artisan produce with this festive hamper from Fat Unicorn in Mackie's Corner. Priced £155, this version is filled with a host of cheeses, cured meats, sweet treats, drinks and more. Photo: jpi media
8. Sunderland Gift Card
Give the gift of a gift card this year, whilst keeping money in the local economy. More than 150 businesses now accept the Sunderland Gift Card which can be spent at places such as The Seaburn Inn, The Ship Isis, The Peacock, the Beacon of Light, Empire Cinema, Waterstones, Geek Retreat, House of Zen, Spent Grain, and Beaverbrooks, as well as at a number of other beauty salons, restaurants, food stores and clothes shops, as well as at florists, hairdressers and leisure outlets. The cards can be accepted anywhere that takes Mastercard and can be purchased for amounts between £5 and £500. They can be bought at www.sunderlandgiftcard.com Photo: submitted