Our cultural countdown to Christmas… Today, head for interactive football gaming exhibition Pitch to Pixel, and drop into Fred Aldous for 10% off.

Not only does the National Football Museum have a football-fan-tastic exhibition on throughout December (and until 5 June 2016) in the form of Pitch to Pixel, it’s also an ideal stop off for football-related gifts. We were hugely impressed by Pitch to Pixel when we went; there’s a strong emphasis on interaction, with classic footballing computer games available to play, for free, as a hands-on way of exploring the history of football gaming. Genuinely something for all ages, this is an unexpected, but rather perfect injection of nostalgia. And, like we said, you can exit via the gift shop… Pitch to Pixel, National Football Museum, until 5 June 2016, free entry

Football gaming at the National Football Museum & a special discount at Fred Aldous

Over at stationary shop supreme Fred Aldous, meanwhile, there’s 10% off all purchases at both the Manchester and Leeds stores, as well as online. The gift guide the team put together for us demonstrates just how much they’ve got in store (27,000 craft and design products, people), with ideal picks for anything from Secret Santa to a splurge on someone special. There’s even a free Fred Aldous tote bag with every purchase over £20; you’ll need it to carry away your festive swag. Fred Aldous Christmas Shopping Event, 8.45am-5.15pm Manchester, 9am-5.30pm Leeds