North East romantics can make more than one person happy this Valentine’s Day, by giving the gift of a Sunderland City Gift Card.
Buying one of the cards – which can be spent in more than 150 different outlets across the city – means that not only can a loved one choose something special for themselves, but it is also playing an important role in boosting the local economy.
And that means that it’s a great way to spread the love on the most romantic day of the year, allowing people to show they really care.
The cards can be spent in everything from restaurants to beauty salons to hotels, meaning that they can easily be used by the recipient for a treat of their choosing.
Or they can also be exchanged for jewellery, clothing or even flowers at one of the many outlets which have signed up to be part of the scheme.
The cards are available in a physical, hard copy or can now be sent as an E-card which can go directly to the recipient as a text or email, which they can add to their digital wallet balance via the Love Local app.
It’s also a great solution for anyone who has left gift buying to the last minute and need to come up with something fast.
The gift card scheme is part of the city-wide Reopening the High Streets Safely project, delivered by Sunderland BID in partnership with Sunderland City Council to encourage people to return to the high street following the pandemic.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, believes that the cards tick all the Valentine’s Day boxes.
“The cards can now be spent in so many different types of business, it makes a really great gift idea,” she said.
“It means the recipient can choose something they really want or it can be spent on an experience such as a trip to the cinema, theatre or eating out in one of the city’s many great restaurants.
“The added bonus is that by buying a card it’s not just a great way to let someone know they’re loved and appreciated, but it is also supporting businesses across Sunderland.”
Both physical cards and E-cards can be ordered at www.sunderlandgiftcard.com. Digital cards are available from £10 upwards and actual cards from £5.