Moment Makers

Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall host some incredible shows and screenings all year round. Treat someone to some comedy with Stephen K Amos’ Before and Laughter or something more musical with Opera North’s Rigoletto. For some other unique experience gifts, take a look at the creative workshops at Bowery in Headingley, brewery tours at Northern Monk or a cocktail masterclass at Liquor Studio.

Green Gifting

Many of us will be trying to shop more sustainably this festive season. Adam & Eco, based in Kirkgate Market, offer 100% plastic free natural soap gift sets, wrapped in post-consumer recycled gift wrap. Zero Muda in Horsforth offer beautiful eco home accessories and Like Nana Did in Otley stock zero waste baking kits, ideal for gifting.

Foodies & Keen Cooks

Rosa’s Thai’s newly launched curry pastes make ideal gifts for the foodies in your life. They also have cook books and gift vouchers available online and in store too. Rafi’s Spicebox also offers a selection of spicy gifts, including their Christmas leftovers rescue kit – genius! For coffee lovers, head to Kapow for some single origin beans, and for the person who has everything, you can’t go wrong with a festive hamper from Bottle Chop in Headingley or George and Joseph in Chapel Allerton.

Those who deserve a pamper

To say that the last year has been a struggle is an understatement, and for some, they really need a good pamper session before we head into the new year. Liberty Emporium in Morley sells handmade bath bombs, wax melts and soaps for those who love to relax. But if you’re wanting to go all out, book an afternoon of spa treatments at Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa to take a dip in their pool and melt those stresses away.

For the Little Ones

Armadillo Toys in Chapel Allerton is full to the brim with magical toys for all ages, perfect for playing with on Christmas Day and for years to come. After visiting here, head down Harrogate Road to The Little Bookshop for a delightful collection of children’s books. For children’s clothes, take a look at Katie & May, Accent Clothing or Flavour Like Fancy in Meanwood.

Drink-lovers

When it’s Christmas time, we all love a good tipple or two. We all stash away the good stuff in the back of our cupboards and drink everything throughout the festive season. Why not head over to Latitude Wine or Once Upon a Vine in Horsforth for some specialist fine wine. And if you’re an avid beer lover, Beer Thirty in Morley stocks weird and wonderful IPAs and ales from breweries all across the UK.

Plant People

The Plant Point in the Corn Exchange is a self professed ‘jungle in the heart of the city’. With an incredible range of house plants and beautiful plant pots, you can piece together the perfect gift. Similarly, The Perfumed Garden in Chapel Allerton sells a range of indoor and outdoor plants and even fresh flower subscriptions. For plant hunting, you also can’t go wrong at Kirkgate Market.

Literature and art enthusiasts

So many of us love to get crafty, and with New Year right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pick a new hobby and get creative. Dinsdales in Headingley are a treasure trove of paints, pens, papers and other art supplies to encourage the artist in you. Fred Aldous in the city also stocks haberdashery supplies, photography film and fine art materials. But if you know somebody who loves a good book, Truman Books in Farsley have over 3000 books, both fiction and non-fiction.

Let’s not forget…

For those non-humans in your life, The Urban Pet Store in Garforth stock an incredible range of gifts, including Christmas jumpers, accessories and toys. They even have some delicious festive treats for your four legged friends to enjoy on Christmas Day. If you get in quick you may be able to grab yourself a doggy advent calendar before December 1st.