The Gift: Handmade Chocolates
Where to Learn: Jomart Chocolates
2917 Ave. R, nr. Nostrand Ave., Midwood; 718-375-1277
Learn how to make exquisite Belgian truffles, and how to paint designs on them with cocoa butter, with expert Michael Rogak. Toss the homemade sweets in a pretty box for a delicious and exquisite gift.
When: Four-week workshops begin after Thanksgiving
Cost: $275 per person or $375 for a private class for two
Rogak will be donating proceeds from the workshops ($25 for every person or $50 for every couple) to the Brooklyn Recovery Fund for Sandy relief.
The Gift: Gourmet Cupcakes
Where to Learn:Butter Lane Cupcakes
123 E. 7th St., nr. Ave. A; 212-677-2880
Impress your guests and learn the tricks to baking airy cupcakes from Butter Lane, known for its rich, velvety French buttercream frosting. Classes cover the basics: vanilla, chocolate, and banana cakes, and cream cheese, chocolate, and vanilla frostings. Mix and match as you please!
When: November 26, 29 to 30; Dec 1 to 23
Cost: $60 per person or $500 for fifteen people
The Gift: A Homemade Parisian Dinner
Where to Learn: Brooklyn Kitchen
100 Frost St., at Meeker Ave.; 718-389-2982
Muster up your inner Julie Powell for Brooklyn Kitchen’s workshop on how to re-create the most tantalizing dishes from Julia Child’s recipe book. Berets optional.
When: December 1 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person
The Gift: Wine
Where to Learn: City Winery
155 Varick St., at Vandam St.; 212-608-0555
Manhattan’s sole winery offers workshops on tastings and cheese pairings, if you want to learn how to give perfectly matched sets to oenophile friends this year. Or try the one-to-five session Wine 101 classes, where you learn everything from the history of wine to how to bottle your very own Malbec.
When: November 20, December 3
Cost: Wine and cheese pairings, $65 per person; bottling courses, $25–$36 per bottle
The Gift: A Masterpiece
Where to Learn: Painting Lounge
438 Union Ave., nr. Devoe St., Williamsburg; 305-342-9448
Tap into your inner O’Keefe and drop in on a class at Painting Lounge, now offering a 25 percent off online discount code (NYMagHoliday) exclusively for NYMag.com readers. No experience necessary: Instructors will help you stencil out your work first before moving on to the acrylics. Did we mention it’s BYOB while you paint?
When: Daily at 7 p.m.
Cost: $50 per person for two hours
The Gift: Jewelry
Where to Learn: Brooklyn Charm
145 Bedford Ave., at N. 9th St., Williamsburg; 347-689-2492
In less than two hours, you can walk away with a piece of customizable jewelry, made by you, for your fashionista friend who loves to stand out. All materials are included, and you can create a variety of items, from pearl-knotted necklaces to chandelier earrings.
When: Nov. 19 to 21, Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, Dec. 4 to 9, 11 to 16, and 19 to 23
Cost: $40 per person
The Gift: Screen-Printed Tees
Where to Learn: Polluted Eyeball
56 Bogart St., nr. Grattan St., Bushwick; 917-627-9931
This Bushwick screen-printing shop offers beginner classes for those aspiring to be the next Shepard Fairey (or to just make some truly one-of-a-kind holiday gifts). We’re thinking hipster Rudolph on vintage tees.
When: Friday evenings, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $55 for one person, $110 for two people, $200 for four people