In this story:
- Food and drink experiences for the foodie father
- Pottery classes for maker dads
- Tufting, textiles and leathermaking for handy dads
- Nature and gardening experiences for dads who favour their plants
- Painting classes for dads with a creative side
- Wood and metalworking for dads who can fix anything
- Give him stories, not stuff
If your dad already owns every gadget under the sun and refuses to give you even a hint, we’ve got you covered. Explore our 2025 gift experiences for dad and read this ultimate guide to the best presents for dads who are hard to buy for. Skip the socks and ties and give him something he’ll actually talk about (probably to everyone he meets for the next six months).
Each of these experiences is social, beginner-friendly and packed with fun, perfect whether you’re looking for unique gifts for your dad, a dad and son day out, or something you can all enjoy together as a family! Read on and get ready to become the favourite child.
Food and drink experiences for the foodie father
If your dad’s ideal day out involves something tasty (and maybe a cheeky tipple), these foodie experiences will hit the spot. We’ve got something to suit every kind of dad – whether they’re a chocoholic, pasta lover or cocktail shaker.
- Italian-inspired family meals cooking class in Birmingham – Channel his inner Italian and learn how to create hearty dishes that’ll bring the whole family together. Pasta, laughter and second helpings guaranteed!
- Fabulous family fun chocolate making class – If he’s always stealing your chocolates, treat him to a class where he can make his own. Go all together and make it a family day out – chocolate and quality time together, what more could you ask for?
- Private cocktail masterclass in Manchester – Whether he’s already a cocktail expert or just loves to try new things, a cocktail making class is sure to please.
- Family fudge making class in York – Treat him to an indulgent family afternoon with this fudge making class and take home the sweetest of treats – sharing optional!
Perfect for:
Foodie fathers, wannabe mixologists and anyone who’s happiest when there’s a sweet snack nearby.
Pottery classes for maker dads
For dads who love to get hands on and stuck into an activity, pottery might just be the winner. Pottery workshops are perfect experiences to do with Dad, especially if he’s secretly got an artistic side. And if he’s never tried working with clay before, you might just gift him his new favourite hobby (sorry golf).
- Pottery throwing taster class in Birmingham – Give him the chance to try wheel throwing in this fun workshop – even better if you do it together!
- Kintsugi class in Edinburgh – Learn the Japanese art of golden pottery repair. Perfect for dads who always seem to be able to fix things – it just needs gold glue and a little bit of patience.
- Ancient deity ceramic candlestick making in London – Got a dad who loves all things fantasy and historical? This class is equal parts creative and mystical.
- Make and paint a mug pottery class in Manchester – If he’s always sipping a cuppa, swap out your usual ‘best dad’ mug for a class where he can make his own. And if it comes out wonky, that’s half the charm!
Perfect for:
Dads who need to unwind, relax, and maybe make something that isn’t a bad dad joke.
Tufting, textiles and leathermaking for handy dads
For dads who love to DIY and try new things – he’ll love crafting something totally unique from scratch. If he’s the kind of dad who insists ‘I can make that’ instead of buying, these classes might be the winners.
- Beginners mini rug tufting workshop in Leeds – Tufting has been a popular craft for some time and for good reason – he’ll make his own rug to cherish and learn new skills along the way. Hopefully it’s not shaped like a golf ball.
- Beginners rug tufting workshop in Glasgow – Another lovely option if you’re in Scotland – bring out your dad’s inner interior design expert!
- Tie-dye workshop in Bristol – Dads often love a bold t-shirt. What screams bold more than tie-dye?
- Leather workshop in London – Craft wallets, belts or keychains from scratch and show them off with pride (which of course he will… multiple times).
Perfect for:
DIY dads who love learning new skills and making things by hand (and showing them off, too).
Nature and gardening experiences for dads who favour their plants
If your dad spends more time in the garden than the house, these green-thumbed experiences will make him light up. Whether he’s growing fruits and veggies or looking to nurture some new plants, these classes have got you covered.
- Organic fruit and vegetable growing course – Does your dad like to cook with his own homegrown produce? This class’ll kick his skills up a notch!
- Japanese kokedama plant workshop in Birmingham – Get hands-on with green moss balls in this cool Japanese tradition – even more fun if you do it together!
- Large terrarium workshop in Manchester – For dads who would love a plant to brighten up their desk – let them make their own thriving ecosystem!
- Indoor succulent garden workshop in Glasgow – Create a low-maintenance mini garden – perfect for if he’s not quite as green-fingered as he thinks.
Perfect for:
Plant-loving, outdoorsy dads who love to try something new, or hone their skills.
Painting classes for dads with a creative side
When you’ve run out of ideas, these classes make perfect presents for dads who are hard to buy for. If you’ve got an artsy dad, painting classes are a lovely way to spend time together. And if he claims not to be good at painting, these classes make the creative process super easy to follow!
- Painting class: paint your pet in London – Got a pet that your dad totally didn’t want, but now he’s always napping on the couch snuggling with the pup? This paint your pet class might be the winner.
- Family paint and sip class in Evesham – Get together and paint as a family – the best gift is having quality time together,
- Landscape painting workshop in Manchester – For dads who love a good view – give him the chance to relax and get creative.
- Acrylic pouring in Gateshead – Try something different with acrylic paint pouring – a little bit chaotic, a whole lot of fun.
Perfect for:
Artistic dads, messy dads, and dads who just like the idea of painting without the pressure – no perfection required!
Wood and metalworking for dads who can fix anything
Looking for something a bit different? If your dad loves tools, axes, or anything that sparks, these workshops are the ultimate unique gifts for your dad. And let’s be real, who hasn’t dreamt of making a sword?
- Beginners woodworking class – If he’s handy, treat him to a class where he can learn all the best tips and tricks of woodworking.
- Cast a Bronze Age sword – If he loves history and anything fantasy, making his own sword might be a dream come true. Let him live his Game of Thrones dreams!
- Metalwork class: embossed letter and bookmark in Birmingham – Got a bookish dad? This class is a great way to make something personal that won’t end up forgotten in a drawer.
- Beginners blacksmithing course in Preston – Sparks will fly! The perfect way for him to live out his medieval blacksmith fantasy.
Perfect for:
The hands-on dad who likes to try unique things, even if it’s just the once.
Give him stories, not stuff
At the end of the day, the best gifts for hard to buy for dads aren’t things you can wrap – they’re experiences you can share together as a family. Whether it’s cooking pasta, hammering metal, or painting his beloved Labrador, every class is a chance to make new memories together!
So, if you’re stuck on last minute gifts for dad who wants nothing, try gifting time, laughter and a little bit of creativity. We think he’ll love it (and you’ll love seeing him genuinely surprised for once).
