For the Love of Local: Chef Mary-Ellen McTague’s Holiday Gift Guide

Still searching for that perfect present? Whether you’re wrapping up your holiday shopping or just getting started, Chef Mary-Ellen McTague’s Winter Gift Guide has you covered. As the Chef Partner of Pip, nestled within the soon-to-open Treehouse Hotel Manchester, Mary-Ellen knows a thing or two about celebrating local. Her handpicked selection of gifts highlights Manchester’s incredible independent makers, each crafting with love and care to bring extra holiday spirit to your season.

From ceramics to stationery, plants to pantry staples, these thoughtful treasures are all about supporting community, creativity, and giving gifts with meaning. So, skip the big-box stores and head straight to the heart of Manchester with these local gems.

The Letter Arty

For the friend who still sends handwritten notes, look no further than The Letter Arty. Based in Pollard Yard, this stationery haven is brimming with unique cards and paper goods that make even the smallest gesture feel personal and special.

Frida Cooper Ceramics

Handmade with care and perfect for any home, Frida Cooper’s ceramics are a Pollard Yard treasure. Whether you’re gifting a statement mug or a one-of-a-kind vase, these pieces are guaranteed to bring warmth and character to any space.

Northern Lights

Gift greenery this season with Northern Lights’ plants and floral arrangements. Add a bottle of wine to the mix, and you’ve got a perfectly curated gift bundle that’s sure to please.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

If you’re after variety, this creative hub in the Northern Quarter is your go-to. Home to independent makers offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to quirky art pieces, it’s an endless source of inspiration for unique finds.

Rebecca Morris Ceramics

Beautiful, functional, and handcrafted with love, Rebecca Morris Ceramics offers stunning crockery and bespoke pieces that add a touch of artistry to the everyday. Rebecca is also creating custom ceramics for Pip, ensuring her work is infused with Manchester’s local flavor and creativity. From plates to serveware, her designs are timeless gifts that bring both elegance and heart to the table.

Studio Critical

For the design-lover in your life, Studio Critical offers beautifully crafted wooden furniture and objects, handmade in their Chorlton studio. Using naturally fallen trees from in and around Manchester and UK-sourced, well-managed hardwoods, their creations are as sustainable as they are stunning. From functional pieces to decorative objects, each item reflects a deep commitment to craft and sustainability—perfect for adding timeless charm to any space.

Eat Well MCR Merch

Support a cause and gift with purpose through Eat Well MCR’s merchandise. From tote bags to t-shirts, their pieces not only look good but also do good by supporting Manchester’s local food community. Every purchase supports chef-made meals for families in need across Greater Manchester—beautiful gifts with a meaningful impact.

Shopping locally isn’t just about finding beautiful gifts, it’s about celebrating the creativity, talent, and heart of Manchester. This holiday season, let’s give gifts that tell a story, and show the ones we care about just how special they are. From all of us at Treehouse Hotel Manchester, opening in 2025, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and a little local magic.