Festive shopping at Manchester Museum and the Whitworth
27 Nov 2023
Get an exclusive 15% staff discount at the Museum on Monday, 4 December and the Whitworth on Tuesday, 12 December
Come along to our shops at the Museum and the Whitworth and browse at a more leisurely pace for gifts and stocking fillers.
With items starting at £1, there’s something for everyone – from postcards and pencils, beautifully illustrated books, sumptuous soaps and candles, handmade baubles, wooden toys, stunning prints, plus much more.
What’s more, you can get an exclusive 15% discount on 4 and 12 December (in-store only) on your purchases by showing your staff card, instead of the usual 10%.
By shopping from our collections, you’re helping support local, independent suppliers and good causes. For example, at the Whitworth, our jewellery collection from Pivot directly supports people experiencing homelessness by giving them training and employment opportunities.
Dates and times
- Manchester Museum: Monday, 4 December – 8:30am until 5pm (please note only the gift shop will be open; the Museum will be closed)
- The Whitworth: Tuesday, 12 December – 10am until 5pm
Deliveries straight to your desk
Stuck for time? Why not have your shopping delivered to your desk on campus? Our friendly retail team will bring your purchases to you by bicycle! Use our discount code to get 10% off your online orders.
Best buys - as picked by colleagues
“I am choosing Slow Drinks by Danny Childs because it's beautifully written and illustrated and I just want to drink everything in there! Great for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and I've recommended to all my friends. A great introduction to foraging!” - Francine Hayfron, the Whitworth Cultural Park Keeper
“My Christmas pick is the Gaza Area Beginner Embroidery Kit... I think this will make a beautiful and unique gift this Christmas. I remember doing embroidery with my Mum as a child and how relaxing and satisfying it was. I would like my daughter to give it a go so will be buying her one of these (and maybe one for myself too).” - Helen Fairs, Assistant to Dr Sook-Kyung Lee, Director of the Whitworth
“Zaitoun: Recipes and Stories from the Palestinian Kitchen is my top pick! I got this book a year ago and have been eating well since then! Amongst my favourite recipes are the roast Pumpkin, sage and maftool soup, the seared halloumi with orange, dates and pomegranate and the upside down rice with aubergines and peppers. They always go down a treat!” - Ruby Opalka, Retail Sales Assistant at the Whitworth
"I find immense joy in Josh Brown's limited edition print 'Jaws.' The piece created a real buzz during its debut at Manchester Contemporary 2023 and it’s a rare opportunity to own an edition by one of my favourite artists in Manchester. With only 50 available, grab yours while you can!"- Robert Parkinson, Retail Supervisor at the Whitworth
“I love the new range from The Hide Ranger which has been designed exclusively for us to accompany our new exhibition, Material Power, Palestinian Embroidery. The founder of the brand, Emma has taken inspiration from some of the embroidered dresses within the exhibition to create this zigzag bookmark. This product is part of the ‘Rescued!’ range; an exciting new collection that utilises leather destined for waste, such as pre-loved sofas, off-cuts from local furniture makers and small leftovers from bag making.” - Emma Gittins, Buyer and Product Developer, the Whitworth
“My favourite shop product is the bespoke chocolate range because I designed the packaging, and it is inspired by the botany collection. It’s wonderful to see my work in the shop and it tastes delicious too!” - Ian Smith, Museum Graphic Designer
“l love the Manchester Sculpts tiles as each one represents a different scene from the Museum galleries and I enjoy volunteering on the galleries.” - Margaret M, Museum Volunteer
“For my little girl I will be buying a lion backpack as she loves animals and carrying a bag with her everywhere she goes. I also love some of the jigsaw puzzles.” - Tobias Longmate, Museum Digital Content Creator
“This year I will be buying more Best Years Christmas decorations as they are great for any age and well made. I bought some for my neighbours kids last year and they were a big hit.” - James Whittaker, Museum Retail Sales Assistant
“I love the Aery Botanical Shop candles! They make great presents and smell wonderful, with a choice of three fragrances and all create an uplifting, luxurious, and tranquil mood.” - Judith Fabian, Museum Senior Executive Assistant