Best Alternative Gift Ideas for Dad

Looking for brilliant gift experiences for Dad? Whether it's for his birthday, Christmas, or a super special Father's Day, finding a unique present he’ll absolutely love can sometimes feel like a quest. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Forget the usual socks and ties and dive into our range of creative adventures. From cocktail making classes to relaxing pottery workshops, we've handpicked experiences that are all about having fun and making unforgettable memories. Let's dive in!

Chill with dad and throw some clay

If your dad is creative and likes to make things, a DIY pottery class could be a brilliant surprise present to treat him with. Pottery classes make great presents, whether you're searching for sentimental first Father's Day gifts, men's stocking stuffer gift ideas or a surprise gift for Dad just to show you care.

Working with clay is an incredibly mindful activity and with the kit included in the class, you can really unwind and focus on the crafting process - it’s a great experience gift to help your dad switch off from his everyday tasks and have some fun. When it comes to alternative gift ideas for dad, you can't beat this one for your favourite crafty fella.

Try this:

A pottery throwing taster class in Birmingham to give your Dad the chance to get his hands really messy!

Why he'll love it:

• It’s a mindful activity that's perfect for a digital detox! Working with clay is a brilliant way for him to switch off from his everyday routine, find some focus, and simply enjoy the creative process.

• He’ll get to create a unique, hands-on keepsake that he can use and be proud of. Every time he sees his finished piece, he'll be reminded of the fun time he had and the skills he learned.

• It's a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, that doesn't involve a coffee shop or the pub! The shared experience of getting wonderfully messy and creating something will be a cherished memory for both of you.

Raise a glass with your dad with a whisky tasting experience

Whisky has been distilled for hundreds of years and is one of the most popular tipples around. Why not treat him to a whisky tour and tasting experience so he can discover the long and adventurous history of whisky and enjoy a few drams along the way? It's one of the most unique gift ideas for Dad in our selection!

Choose one of our great tasting classes for your dad, where you'll both enjoy a selection of delicious whiskies to try on-site at a working distillery. When it comes to unique gifts for him, you really can't beat this one!

Try this:

A whisky tasting experience with food in Hackney, London – a treat for the tastebuds and the stomach!

Why he'll love it:

• He'll get to become a connoisseur! He'll love the chance to explore a brilliant selection of delicious whiskies and learn all about their unique flavours, aromas, and histories from a passionate expert.

• It’s a wonderful way to connect and make a brilliant memory. Sharing a new experience, especially one as delicious as this, is a perfect way to bond and have some proper quality time together.

• He’ll get to discover a new favourite dram! It’s the perfect opportunity for him to taste a variety of whiskies and find a new go-to tipple he might never have found on his own.

Treat your Pa to a cookery class

If your dad is a bit of a foodie and likes nothing better than getting stuck into his pots and pans in the kitchen, we think he’d love to take part in a cooking class with you! Our expert cheffy teachers serve up some of the best cooking classes for beginners, so if you and your dad aren’t super confident cooks (yet!), you don’t need to worry. 

If you know your dad’s tastes well, you could choose a cooking course that really appeals to his interests – make some delicious classics with a French cuisine class, opt for a spicy Thai supper night or pick a baking class to learn how to make sourdough or incredible frosted cupcakes. 

Need more convincing?

Keen cook Geoff took his Dad along to a private French pastry baking workshop, and told us afterwards:

Thanks Marie for a fantastic class! My dad and I loved it, and the whole family enjoyed the choux buns after :) It's a lovely, relaxed and intimate setting, and Marie was very accommodating of our beginner status!

Try this:

Letting Dad spice things up with an Indonesian cooking class in Birmingham to take a taste tour of Bali, Java and Sumatra.

Why he'll love it:

• He'll become a chef for the day! He'll love the chance to learn all the secret tips and tricks from a brilliant expert, mastering a new cuisine and boosting his kitchen confidence.

• He gets to enjoy the fruits of his labour! The most delicious part of a cooking class is the feast at the end. He'll get to sit down and enjoy a fantastic, homemade meal that he created from scratch.

• It’s a perfect way to bond. Whether he’s learning to roll out pasta with you or shaking up some tasty cocktails, sharing a hands-on experience is a brilliant way to connect and create a wonderful memory together.

Looking for more foodie gifts for dad? Click here for inspiration.

Snap-tastic gifts for dads who love photography

Is your dad a keen photographer? Our photography classes are one of the best gift ideas for Dad if he's got an interest in learning how to compose, shoot and edit great images. The best thing about a photography workshop is that it's a guided tour and creative class all in one – whether he's into snapping the city or capturing the local hills, he'll be able to explore the local area and get creative at the same time.

While he’s seeing the sights, he’ll spend time taking some lovely photos and learning useful tips on composition, lighting and cropping. If you’re looking for gifts for dad that are a bit different, this will tick all the boxes!

Try this:

A wildlife photography class in Richmond park, London, where your pops can snap away to his hearts content!

Why he'll love it:

• He'll get a skill that keeps on giving. This is a gift that will enrich his life for years to come! He’ll learn to capture precious family moments, amazing landscapes, and a whole new way of seeing the world through his lens.

• It’s a mindful and creative escape. A photography class encourages him to slow down, notice the beautiful details in the world around him, and find a new creative outlet that's all his own.

• He'll become a pro at telling stories. He'll learn how to go beyond a simple snapshot and master the art of composition, lighting, and visual storytelling, so every photo he takes can tell its own unique and beautiful story.

Let Dad play with fire at a blacksmithing experience

Nothing is cooler than a fiery blacksmithing workshop! He'll get hands-on with real tools, feel the immense heat of the forge, and discover the thrilling, ancient art of shaping raw metal into something truly unique. It’s a proper, traditional craft that’s incredibly satisfying, letting him hammer, heat, and twist steel into his very own creation.

These experience days for Dad are far from the everyday; they’re a chance to learn from a skilled artisan, feel the power of the forge, and witness metal transform right before his eyes. He’ll love getting stuck in, feeling the rhythm of the hammer, and experiencing the incredible blend of strength and creativity required. 

Try this:

A knife forging workshop in Stepney Green, London, where he'll learn all the metalwork skills he needs to craft his very own knife. 

Why he'll love it:

• He’ll get to be a modern-day blacksmith! He'll love the unique thrill of working with fire and metal, feeling the power of the hammer, and discovering a brilliant, ancient craft that's all about strength and precision.

• It's the ultimate hands-on adventure. He'll learn an incredible new skill and get to experience the raw satisfaction of transforming a piece of raw metal into something both beautiful and functional.

• He'll have a brilliant story (and souvenir) to tell. This is a gift he'll be talking about for years! He'll leave with a powerful sense of pride and a one-of-a-kind piece he forged himself, which is far better than a simple souvenir.

Terrarium building bonding

If your dad has a green thumb and loves gardening it could be fun to surprise him with a DIY terrarium class, giving him the gift of greenery and the chance to create a mini ecosystem to nurture. Learning how to make a terrarium is really relaxing and rewarding, and our classes come complete with all the plants and substrates you need to make a vibrant mini jungle.

Building a terrarium together is a great opportunity to bond and catch up whilst learning new skills, and will spark up ideas for new hobbies to enjoy at home. Make a day of his experience gift  and enjoy planting up the mini terrarium together with some tasty snacks and refreshing drinks.

Need more convincing?

ClassBento crafter Jake Tufts went along with his Grandparents to our closed terrarium making workshop, and told us:

We had such a lovely time and Malina was great! She was very knowledgeable and friendly, and made my grandads birthday special. The terrariums look awesome too!

Try this:

Letting Dad cultivate those green fingers at a terrarium workshop in Manchester, where he'll craft his very own miniature indoor garden.

Why he'll love it:

• He'll love getting hands-on with a living craft! It's a brilliant way for him to blend his love of gardening with a touch of artistic flair, creating a gorgeous and unique indoor garden to nurture and watch grow.

• It's a fantastic, low-maintenance project. He'll love the sense of satisfaction that comes with completing a fun, self-contained project. It's the perfect way to have a beautiful, vibrant piece of nature in his home without the fuss of a full garden.

• It's the gift of quality time. Building a terrarium together is a wonderful way to connect and share a new experience. The final terrarium will be a beautiful reminder of the great time you had and the memories you planted together.

Make his experience gift extra special

Want to turn a great gift into something unforgettable? It’s often the little touches around the experience that make all the difference.

• Make a day of it: Plan a lunch, coffee or dinner around the class to turn it into a full day out together!
• Add a personal touch: Write a note explaining why you chose this experience for him. 
• Join him on the day: Sharing the experience is what makes it memorable and sweet. 
• Capture the moment: Take a few photos during the day so you’ve got something to look back on afterwards.
• Pair it with something small: A bottle of his favourite drink, a cookbook or a simple keepsake can complement the experience perfectly!

Pick the perfect experience for dad

If you’re not certain which kind of present your dad would like the most, why not buy a gift experience voucher and give him the chance to choose something fun for himself? It's the ultimate gift of choice and a fantastic way to spoil your Pops! 

With such an amazing range of classes to choose from, there's something for every kind of dad! So this year, skip the go-to gifts and treat him to a full experience instead. Explore our creative workshops today and give him a day to remember.