We get it: Holiday gift shopping can be time-consuming and stressful. So we’ve rounded up 11 local experiences that make perfect gifts for a loved one (or yourself — we won’t tell!). Between cocktail mixing, candle-making, and psychic readings, we’ve got something on our list for every Maven.
For more local holiday gift inspiration, check out our 2021 Indianapolis Gift Guide.
Mixo mixology classes
Mixo Indy’s mixology class makes the perfect gift for both beverage beginners and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Elixir expert Katie Slonim brings her mixing magic right to you and your crew, including alcohol, mixers, decorations, music, and essentially everything else one needs to make a killer cocktail. In the class, she explains classic mixology techniques and teaches how to make two craft cocktails from scratch. If you don’t drink, no worries — mocktail classes are also available! The classes require between 6-10 members and cost $50 per person. For more details, check out Mixo’s Instagram or visit the booking page here.
Penn and Beech candle making
As much fun as it is to stand in Target’s candle aisle sniffing out the perfect scent, nothing beats a candle crafted to suit your personal taste. At Penn and Beech Candle Co., guests have the opportunity to choose from hundreds of scents and a variety of candle vessels to pour a scent-sational, one-of-a-kind creation. As an added bonus, guests also can enjoy a drink at the fragrance bar while they pour. Walk-ins are accepted at both the downtown and Carmel locations, but it’s recommended to make a reservation online to book a session of up to 8 guests. Oh, and the best part? Options start at $22 and everything in the store is buy three, get one free!
Sprouts Cooking School classes
Know a young MasterChef in the making? Encourage their culinary prowess with the gift of a class at Sprouts Cooking School. Sprouts offers both single and family-oriented classes geared towards children ages 3-13, fostering their love of food and motivating them to expand their palates through hands-on learning. Seasonal classes are available as well, and what better way is there to get some Christmas cookie baking done? To book a class, check out the Sprouts schedule.
Aerial workout classes at Cirque Indy
These aerial workout classes make for the perfect break from the gym. Beginner and intermediate courses teach static trapeze and aerial silks, hoops, and slings — all of which are sure to make students feel like a Cirque de Soliel star! Cirque offers individual classes, class packages, and monthly memberships, so there are options to suit everyone’s needs. To sign up for an aerial adventure, visit the Cirque Indy website.
Psychic Reading at New Age People
For those who are spiritually savvy, try gifting a psychic reading this holiday season. After all, a much-needed message could be the perfect guide for a new year. Sessions at New Age People start at $25 and are available to book through any one of five available readers. Readings are offered in-store, via phone, or over video, meaning this gift experience is perfect for friends near or far! To book a psychic reading, check out the options here.
Indy Salt Cave
We all need to get away and relax sometimes, and a trip to Indy Salt Cave serves as a fantastic and uniquely delightful refresher. The Salt Cave — made to recreate the experience of being in a natural underground salt mine — serves as a space for a holistic healing experience thanks to its micro-climate, which creates ideal breathing conditions. The cave’s mineral-rich environment is chock-full of micro-elements required for healthy bodily functions, and better yet, it’s been proven to effectively combat a variety of respiratory, dermatological, and heart-related conditions. Fancy, right? To book a salty sesh, check out the website.
Chocolate lovers will adore sampling a tasting flight at the SoChatti Tasting Room in Indy’s Circle City Industrial Complex. The knowledgeable staff will guide you as you sample chocolate from exotic locales like Tanzania and Peru, and you’ll learn about the origins and characteristics of each varietal. You can also add a “Drop Candy Making” class to the tasting and make your own delicious candies on-site.
Chocolate tasting, $7 per person, add-on candy making class, $25 additional fee, visit SoChatti.com to book.
A dinner party by Chef Tanorria Askew, owner of Tanorria’s Table, is bound to be an experience to remember. Tanorria puts a modern spin on American comfort food, and if you book a private party with her, she will prepare three courses featuring a protein of chicken, shrimp, or salmon (a different protein or additional guests will vary the price) and create a meal that’s worthy of a special celebration.
Dinner party experience for six guests, $1,290 and up, email hello@tanorriastable.com for inquiries.
Take a friend to “open pouring hours” at Unplug Soy Candles in Fishers for a little impromptu candle making party. The company provides all the materials you need, the staff gives step-by-step instructions, and prices begin at $18 depending on the vessel you choose. Another bonus? Outside food and beverages—including alcohol—are welcome.
Candle making experience, $18 and up, visit UnplugSoyCandles.com for more information.
Instead of buying packaged holiday Christmas cards, consider treating your friends to one of Hand Stamped by Cheryl’s hands-on card making classes. For $15 per person, you and your guests can each make five cards under the instruction of owner Cheryl Piotrowski, and all you need to bring is your own adhesive and scissors.
Card making class, $15 at HandStampedByCheryl.com.
A “discovery flight” from Tom Wood Aviation in Fishers is an amazing experience that allows you to learn firsthand what it’s like to be a pilot. The company begins by showing you the preflight inspection, and after inspection, the instructor will assist you with starting the aircraft, taxiing, and completing the before-takeoff checklist. From that point, you will take the controls and take off, and control the aircraft all the way up to just before touchdown. The entire experience lasts about one hour, which includes approximately thirty minutes of flight time.
Discovery flight, $99 at TomWoodAviation.com.
Katie Freeman is Indy Maven’s editorial intern who, despite knowing better, still hasn’t done her holiday shopping.
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