Give the Gift of Experience: The Ultimate New Haven Gift Guide

Gift-giving season is officially upon us, and we all know the drill – fuzzy socks, candles, and maybe that sweater you think they’ll like. This year, we invite you to change things up and give your loved one something an elf can’t tinker with. Skip the generic gifts and go for something a little more unexpected – the ultimate experience in downtown New Haven.

Culinary experiences for the foodie in your life

Eat a bit of foodie history with Taste of New Haven Food Tours. Together, you’ll stroll through our city streets, stopping at some of our most beloved eateries, each with its delicious history. Imagine a culinary history lesson with homework you can eat.

For the person who’s mastered the art of pizza eating, take them to a pizza, pasta, or mozzarella-making class at Olives and Oil. Get your hands dirty, learn a new party trick, and dig into your masterpiece at the end of class.

For the friend who loves a signature cocktail, cocktail-making classes at Elm City Social will teach the secrets of mixing, shaking, and stirring like a true bartender. From classic concoctions to modern twists, they’ll master the art of the perfect drink or find their next go-to libation.

A day of togetherness for the family

Art classes at The Giggling Pig allow families to unleash their inner artists, getting colorful, messy, and joyful. From pottery to painting and everything in between, you’ll leave with a masterpiece and a memory.

Spend an afternoon in toy wonderland, aka Pebbles Toys & Gifts, where the shelves are stacked high with quirky finds, nostalgic treasures, and toys that make you wish you were a kid again.

Opt for an educational experience at Yale Peabody Museum, one of the world’s oldest and largest natural history museums. Plus, the space recently underwent a renovation 90 years in the making, reopening officially in March of this year.

Friendsmas fodder for groups large and small

Ever wanted to get away from your friends, but like, in a fun way? Work together to escape each other at Escape New Haven, solving puzzles and cracking codes inside a locked room. It’s the perfect way to test your teamwork skills, and hey, if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve got an exciting story to tell when you break free.

Pop into Elm City Games, where there’s a game for everyone. This place is a game lover’s paradise, from classic board games to tactical strategy games.

Traverse the world’s largest indoor ropes course at IT Adventure Ropes Course. It’s a jungle gym for adults; if we’re honest, we all need a little bit of that this year.