By Victoria HaynesIn this story:
If you're hunting for unique experience gifts in London, you'll soon hit a fork in the road: do you send them hurtling round a racetrack, or sit them down at a pottery wheel?
Adrenaline experiences get all the attention. Supercar laps, indoor skydiving, a speedboat blast down the Thames – they look brilliant on a voucher. But when you're choosing activities for Londoners, the flashiest option isn't always the one they'll love most. Craft gifts are quieter, cheaper and closer to home, and they send people back to their flat with something they made themselves.
So which should you pick? We've weighed up both sides, rounded up eight craft workshops across the capital, and added a quick table to help you decide.
Craft gifts vs adrenaline experiences: the pros and cons
Both make better presents than another scented gift set. Here's how they compare.
Adrenaline experiences
Pros
- They're a big, memorable thrill, and a good story to tell afterwards.
- They suit people who love speed, heights and a challenge.
- There's a real sense of achievement in doing something a bit scary.
Cons
- The exciting part is often over in minutes, after a lot of travelling and waiting around.
- Many take place at airfields and circuits well outside the M25, so it can mean a full day out of London for a short burst of fun.
- Outdoor activities depend on the weather, and they can be postponed at short notice.
- Age, height, weight and health restrictions rule some people out.
- They're not for everyone. A nervous flyer won't thank you for a wing walk.
- Apart from a photo, there's nothing to take home.
- They tend to cost more per person.
Craft gifts
Pros
- They'll take home something they've made, whether that's a silver ring, a candle or a set of pots.
- Classes last a relaxed two or three hours, with a teacher guiding every step.
- They're indoors, so rain never stops play.
- Studios are dotted all over London, from Woolwich to Nine Elms, so there's usually one a short Tube or bus ride away.
- Beginners are welcome, and almost anyone can join in.
- They work solo, as a pair or in a group.
- Making something with your hands is calming, which is a rare treat in a busy city.
- Most cost between £20 and £70 per person.
Cons
- They won't get the heart racing (although a wobbly pot on the wheel comes close).
- Pottery often needs firing, so they may wait a few weeks to collect their finished piece.
The verdict: adrenaline experiences are great for the right person, but craft gifts suit far more people, fit around London life more easily and leave something lasting behind. For most gift lists, craft wins.
8 craft gifts to give in London
Ready to go crafty? Here are eight workshops to choose from, with where they are and what they cost.
- Learn basic sewing techniques. They'll get to grips with a sewing machine and pick up skills they can use on clothes and homeware for years. Editor's pick: Basic sewing class from Shollyjaay in Greenwich (£65–70pp).
- Master macrame knots and create stunning designs. Who knew tying knots could be so artistic? Under the eye of an expert tutor, they'll turn cords into a wall hanging for their home. Editor's pick: Beginner's macrame workshop from Art4Space in Lambeth (from £20pp).
- Get cosy and discover how to crochet. Crocheting is therapeutic and the results are lovely, from granny squares to scarves. Editor's pick: Crochet taster workshop from Art Craft Studios at Trinity Buoy Wharf, by the Thames in East London (£35pp).
- Pottery classes guarantee a wheel-y good time. If playing with clay sounds like their idea of happiness, let them try the potter's wheel. This one's BYOB, and it's a 30-second walk from Nine Elms Tube. Editor's pick: BYOB pottery wheel class from House Pottery in Nine Elms, near Vauxhall and Battersea (£34–45pp).
- Candle making classes will light up their life. They'll blend a scent and pour a candle of their own in one of central London's best-known arts venues. Editor's pick: Candle making at Somerset House from Sari Wildsmith on the Strand (£45pp).
- Create lovely lettering with brush calligraphy. If they've long been mesmerised by beautiful handwriting, this slow, absorbing class in traditional Chinese brush calligraphy is a treat. Editor's pick: Calligraphy workshop from The Magic Brush in Hackney (£55–65pp).
- Jewellery making workshops are a treasure trove of delights. They'll saw, shape and hammer their own sterling silver ring, then wear it home. Editor's pick: Textured silver ring making workshop from House of Denna in Woolwich (£55–59pp).
- Soap making is a sweet-smelling creative session. Of all our craft gifts, this one has to be the best smelling! They'll make natural soaps, scented and coloured their way. Editor's pick: Natural soap making workshop from Yougi in East London (£49pp).
Discover more of London's green side with eco-friendly experience days.
What Londoners say about craft gifts
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what people said after craft workshops in London.
"So fun and informative! One of the best gifts I've given to myself and since have gifted to others." – Sarah Kate Bryant, BYOB pottery wheel class, Nine Elms
"This was one of the most enjoyable things I had done in a long time! I had purchased a class for my sister and I and it was a great decision. Not only is it an experience (which I would argue are the best gifts) but you get a gorgeous unique ring to take away." – Caitlin, Textured silver ring making workshop, Woolwich
"Best gift for my best friend, unique and fun experience. Teacher was fab, easy going & well explained. It's a cool creative space and I would highly recommend this class x" – Lisa Widnig, Silver Ring Making Class with Art Play London
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
6 years in business
Five top tips for picking activities for Londoners
Still torn between a thrill and a craft? These five questions will help.
- Focus on desire, not necessity: Choose what they dream of doing, like throwing clay or making their own jewellery, and not what you think they ought to try. If they've never once mentioned wanting to jump out of a plane, they probably don't.
- Match the time commitment: Think about their schedule. A two-hour evening class in Zone 1 or 2 is much easier to fit in than a full day's round trip to an airfield.
- Find the "take-home win": Prioritise classes that end with something to keep, whether that's a ring, a candle or a new skill.
- Decide on the social vibe: Is this a gift for solo downtime (like calligraphy) or for shared time together? If it's shared, a BYOB pottery class is a relaxed way to catch up.
- Check who can take part: Adrenaline activities often have age, height, weight and health limits. Craft classes are open to almost everyone, so you won't have to ask awkward questions first.
Which gift suits them? A quick decision table
Here's how to swap the adrenaline option for a craft gift that scratches the same itch. All of these are bookable activities for Londoners.
| If they... | The adrenaline option | The craft gift to pick | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Love a challenge | Supercar track day | BYOB pottery wheel class | Nine Elms | £34–45pp |
| Like tools and making things | Off-road driving | Textured silver ring making workshop | Woolwich | £55–59pp |
| Love London's landmarks | Rooftop climb | Candle making at Somerset House | Strand | £45pp |
| Need to switch off | Indoor skydiving | Calligraphy workshop | Hackney | £55–65pp |
| Enjoy the riverside | Thames speedboat ride | Crochet taster workshop | Trinity Buoy Wharf | £35pp |
| Love their home | Zip line | Beginner's macrame workshop | Lambeth | From £20pp |
| Like practical skills | Go-karting | Basic sewing class | Greenwich | £65–70pp |
| Enjoy a pamper | Bungee jump | Natural soap making workshop | East London | £49pp |
| Are impossible to pin down | Any of the above | ClassBento gift card | Anywhere in London | You choose |
Craft gifts win: time to pick yours
Adrenaline experiences have their place, but craft gifts are easier to book, kinder on the budget and open to almost everyone, and they leave your recipient with something to keep. If you're choosing activities for Londoners, a workshop is a safe bet that still feels special. Pick a class from the list above, or send a ClassBento gift card and let them choose from 17,000+ experiences.
