Our Christmas Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The decorations are up, the Christmas playlist is on and we’re comparing notes on our favourite spots for a mulled wine after work. Christmas is all about indulging in the finer things as we raise a toast to the past year, ready to welcome the next. Here at the Chapter 81 HQ, we’re doing just that. We have gathered a list of our favourite gift ideas from Leeds providers to share with your loved ones.

Shop Local

Nothing says you care like a voucher, right? Well, that depends on what the voucher is for. With artisan cheese mongers such as George & Joseph, wine and spirit merchants Latitude Wines and Wayward Wines these are the kind of vouchers that are bound to put a smile on someone’s face. Alternatively, if you prefer to pop in, the folks there are all really friendly and knowledgeable so can happily make a recommendation. Likewise with Little Leeds Beerhouse. Or perhaps you want to treat the future you with a meal next year. Nothing beats those January blues like a dinner out somewhere at one of your fave places. What about Bundobust vouchers? 

You could swing by your local indie and see if they do vouchers. It’s a great way to spread the good word and shout about some of Leeds’ many hidden gems.

Leeds Corn Exchange

Leeds Corn Exchange is the place to pick up a special gift that you won’t find anywhere else on the high street. There’s a seemingly endless supply of original gifts across the indie shops there stocking everything from handmade candles, luscious plants, posters, artwork and books, jewellery, clothes and homeware.

Annual pass for Thackray

Pay once for admission to Thackray Museum of Medicine and enjoy unlimited entry for a whole year. Following the completion of an exciting four-million-pound redevelopment, there are even more galleries to explore. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world. Thackray have a host of activities, talks and tours that run throughout the week and are open daily from 10am – 5pm. Adult tickets are £11.95 and a family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) is £43. Entry to Sparks! Play Area is also included with any adult ticket so for family fun, that’s good va lo lue, it’s hard to beat.

Rolling Social Events

Creators of The Christmas Market at Leeds Corn Exchange and Leeds Rum Festival, Rolling Social Events’ are always something to mark in the diary. Last year they added a Whisky Festival and Tequila Festival to their collection of high quality events that celebrate quality spirits alongside fun and education. For 2023 they are kicking things off with a Scotch whisky tasting to celebrate Burns Night, a French wine & cheese Sip Along in Feb (which is SOLD OUT) and the second Leeds Whisky Festival and Leeds Tequila Festival in April. Buy a ticket now and have something to look forward to in 2023. Ticket and info here.

Theatre

Leeds Playhouse have recently shared their listings for Spring/Summer 2023 so why not book tickets and give the gift of something to look forward to. Make a day of it with lunch or dinner at one of Leed’s many great restaurants nearby. Shows are now listed right up to August with everything from Shakespeare such as Henry V to modern classics like Lord of The Flies and new productions like The Polar Bear (Is Dead) plus a variety of dance, ballet comedy and family favourites. For full listings see here.

Ready, Steady… Bake It

Know any bake off fans? Then this gift is for them. Ready, Steady…Bake It is a live-baking event for two people. Pairs work together to create a themed bake against the clock in 90 min. Once the bakes are completed, a judge will pick a winner. Everyone gets to take their bake home – but you decide if it’s for sharing or not.  A perfect recipe for couples, friends, family or colleagues. The baking theme changes each month. Check out their website for more details.  Vouchers available.

Stuzzi Hampers

During December, head down to Stuzzi between 12 and 6pm on Sunday for their Christmas market and gift shop. Eat and drink while you peruse the selection of imported Italian produce and their very own Stuzzi gin. Perfect gifts for friends and family who enjoy cooking with fantastic ingredients or people that just like to eat and drink awesome stuff.  

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

If you know someone who is interested in world class art and the great outdoors, why not surprise them with a membership to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. With a 12 month subscription, members can enjoy all kinds of exclusive perks and benefits including discounts in the shop and on all food and drink. There are a range of Membership options available. For more information see here.

Local Booze

We’re fortunate that Leeds is home to an impressive number of quality brewers and drink producers, creating everything from vodka, gin rum and vermouth to beer and cask ales.  Have a look at the offerings from Libation Rum, Wolfe Bros, North Brewing Company, Kirkstall Brewery, Meanwood Brewery, Northern Monk, Stuzzi Gin, John Roberts Botanic Request, Hotham’s Gin, Royal Armouries Gin to fill your booze cabinet and impress your friends.

The Owl

Sometimes, going out for a special meal is a cause for celebration itself.  The Owl serve modern, British food, using the best local fish, meat and game all year round. For Christmas Eve they have a five course lunch menu served 12 – 3pm. They are open for lunch and dinner on New Years Eve for a five or eight course menu with optional wine pairings. Go on, treat yourself, it’s Christmas but it very well be too late.