5 Unique Gift Ideas When You Need a Last Minute Present

Sometimes finding the perfect gift can be a tough task. Whether you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift, a birthday present for your BFF, or a way to say thank you to your team our unique experience gift ideas in NYC will make things a whole lot easier.

Don’t feel guilty about waiting until the last minute or not being able to come up with a grand gesture. A fun workshop is not only an alternative to the usual bouquet of flowers or generic gift card, it’s a way to give your loved one or colleague something they will truly enjoy. Presents may provide joy in the moment, but giving a hands-on experience will create lasting memories.

If your friend loves fancy candles, you can treat her to a candle making workshop so she can create her own. Or if your mom can’t get enough of baking, a croissant making class will help level up her skills. Giving a fun experience is a thoughtful way to show someone you care, so read on for some of our favorite NYC gift picks this year.

Go with the flow and try fluid art

If painting seems too advanced or a bit intimidating, there’s another way you can create with paint that’s just the thing for any budding artist. Fluid art is fun and perfectly imprecise, making it an ideal activity for anyone just starting out with acrylic paints. 

By pouring, dropping, or swiping paint onto a surface, you create gorgeous patterns that never turn out exactly the same. Not only does this help with experimentation and creativity, fluid art can be meditative and relaxing. By being unpredictable, you won’t know exactly what you’ll end up with when you start, but you’ll be mesmerized by the process. You can use a canvas, wooden boards, or even create bearbrick art.

If you have a loved one who’s always wanted to tap into their inner artist, a fluid art workshop is a great place to start. This is an accessible NYC art class for all levels and you’ll learn all the paint pouring techniques to end class with a unique piece to take home and treasure.

Make your own ceramic mug

Making pottery may sound amazing but might be a bit intimidating for some. If wheel throwing seems too advanced, a hand building class is the way to go. Start off slowly and learn how to make the perfect mug with a class in Manhattan. All of us have the ideal qualities in mind when it comes to choosing the vessel to drink our morning coffee or afternoon tea. A pottery DIY project lets you customize one to your exact specifications.  

This is a creative experience anyone can enjoy, even if you’re a complete beginner. There’s something soothing about sinking your hands into clay and working it into a beautiful piece of pottery. Your instructor is a local artist who will walk you through each step, showing you how to roll out and build up the clay using tools and techniques.

Making a ceramic object is a great way to learn a creative skill and experience what it’s like to work in a pottery studio in NYC. You don't have to plan ahead, just book a class that's The best part is taking home the finished piece and enjoying your favorite hot beverage every day.

Bring the vibes with a custom scented candle

Candles can really help set the mood and if you know someone who loves a vibe, a candle making class is a great hands-on experience. Learn how to mix fragrances with essential oils and pour natural wax into a glass jar. Not sure how to keep the wick straight? You’ll get all the tips and tricks to making custom candles like a pro.

Our New York workshops are welcoming and perfect for any skill level. Show up for class and find all of the supplies ready to go and when you are done, you’ll have heavenly-scented candles to burn in your home and remind you of your time together.

Fold your own dumplings

It’s hard to resist a delicious dumpling and with a cooking class, you’ll learn how to make them instead of always relying on takeout. Our dumpling making workshop in NYC puts a fun spin on your night out. Instead of just going out to eat, you can experience a hands-on cooking lesson with a professional chef. 

You’ll learn how to make everything from scratch, from the dumpling wrappers to the fillings. Then you’ll practice folding different traditional shapes. The recipes include vegan friendly options so everyone can participate. This is a fun, interactive experience that is sure to be memorable. Make new friends, learn new culinary skills, and leave with a satisfied appetite.   

Bake fresh croissants

There’s really nothing as comforting as the smell of freshly baked pastries and if you know someone who’s always wanted to take their baking to the next level, learning how to make croissants is just the challenge.

Our workshop will take you step-by-step through the process from mixing and proofing the dough to getting the lamination that creates perfectly flaky croissants every time. Your guide is a professional chef who will explain every part of the process to make it easy and stress-free. When you are done with your class, you’ll feel confident baking croissants in your home kitchen.

Experience the best of what New York has to offer with our creative workshops. Whether you need a gift for a foodie or a DIY lover, you’ll find unique experiences to make anyone feel appreciated.