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Welcome to our ultimate anti-stuff gift guide! Swap your growing list of present ideas for our lovely range of experience gifts in London! There’s always one person who insists they don’t want a present when their birthday or Christmas rolls around.
So what do you buy someone who genuinely doesn't want anything? The answer might be less stuff, not better stuff. Instead of searching for something they'll unwrap, use once and eventually forget about, why not give them something they can actually do?
From learning to make pasta from scratch to getting creative with clay, an experience can be a thoughtful alternative present for the person who has everything. So let's dive in for some well-needed inspiration for gifts for people who have everything, and you might just find something to impress them!
Why the best gift might be something they can't put in a cupboard
We think the perfect gifts for people who have everything aren't the ones you actually wrap up. Experience gifts offer a unique chance to let them learn a fun new skill, and they'll take away something they've actually made! Why they work so well:
- There's no clutter involved. Give them a day or evening out rather than another object to find a home for.
- They get to choose how they spend their time. A voucher gives them the freedom to book an experience that genuinely appeals to them.
- They can learn something new. From cooking techniques to creative skills, some experiences keep giving long after the class has finished.
- You can make it social. Book something for two or a group and the present becomes an opportunity to spend proper time together.
- They're more personal than they sound. Choosing an experience based on someone's personality shows you've thought about what they'd actually enjoy!
So, if you're officially done trying to find the thing they don't already own, here are some alternative presents we think you should consider.
The best gifts for people who have everything
Cooking classes for the person who'd rather eat than unwrap
If they're happiest discovering a new cuisine, cooking something delicious or sitting down to enjoy a meal they've helped make, a cooking experience makes a lovely alternative to a traditional present. From pasta and pizza making to sushi, dumplings, vegan cooking, baking and chocolate workshops, there's plenty to tempt even the most enthusiastic foodie.
Treat them to...
- This sushi making class in Wandsworth.
- This chocolate and churros on a boat experience in Canary Wharf.
Need more convincing?
"I bought this class as a Christmas present for my girlfriend and she said it was the best gift I’ve ever gotten her. The teacher, Tere, is friendly, chatty, and helpful and immediately made us feel comfortable in her beautiful house boat. We learnt about authentic churros and they were the best ones we’ve ever had. Highly recommended!" - Dan Silvertown, Chocolate and churros on a boat experience.
Cocktail making for the person who has everything
If their answer to every birthday question is “I don't need anything”, an excuse to head out for drinks could be perfect for them! Cocktail masterclasses and mixology workshops all offer something to enjoy without adding to their collection of stuff. If they fancy themself a bit of a bartender, give them the chance to try it out!
Treat them to...
- This premium cocktail making masterclass in Hackney.
- This non-alcoholic cocktail making class in Hackney.
Floristry for nature lovers
Flowers might not last forever, but the experience of learning how to arrange them can be just as lovely as receiving a bouquet! Opt for fresh flower arranging or let them create something that lasts with dried flowers. If they're already flower experts, a terrarium or Ikebana class might hit the mark. If they're happiest surrounded by nature, this is the one.
Treat them to...
- This seasonal hand-tied bouquet class in Kings Cross.
- This Ikebana flower arranging workshop in Islington.
Need more convincing?
"Lovely class I had booked for my friend’s birthday, Mo was so sweet and patient with us. She taught us the spiral technique for arranging our flowers and we left the class with beautiful bouquets and having learnt a lot!" - Sofia Mumtaz, Seasonal hand-tied bouquet class.
Pottery and ceramics for hands-on creatives
For the person who's always getting stuck into a new creative project, pottery offers them a chance to get hands-on and make something they'll actually use and cherish.They could try wheel throwing, hand-building, clay sculpting, ceramics painting or even the Japanese art of kintsugi. So much to choose from, and so much fun!
Treat them to...
- This pottery wheel taster class in Camden Town.
- This kintsugi workshop in Stoke Newington.
Jewellery making for the accessory lover
Jewellery is always a lovely, go-to gift. But instead of guessing, give them the chance to design and make their own! From silversmithing and ring making to beaded and personalised jewellery workshops, they'll get to design their gorgeous piece from scratch. And every time they wear it, they'll think of you.
Treat them to...
- This textured silver ring making workshop in Woolwich.
- This crystal botanical jewellery workshop in Bow.
Craft workshops for curious minds
Know someone who's always trying the next new trending craft? Or maybe they've been talking about wanting to ditch their phone more often and do something creative. Pick a fun craft and treat them to it – choose from activities like lino printing, collage, painting, embroidery and more!
Treat them to...
- This vintage collage workshop in City Hall.
- This lino print workshop in Kensington.
Need more convincing?
"I had such a wonderful time at Mina's workshop! She is a great teacher, warm, encouraging and knowledgeable. She offered us guidance while allowing us to work on our personal projects, and we all walked away with several lovely prints. I will surely repeat the experience and would very warmly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn a new skill!" Giulia Maccagnini, Lino print workshop.
The anti-stuff gift guide: find their perfect match
| The "hard-to-buy-for" person | The experience | Why it beats a physical gift | The London class link |
|
The foodie |
Culinary and sweet masterclasses | Swaps another kitchen gadget for a fun night out learning expert techniques (and eating the results!). | Sushi making class or chocolate and churros on a boat experience |
|
The socialite |
Cocktail mixology | Turns "I don't need anything" into a lively night out mixing up signature craft drinks. | Premium cocktail making masterclass or non-alcoholic cocktail making class |
|
The nature lover |
Botanical and floristry design | Replaces a fading bouquet with lasting floral arranging skills and a bit of mindful creativity! | Seasonal hand-tied bouquet class or Ikebana flower arranging workshop |
|
The tactile maker |
Pottery and ceramics | Gives them the chance to enjoy a slow craft and make something functional they'll actually use. | Pottery wheel taster class or kintsugi workshop |
|
The style icon |
Bespoke jewellery making | Eliminates guesswork by letting them design and forge a custom piece tailored to their exact style. | Textured silver ring making workshop or crystal botanical jewellery workshop |
|
The curious mind |
Art and printmaking workshops | Gives them a screen-free mental reset while creating original wall-worthy artwork. | Vintage collage workshop or lino print workshop |
Give memories, not clutter
Finding the right gifts for people who have everything doesn't mean searching high and low for a niche physical present they'll struggle to find a place for. By swapping another physical gift for a hands-on experience, you give them dedicated time to pick up a fun new skill and head home with a unique souvenir they made themselves.
Whether you join in to share a laugh together or let them enjoy a creative afternoon on their own, a zero-clutter workshop turns a standard birthday or celebration into a memory that far outlasts another candle or box of chocolates. Find their perfect match and make them feel extra special this year!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£34 - £40
6 years in business
