A creative workshop is a fun and therapeutic experience that can serve as a memorable gift. Or, you can extend an invitation to attend a holiday market with family or a friend to spend time together and support local makers. Here are some holiday workshops and markets that serve as gift ideas that think outside the box.
Art Studio 4 Kids
I’ll never forget the artwork my son created in one of Geraldine Otto’s workshops that served as framed gifts for grandparents. She offers seasonal workshops for families with kids 6 and older, as well as private painting parties for kids and adults up to 12 guests. artstudio4kids.com
The Crafter’s Library
You can book a private crafting session, from floral arranging to creating “Hot Mess” canvases, and this local creative hub has a holiday lineup that includes a jovial crafting, cocktails, and karaoke event in December. Let the crafting festivities begin. thecrafterslibrary.com
Brittany Meadth Cooking Class
If you like the food in this issue, consider gifting a cooking class with our guest chef, Brittany Meadth. You can book a private cooking class in Brittany’s Montecito home, which includes connecting with community and cooking with fresh ingredients. brittany-meadth.com
Danielle Renee Art
From painting parties to wine art classes for adults, Danielle brings cheer to every workshop. Join her holiday decor workshop on November 15 to make ornaments, stockings, and painted wine glasses or beer steins that serve as gifts that keep giving. daniellereneeart.com
El Encanto
The festive programming at this elegant hotel ranges from author talks (Gillian Flynn!) in November to calligraphy workshops, challah braiding, and more in December. A holiday chocolate-making class with Jessica Foster is my pick. Valet parking is complimentary. belmond.com
Explore Ecology
This local nonprofit aims to protect and preserve the planet with innovative programs and nature-based learning. Every Saturday, they host crafternoons where anyone 5 or older can create from hundreds of reuse materials for $8/person. For adults and teens, open workshops for $12/person allow two hours of creation time in their fully-equipped studio space. You can bring materials from home or shop their Art from Scrap store beforehand. exploreecology.org
Gallup & Stribling Orchids
On December 7, create living potted arrangements with double-bloom petite Sonatini Amaryllis bulbs accented with live moss followed by a guided greenhouse tour of orchids and poinsettias. Take home your newly planted Amaryllis and seasonal poinsettia and call it a holiday. gallup-stribling.com
Golden Arrow Goods
Lindsay Gould’s handmade soaps and candles serve as self-care odes to the area. Her soaps are made from natural botanicals, and her candles have locally inspired scents like Mesa Lane and San Roque Sound. Her candle-making workshops include scent customization and gorgeous glass vessels. goldenarrowgoods.com
Mosaic Makers Market
Offer a friend a date to browse a local makers' market with you and buy them something they admire along the way. These downtown monthly markets celebrate small businesses, offering artisanal goods for locals, by locals. There are daytime and night markets in the winter, where live music and food vendors complete the lively market experience.
curatedcollectivesb.com
MOXI
You can always count on MOXI to inspire creation, and their Innovation workshops deliver holiday vibes in nuanced ways. In November, “Threads of Creativity” will explore cozy textures with knits, felt, and sewn materials. “End-of-Year Engineer” in December will encourage problem-solving using engineering. moxi.org
Mujeres Market
If there were a time to stroll this monthly market, it’s during the holidays when you’ll find exciting gifts for everyone on your list (plus yourself). Supporting local women of color, the vibe is friendly, and the goods are unique. This market is also a vintage treasure trove. mujeresmakersmarket.com
Gift ideas that think outside the box.