The Rock Christmas gift guide

After shopping in Manchester city centre last weekend and getting caught up in a Christmas rush crush, I decided it was high time I escaped the bustling city centre and tried a different shopping experience. The Rock Shopping and Entertainment destination in Bury was my destination for continuing my Christmas shopping, calmly.

Taking the tram from Manchester was surprisingly quick and easy and upon arrival I was greeted by all my favourite stores including H&M, Topshop and Primark. All the shops were in close proximity which made my shopping venture a whole lot easier too. Come lunch time I was spoilt for choice with the array of eateries such as independent, fashionista haunt, Barista, Frankie & Benny's, Nandos, Pizza Express and numerous coffee shops.

As well as all the regular high street stores, the Rock also welcomes in newcomers such as TV & Video Direct. This particular shop caught my eye as I often struggle to find gifts for my tech-loving brother. TV & Video Direct is an independent electrical specialist with top quality brands such as Bose, Hitachi, Sony, Toshiba, Samsung and Panasonic to name but a few. Other new and exciting shops also include Sole Food – another independent offering the latest men's fashion and classic footwear and The Entertainer – the largest independent toy retailer in the UK.

Having spent the entire day shopping in perfect holiday harmony, I’d say the Rock is my kind of place for sane shopping this Christmas and with all your favourite shops and more, Christmas shopping just got so much easier...

Here's my pick of Christmas presents courtesy of the Rock...

LG 32” TV £329.99 (TV & Video direct)

Homedics quad massager £10 (Debenhams)

Cupcake Teapot £20 (Debenhams)

Matthew Williamson Kids dress £20.50 (Debenhams)

Kids S.O.S set £25 (Debenhams)

Gruffalo scrambled snake board game £14 (Debenhams)

Julien Mc Donald picture frame £12 (Debenhams)

Just pink beauty bag £6 (Next)

Men's t-shirt £26.99 (Superdry)

Me to You pyjama case £20 (Next)

Men's red heck shirt £64.99 (Superdry)

Girls roller blades £34.00 (The entertainer)

Girls sleeping bag £10.00 (The entertainer)

Kids real construction set £10 (The entertainer)

Pop jamz guitar £25 (The entertainer)

Hacienda white t-shirt £39 (Sole food)

Fred Perry check scarf £39 (Sole food)

Men's Carhart hat £18 (Sole food)