Take a little bit of Christmas gift ingenuity from People’s History Museum (PHM) this festive season to share the spirit of democracy and solidarity. The national museum of democracy’s unique archives and collections tell stories such as votes for women, equality for all and workers rights and inspire a shop that is full of books, posters, artwork, cards, children’s activities, toys, jewellery, t-shirts, stationery and pocket money friendly fun ideas.

To make your Christmas giving sparkle with original thinking, PHM shop has selected some of its favourite items to give a flavour of what to expect on its shelves. The list features both best sellers and new items that will be available for a limited time only and represents independent companies, local products and bespoke designs. All are available at PHM Shop in Manchester city centre or online here.

For the feminist

T-shirts, bespoke jewellery and lots of books in the PHM shop will inspire the feminist in your life, but topping its Christmas gift guide are a new addition and a firm favourite.

Suffragette decorations £12.99
Fly the colours of the suffragettes on your Christmas tree this year, with two campaigning figures from history to choose from; one wearing the distinct purple, green and white of the suffragette movement and the other carrying a sandwich board with the words ‘Votes for Women’. Works of art in their own right, they are handmade making each slightly different and unique.

You can purchase here and here.

Patriarchy mug £9.99

Smashing the patriarchy is thirsty work, made all the easier if you are armed with what’s got to be the perfect feminist mug for your morning brew. Designed by Em & Friends this is a PHM must have.

You can purchase here.

For the Mancunian

PHM’s shop celebrates the national museum of democracy’s radical Manchester roots, from Manchester bees to these two new additions.

A3 Manchester print £20.00
A story in illustration; each letter of ‘Manchester’ in this beautiful print reflects the city’s evolving history. C stands for cottonopolis, R for rocket and S for suffragette, and even includes the First in the Fight banner which is part of the museum’s suffragette collection of artefacts. The work of The Sculpts studio in Manchester.

You can purchase here.

Manchester book £10.00
And the perfect creative companion for the Manchester print is the Manchester book, where the written word meets the individual image. Beautifully presented it is also the work of The Sculpts studio.

You can purchase here.

For the little ones

PHM’s shop is award winning for its approach to children’s toys and books and its collection will light up Christmas for little ones this year.

Twelve Days of Christmas William Morris book – £7.99
A beautiful Christmas gift that brings to life the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas song, paired with patterns from the V&A’s William Morris archive alongside new illustrations from Liz Catchpole.
You can purchase here.

Emmeline Pankhurst book with paper doll and banners – £12.99
PHM shop is a huge fan of the Little People, Big Dreams series and this special edition hardback book about Emmeline Pankhurst, which comes with pop-out paper doll set, banners and placards, is something every young activist should have on their Christmas list.

You can purchase here.

For the book lover

PHM’s selection of books and book sourcing service to match book with recipient are legendry. Here are a couple of newly published stand outs that would make great stocking fillers.

Diversify Spines Bibliophile book – £13.99

This book will help you diversify your reading list, bringing to light some of the underrepresented authors in the literary world. With genres to appeal to all, including classic fiction, young adult, sci-fi, cookbooks, this book aims to bring writers of colour to the fore. It includes themed book stacks and reading suggestions to provide curated book recommendations, perfect for bookworms and those who want to decolonise their bookshelves.

You can purchase here.

Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink – £9.99

As a child, Cathy Rentzenbrink always had her nose in a book. When she grew up she became a bookseller and then a writer, and found that throughout hard times books always kept her afloat. Dear Reader is a love letter to reading, exploring how books can bring you comfort and joy. Filled with personal recommendations, Dear Reader is a joy for bookworms.

You can purchase here.

For the radical

Ideas worth fighting for is the essence of People’s History Museum, one which carries through to the gifts in PHM shop.

Radical playing cards – £11.00
Everyone loves a game of cards at Christmas and with this set you’ll also come face to face with some of histories radicals, many of whose stories are explored at People’s History Museum. Over a game of whist or rummy you’ll discover writers and philosophers (diamonds), orators and visionaries (clubs), activists and revolutionaries (hearts) and feminists and suffragettes (spades).

You can purchase here.

Never Going Underground print – £20.00

This limited edition print commemorates the UK’s largest demonstration for LGBT+ rights. It took place in February 1988 in Manchester’s Albert Square in protest to Section 28, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools and local authorities and carried the powerful declaration Never Going Underground. Created by artist Kate Charlesworth, the print is inspired by her book Sensible Footwear: A Girl’s Guide, a graphic novel exploring UK lesbian history since the 1950s.

You can purchase here.

PHM shop’s opening hours reflect those of the museum; Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. UK standard delivery £4.00 or FREE for orders over £40.00.