The Brooklyn Experiential Gift Guide

By Sachin Bhola

While things are nice, experiences can be better. That’s an idea that, lately, pop culture has done a good job of ingraining in us. And there’s a lot of merit to it. Experiences can create new memories, strengthen relationships, and fill your cup more than material goods can. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options in Brooklyn, whether with company or solo. Plenty also make great, original holiday gifts.

Whether you’re picking up last-minute gifts for a cinephile, a wine lover, or a parent desperate for an activity that will carry their children through a holiday afternoon, read on for the best experiential gift ideas in Brooklyn.

Vessel Floats
Address: 101 West St.  

For the wellness enthusiasts on your list, or, really, anyone in need of stress relief, give the gift of sensory deprivation. At Vessel Floats, entering a salt water tank eliminates the senses of touch, sound, gravity, and sight in order to reduce sensory overload, distractions, and anxiety, among other potential benefits. If this conjures up images of Ab Fab, it’s because isolation tanks might actually be, well, absolutely fabulous. Give a single session, buy a package, or start a membership.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Address: 445 Albee Square W.  

Experiential gifts don’t have to be out of the ordinary to be appreciated. Case in point: a season pass to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. For $29.99 a month, subscribers have access to one movie per day, including 3D, 70mm, Dolby Atmos, and Big Show films. Who wouldn’t want to treat themselves to a free movie every day? This pass pays for itself—and it can be used at locations across the country.  

Brooklyn Museum
Address: 200 Eastern Parkway

Brooklyn Museum kicked off its 200th anniversary in October and, in celebration, is rolling out several special events. The Brooklyn Artists is a must-see exhibition that brings together over 200 artists who have lived or maintained a studio in Brooklyn during the last five years. Enjoy a multitude of disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, video, and more.

Maison Clay
Address: 310 Meserole St.

Looking to gift someone a potential new hobby? Consider pottery. A one-time class at Maison Clay gets you an hour and a half of instruction on how to throw clay on a wheel. It also yields about two to three ceramic pots, which can be glazed and ready for pickup about four to six weeks after the class. They’ll take home a new skill and a few decorative items that’ll serve as conversation starters.

The Red Hook Winery
Address: 175 Van Dyke St.   

For the wine lovers on your list, check out Red Hook Winery’s holiday edition of Paint & Sip, scheduled for Dec. 20—a little early, yeah, but still timely. Guests are treated to a glass of wine and a wine glass to paint with a holiday motif. Art skills are not a prerequisite, and the class is led by Red Hook Winery owner Kelly Driscoll. RSVP here.

Raaka Chocolate
Address: 58 Seabring St.

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in sweets, so why not take the opportunity to learn about them? Raaka Chocolate in Red Hook offers a variety of classes to refine your palate. Choose from topics like bean-to-bar chocolate making, hand-rolled chocolate truffle making, wine and chocolate pairing, and more. We recommend the coffee-cupping and chocolate-pairing class on Dec. 28, where you’ll learn how to heighten your sensory experience of coffee and chocolate.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Address: 145 Brooklyn Ave. 

Looking for an experiential gift the whole family can enjoy during the holidays? Head over to Brooklyn Children’s Museum—celebrating its 125th anniversary—for ArtRink, a synthetic ice rink. The best part? No ice skates are required, as the museum has engineered special sock booties that make gliding around easier and safer. The rink also features artwork and playhouses by local artists.

Olfactory NYC
Address: 101 N. 10th St.

Why buy someone a fragrance when you can give them the experience of making their own? At Olfactory, you become a perfumer for the day, choosing among a selection of base notes and top notes to create a signature scent, all while an expert guides you And that’s not all. You’re then able to brand your custom scent with a label and fragrance name. Beat that, department stores.