If you’re looking for some present inspiration, we’ve rounded up some suggestions, from shopping local at independent businesses to Mackem merchandise.
9. Sunderland-made gin
Give them the gift of a Sunderland-made gift - with the added bonus of it being alcoholic. Poetic License gin, distilled at the Roker Hotel, is one of the city's most successful exports. 50,000 bottles of gin are made at the distillery each year and sold worldwide, as well as being stocked on the shelves of supermarket chains such as Asda and high-end stores including Harvey Nichols. Look out for its limited edition Rarities range where they experiment with unusual flavour profiles. Visit the online shop at www.poeticlicensedistillery.co.uk Photo: submitted
10. Foundation of Light Wildlife Calendar
A city dentist-turned-photographer has produced a calendar of stunning wildlife images to raise funds for the Foundation of Light. From a grizzly bear feasting on salmon in a river in British Columbia to puffins in the Farne Islands and even a Polar Bear in the Arctic snow, Michael has been lucky enough to experience some incredible nature scenes up close. Now, some of his best shots feature in a 2022 calendar which is raising funds for the Foundation of Light to help its community work, which helps change lives across Sunderland. It's available to buy direct from the Beacon of Light, priced £19.95, or online from www.michaeloliverphoto.co.uk Photo: michael oliver
11. Purchase from a lockdown business
Lockdown saw the city welcome a number of new independent businesses, including Nomad which has a workshop at the Eagle Building in the East End. Set up by Caroline Oxberry, it sells beautiful dried bouquets and displays, homewares and room styling. Order through her Instagram page @_nomad_floral_styling_ Photo: Stu Norton
12. A Sunderland Echo digital subscription
Give the gift of the Sunderland Echo this Christmas with a digital subscription. Enjoy unlimited access to all of the Echo's coverage online - Wearside's news, sport, lifestyle, what's on, retro and more - with fewer ads, test your brain with our interactive daily puzzles and enjoy bespoke letters from the Editor to your inbox. Visit our website www.sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/gifts for more. Use promo code BlackFriday50 to get 50% off. Photo: jpi media