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Surprise your family with unique experience gifts they’ll love! In a world overflowing with "stuff," experience gifts are the perfect way to create cherished memories with your loved ones. Learn how to make pizza with your little ones, surprise your mom with a flower arranging class, or take your grandma to a relaxing candle-making class. Whatever you choose, your lucky gift recipient is sure to appreciate an experience gift from you. If you’re interested in learning more, we’ve got the perfect guide to help you learn all about family experience gift ideas and how you can book one of our creative workshops today!
What are experience gifts?
Instead of a physical object that collects dust on a shelf, experience gifts offer the opportunity for the whole family to participate in a shared activity. This could be anything from a hands-on workshop where you learn a new skill together, like pottery painting or pasta making, to an exciting adventure, like photography or walking tours around the US. Experience gifts can also take the form of a delicious culinary exploration, where you can learn how to make delicious meals together with a sushi making workshop or a family pizza making masterclass. The possibilities are endless!
Giving an experience gift can help strengthen your family bond, provide a creative break from your daily routine and allow you to create fun memories together that you can look back on for years to come. As you create side by side, you can laugh, connect with each other on a whole new level and spark conversations long after the experience itself is over. They're a gift that keeps on giving, enriching your family's life in a way that material gifts simply can't.
What is a gift the whole family can enjoy?
There are a variety of experience gift ideas for the whole family to join today and help spend quality time with each other. Or try experience presents for two if you're looking for connection time with your partner. Find out our favorites below!
Get the family together for a fun painting class
For complete beginners to experienced art enthusiasts, join this family painting class in New York City! Let your family's creativity run wild and make vibrant and fun artwork with the expert guidance of a friendly teacher. From playful splattering to meticulous brushwork, there's something for every budding artist. Watch your child's face light up with pride as they hold their finished masterpiece!
Bonus tip: Turn it into a family affair! The Artist Center in NYC offers this family paint night experience, where parents and children can create side-by-side in a relaxed and social setting. No prior experience is necessary, and the focus is simply on having fun and expressing yourselves creatively.
Transport yourself to the streets of Paris with a baking class
Looking for a unique and delicious experience the whole family can enjoy? Head to a croissant baking class in NYC! Immerse yourselves in the world of French pastry making and learn the secrets behind creating these flaky, buttery delights. An experienced chef will be here to guide the family through every step of the process, from mastering the art of dough folding to achieving the perfect golden brown crust.
Imagine the whole family together in the kitchen, with the warm aroma of fresh bread filling the air as you learn to knead, roll, and shape your dough. The anticipation builds as your croissants bake in the oven, and finally, the moment of truth arrives, you take a bite into your creation, savoring the layers of buttery goodness. This delightful experience is a feast for the senses and a memory you'll all remember long after the class ends.
Get hands-on with clay hand building
This hand building workshop in San Francisco is a fantastic introduction to the world of ceramics, perfect for families with no prior experience. Under the guidance of a local ceramicist, you'll learn fundamental clay sculpting techniques like pinching, coiling and smoothing to create a unique ceramic bowl.
This hands-on experience is great for the whole family to enjoy, including little ones who will have fun with clay and grandparents who can shape ceramics with expert guidance and help. The finished pieces will serve as cherished keepsakes, reminding you of the day you spent creating together as a family.
What experience gifts are just for kids?
While many experience gifts are perfect for families to enjoy together, sometimes you might be looking for a special treat for the little ones in your life. We offer a wide variety of workshops and classes designed just for kids, fostering their independence, creativity, and sense of self-discovery.
Make fun bead necklaces and bracelets
Let your child's personality shine with a dazzling jewelry making class in NYC! These craft workshops provide a safe and engaging space for young minds to explore their creativity and design unique accessories. Using a variety of vibrant beads, charms, and findings, kids will learn basic jewelry making techniques while crafting personalized bracelets and necklaces.
If you’re looking for kids' birthday party ideas or fun things to do in NYC with kids, plan a themed jewelry making party with your child's friends! Everyone can be huddled around the table, creating custom friendship bracelets or necklaces to commemorate their special bond.
Treat your kids to a skincare making workshop
Skincare is not just for adults, kids can do it too, and make it themselves! In this fun and interactive workshop in Oakland, kids will learn about how to create natural skincare products. They'll experiment with various ingredients like essential oils, fragrances and butter to create their own personalized melt and pour soaps, body butters and more. This will help them understand exactly what goes into their skincare products and will leave them with new goodies to enjoy at home!
Master the art of wood burning
For the artistically inclined child, a wood burning course in San Francisco is an amazing experience gift for kids. In a safe and supportive setting, kids will learn the art of pyrography, the process of using a heated tool to create beautiful designs on wood. Their friendly teacher will be here to guide them through a hands-on demonstration and safety practices. From there, kids can have plenty of time to unleash their unique designs on wood and can ask any questions they have along the way.
This is a six-week course that happens at the same time each week, which is great for kids to join during the school holidays. Feel free to drop off your kids at the course, and let them have some fun with new friends and learn a new skill!
