If you're looking for the perfect present for the carefree, fun-loving, and adventurous people in your life, experience gifts in New York City are your best bet when birthday or holiday time rolls around. When it comes to gift giving for your adventurous friends and relatives in 2025, new possessions will be less exciting to them than the opportunity to jump out of their comfort zone and explore fun things to do in New York City! Fortunately, our collection of arts, crafts, and cooking workshops will allow them to embark on creative journeys across all five boroughs.
Being adventurous can mean many different things. In general, it refers to someone who isn't afraid to try new things - in fact, they thrive on new experiences. Whether that's tasting a new cuisine, learning to play a new instrument, or attempting daredevilish physical feats without fear, adventurous people are awesome because they inspire us all to step out of our comfort zones too, albeit in our own ways!
Ready to show some appreciation for the adventurous peeps in your life? Whether you're looking for cool gifts for guys with no fear, or fun bachelorette party ideas for a bride-to-be who you know won't be satisfied with the status quo, we have unique gift experiences to suit any occasion. Check out some of our favorites below.
Try woodworking classes for beginners
It definitely takes some guts to skateboard in NYC. Whether you're in Brooklyn or the Bronx, traffic is no joke. But if you know someone who skateboards in the city already or is keen to learn, give this longboard making class with Craftsman Ave a go if you're looking for birthday gift ideas that will give them just the right amount of challenge. In this beginner-friendly woodworking class, your adventurous buddy will get to craft a longboard from scratch, plus gain the skills to tackle future DIY woodworking projects if they get bitten by the craft bug in class.
Creating a project from start to finish is one of the most empowering things you can do. After this class, when your friend skates through the streets of NYC, they'll feel like the king or queen of the city as they roll around on a board they constructed themselves!
Learn to photograph the city
When it comes to experience gifts in New York City, you can't go wrong with anything having to do with the city's iconic bridges. While, depending on how adventurous your friend is, they might prefer a class in rappelling off the side of a bridge, we've got the perfect experience gift for someone who is artistically curious and loves to get out and explore New York City attractions. At this Brooklyn Bridge at night photography class, students learn from an expert how to use manual settings to master nighttime photography.
With this photography class, you'll not only be giving your special someone the chance to get out and experience a memorable night in NYC, but you'll equip them with the skills to continue to document all the adventures they'll have in their life going forward!
Learn how to paint like a graffiti artist
Looking for birthday party ideas for a friend or relative who is always stopping to admire street art? Why not book a painting class where you can all learn how to paint with aerosol cans at a graffiti workshop in Brooklyn? Street art is part of the fabric of NYC, and in this workshop, you'll not only get an art lesson and learn how to make your own masterpiece, but you'll learn about the history of graffiti art culture too.
When you're looking for New York experience gifts that will connect your friend with the city and give them a deeper understanding and appreciation of even the parts of the city that are hidden down alleyways, this class is a great choice. If your friend already likes to draw or paint, there's no doubt that this workshop will influence their art style and inspire them to make all kinds of new creations.
Master the art of French baking
Even the most adventurous among us have to face limitations from time to time. If you know an eclectic eater who also happens to have a gluten intolerance, look no further than this gluten-free French macaron baking class for a fun and appetizing experience gift they'll be sure to love. Taught by an expert chef in the East Village, this tasty class will show you the ins and outs of how to make the perfect macaron.
This baking class makes an awesome choice for 30th birthday ideas or classy bachelorette party ideas that everyone in attendance will enjoy. In addition to learning a new culinary skill, you'll get to savor the sweet treats you make and even take some home with you at the end of class!
Learn how to make sushi rolls
When it comes to culinary adventures, learning how to roll your own sushi is a next level skill. A sushi-making class in Manhattan makes the perfect option for experience gifts in New York City that will satisfy your favorite foodie. You'll use fresh ingredients to prepare three different kinds of sushi rolls, and enjoy a dessert of matcha ice cream. Do you know someone special who has been dreaming of a trip to Japan? This sushi making class is the next best thing - no passport required!
Whether you're looking for surprise party ideas or just want to treat your friend or relative to the gift of an experience they'll never forget, this class is a great bet. If you know someone who loves to mix it up in the kitchen and try cuisines from different cultures, learning how to make sushi is a wonderful skill they can add to their repertoire.
There you have it. With so many fun things to do in NYC, our arts, crafts, and cooking workshops offer plenty of opportunities for unique gifts that make more of an impact than traditional wrapped presents. These unique experience gift ideas aren't limited to your most adventurous friends, you'll likely find something that will suit everyone on your list. If you want to throw in some extra support or just want to join in on the fun, book a class for two or a group class and celebrate the giftee together! These make fantastic birthday party ideas for adults in NYC!
