The leaves in Central Park are turning brown and Saks Fifth Avenue is preparing its window display; Christmas is officially in the air. It’s never too early to start thinking about unique and exciting gift ideas, especially for those friends and relatives that are tricky to buy for – it’s all about the planning! But do you go down the traditional bath gift set, pair of socks, candy cane route? Or try to find something new, individual and memorable? You may guess where we’re going with this, but we genuinely believe experience gift certificates, tickets, and events are the gifts of the future. Not only are they more eco-friendly than physical products, experiences are versatile and span a wide range of New York activities for every budget and personality type. Whether you’re shopping for your Dad, Sister, Husband or Bestie, make this Christmas in the Big Apple one to remember with one of these carefully selected experience gift ideas!
| Hell’s Kitchen Dessert Tasting Tour
We’re kicking things off with a bit of comfort food, because that’s what Christmas is all about! When it comes to sightseeing in New York, the options are about as wide and varied as they come, and picking one that’s great value for money while being informative and entertaining can often be a challenge. Choose one that will leave a good taste in your mouth with this Hell’s Kitchen Dessert Tasting Tour, exploring a selection of Manhattan’s best sweet treats from traditional American confectionary to authentic Greek baklava. Food tours of New York don’t get much better than this, perfect as a unique Christmas gift for Dads, Daughters, and anyone with a sweet tooth!
| Whiskey Tasting at the Flatiron Room
Everyone likes to indulge at Christmas, it’s the only time of year where you can drink eggnog for breakfast and eat chocolate for dinner! If you’re searching for a thoughtful gift idea for those who enjoy a tipple, we highly recommend one of the whiskey tasting classes at the Flatiron Room on W 26th Street. Sessions run regularly throughout the year and with options like Whiskey 101, Luxury Whiskeys, American Whiskeys, Whiskey & Cheese Tasting, and even private classes to choose from, you’re sure to find the ultimate drinks class for your whiskey loving recipient. The ideal Christmas experience gift for Dad’s who enjoy a dram!
| Pamper Day at Manhattan’s Rescue Spa
Spa and pamper days make fantastic Christmas gift ideas because people rarely book them for themselves, so you can treat a loved one to the TLC they deserve! Rescue Spa on E 19th Street in Manhattan is a luxury urban wellness retreat that offers a range of treatments in their professional facilities, using top quality beauty products administered by highly qualified spa therapists. Purchase a Christmas gift certificate at an amount of your choosing and let the receiver select from relaxing massage packages, rejuvenating facials, manicures and pedicures, brows, lashes, hair and make-up, and loads more. Show someone you’re thinking of them this Christmas with a New York spa gift certificate!
| Sonic Youth Music Tour of Manhattan
We’ve already touched upon just how many sightseeing tours there are in New York, but there’s no denying they do make great Christmas gifts – so how do you pick the right one? We love this Sonic Youth themed music tour of Manhattan because it’s unique, combines music history with New York trivia, and is led by a genuine musician whose knowledge and insight knows no bounds! This tour is a dream come true for Sonic Youth fans, visiting studios where albums were recorded, venues they played, Kim Gordon, Lee Ranaldo and Thurston Moore’s apartment, settings for iconic photos, rehearsal spaces, and loads more. Indie music fans from all generations will love this experience, a fun gift idea for 80s rockers!
| Hudson River Luxury Lunch Cruise
If you’re on the hunt for a thoughtful couples Christmas gift in New York, this Hudson River Luxury Lunch Cruise is the epitome of sophisticated sightseeing, showcasing two of Manhattan’s best features; its skyline and its food. Set sail from the iconic Chelsea Piers and cruise south towards Governors Island, admiring uninterrupted views of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building within the Manhattan skyline. Guests may come for the views, but they’ll stay for the food with a full three-course plated lunch served to your table and unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea available throughout. A live pianist and commentary from the captain soundtracks the experience – a true feast for the senses!
| Pizza Making Class in Manhattan
New York is one of the best places on Earth to get pizza, so why not treat a loved one this Christmas to an entertaining pizza making workshop, right in the heart of the Lower East Side? There’s nothing better on a cold winter day than spending a few hours with friends, sharing drinks and warming up by a wood fired pizza oven. Learn from expert chefs how to make proper pizza dough, spin it and roll it, mix the ultimate tomato sauce, then top with your favorite blend of veg, meat and cheese. The class is relaxed and informal, suitable for all ages, and will give you recipes and tips to make your own authentic Italian pizza at home – bellissimo! This New York pizza making class is the perfect Christmas gift for your foodie friends.
| Homebrew Beer Making Workshop in Brooklyn
We love an experience gift that keeps on giving, and just like the pizza making class, this beer making workshop in Brooklyn will give you the skills and know-how to continue practising at home. A great Christmas gift idea for Dads, Husbands, and any beer lover in your life, the 2-3 hour beginners workshop covers ingredients, equipment, brewing techniques, preserving, and how to avoid the most common problems faced by amateur brewers. Operated by two enthusiastic craft beer makers in a purpose-built brewery lab in Prospect Heights, a homebrew class is a fun and informative way to spend an afternoon, and ideal for those wanting to get out of Manhattan for a change of scenery!
| Grand Central: The Open Sesame Bagel Tour
Step into the captivating world of Grand Central Terminal with this exclusive Grand Central: The Open Sesame Bagel Tour—an immersive journey revealing the hidden wonders and rich history of this iconic New York landmark. Begin your adventure with a delectable sesame bagel breakfast, specially crafted to ignite your senses and prepare you for a day of exploration. With an expert local guide, discover the terminal's secrets, from the whispering gallery to its stunning celestial ceiling, gaining a newfound appreciation for its architectural splendor. But it's not just history—enjoy a culinary expedition, sampling delights from Grand Central's finest dining spots. From gourmet wonders to tantalizing treats, each bite enhances your sensory experience. Uncover untold stories behind the terminal's murals and artworks, hearing captivating tales of the personalities and events that shaped its legacy. This tour is a fun way to unravel the essence of Grand Central, one delicious sesame bagel at a time.
Christmas in New York need not be a headache this year with a thoughtful experience gift, sure to please even the trickiest people to shop for. Find a gift for every personality and create some new memories in the Big Apple!
| Thanks for Reading!
