Give not things, but emotions: top 19 best gift-experiences in New York

Finding the perfect gift in New York can be challenging, especially for the person who has everything. This is where an impression gift can come in handy. Time-out I collected 19 of the most unusual gifts that will be remembered for a long time.

Amaze your friends and loved ones with unforgettable gifts in New York, from helicopter rides to salt caves and private tours. Such a gift should certainly take into account the interests of your loved ones. You can book a tour for your history buff dad that offers behind-the-scenes access to major New York City attractions, or buy tickets to the new Fotografiska Museum for your art buff girlfriend. Or better yet, join them and share the experience together.

1. Ride in a retro car

Experience New York from a completely new perspective - from the back seat of a fully restored 1920s-era car. Nowaday is a tour company that offers stylish and nostalgic vintage car rides, including City Lights, Gangsters and Ghosts tours, a downtown stroll, and vintage car photo ops. They will never forget this trip.

2. Beer tasting at Talea Beer Co.

Women's brewery and tap room Talea Beer Co. in New York offers some very interesting beer tastings during the holidays. Indulge your drunken head with beer and cheese tastings, yoga and beer, a tour and beer tasting, and more, starting at just $30.

3. Breakfast at Tiffany's

Coffee Blue Box by Tiffany & Co. is the perfect place to treat someone on their birthday or as a nice gift before or after the holidays. In accordance with the store brand, almost all cafes are decorated in blue (Robin's egg-blue). Even the porcelain plates are painted blue. This is definitely a chic and stylish way to dine.

4. Give the gift of a jailbreak.

В Escape Games NYC The immersion takes place in a private environment, so you can choose the smartest friends who can easily cope with any task. They have only an hour to solve puzzles, be it an art museum robbery, a high-risk prison escape, an underwater adventure and much more.

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The quality of production in Escape Games is top notch, which only enhances the overall enjoyment of the game. If escaping a room isn't their thing, that's okay: if all else fails, they can turn to the all-knowing game master for a hint or a few extra minutes.

5. Excursion to a whiskey distillery

First (legal) whiskey distillery in Manhattan (Great Jones Distilling Co.) conducts a tour and a master class on making cocktails - fascinating and very useful. You can check out its offerings online and order it today for a delicious gift. Better yet, before or after the lesson and excursion you can visit a full-fledged restaurant and speakeasy.

6. Big evening with Radio City Rockets

It's a traditional New York entertainment experience, but in recent years new music, fancier costumes and advanced technology have been used to bring audiences closer to the performance. During the signature leg movement that is present in most dance routines, Rockette's 36 pairs of legs rise and fall like the flutter of eyelashes, their perfect unison a testament to the discipline of the human form. This is an unforgettable sight.

7. Ride in a custom-made motorcycle sidecar

Riding around town in a motorized stroller may seem like something out of an old gangster movie or a 60s Batman TV show, but now you can give your loved one the ride of a lifetime in one of these strollers. Dapper Tours is a local tour service that provides tours of Gotham on a vintage motorized sidecar. This is actually a vintage Ural motorcycle, a model that has an interesting history due to re-engineering carried out by the Russians in the 1940s. It couldn't be cooler.

8. Cooking courses

Help your friends take their culinary skills to the next level by donating a course from the Institute of Culinary Education (The Institute of Culinary Education Classes).

The introductory Knife Skills course will give them all the necessary skills for precise chopping, julienne and shredding. In addition, they will be able to satisfy their dumpling desires by attending a virtual course on dumpling making. Tuition starts from $25.

9. Murray's Cheese

Murray's Cheese is the most famous and diverse dairy store in New York City since it first opened in Greenwich Village decades ago. If friends love cheese or wine, treat them to entry to Murray's flagship store in the city center, where they can take classes on how to make burrata and mozzarella or how to pair wine and cheese, where they will learn the ins and outs of the trade.

10. Walk through the immersive exhibition “Chagall, Paris”.

The lush and vibrant works of artist Marc Chagall come to life in a new immersive exhibition in Hall des Lumières. It's called "Chagall, Paris - New York" and tells the story of a prolific artist who defies labels. His work is projected onto the walls, ceilings and even the floor of his showroom located at 49 Chambers Street in Lower Manhattan. The exhibition “Chagall, Paris - New York” will last until 2024; Ticket prices for adults start at $30. In addition to Chagall's works, the Hall des Lumières also presents the works of Wassily Kandinsky. This is a gift for a true art connoisseur.

11. Helicopter tour of New York: City Lights Skyline Experience

Not everyone who lives in New York saw the city this way. Board a helicopter after dark and spend half an hour soaring above the glittering horizon. The Empire State Building, the World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building and many other New York landmarks will appear before you in all their sparkling splendor. The helicopter flight will end with a loop around the Statue of Liberty to once again experience New York pride. Price from $274 per person.

12. Edge Observation Deck

If heights aren't an issue for you, head to the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Edge is located at an altitude of 335 meters, which makes it the highest observation deck in New York. If you want to push your limits even further, Edge encourages you to climb onto the side wall of a building and lean over it (while being held in place by straps). Afterwards, you can relax and celebrate your bravery at the Peak Bar and Restaurant on the 101st floor.

13. Holiday cruise

Company Classic Harbor Line offers fun holiday cruises for those who would like to enjoy a stroll around the city in style. Motor yachts are decorated with festive lights and each guest is offered one free drink. Choose the one you like among new cruises: Cocoa and Carols holiday cruise ($86-$96 per adult) and Holiday Brunch Cruise ($124-$142 per adult); or one of the classics: NYC Lights and Cocoa Cruise ($86-$96 per adult, 1,5 hours); Sunset & Holiday Cocoa Cruise ($86-$96 per adult, 1,5 hours); Holiday Live Jazz Cruise ($96-$124 per adult, 1,5 hours).

The company also offers dazzling New Year's Eve cruises if you're looking for a night to remember.

14. Digital Photography: Introduction

If your friend bought a DSLR, give him photography lessons that will help him get the most out of his new toy. Start with a three-hour introductory lesson at Art of Intuitive Photography, where an experienced instructor will cover all the basics, including exposure, white balance and depth of field, and help you understand all the complicated buttons and modes. Tuition fee: $150.

15. Lessons trapeze jumping

You can give the feeling of flying, or at least the opportunity to feel like you're floating in the air, during a trapeze flying lesson. Over the course of an hour and a half, the instructor will teach a group of 10 people to hold onto the bar with their feet, release their hands and fly across the field towards the catcher. If you've ever dreamed of running away to the circus, now is your chance. Cost from $85.

16. Sessions at the Montauk Salt Cave

We all have that friend who seems to run on caffeine and nervous energy. And a friend who firmly believes in the power of crystals, salt lamps and burning sage. Give the gift of relaxation - book a 45-minute session in a salt cave Montauk Salt Cave in the East Village. The Himalayan pink salt that lined the room purportedly has anti-inflammatory properties ranging from treating respiratory conditions to reducing anxiety. Regardless of how scientific the procedure is, it's a good reason to unplug. Price from $20.

17. Tour of New York's beer gardens and breweries

Every beer lover will love the opportunity to sample beers from three New York breweries. Indulge your beer snob with an afternoon tasting tour that takes you through three neighborhoods in search of the best craft beer in town. During the day, you'll visit McSorley's Old Ale House, The Brooklyn Brewery, Transmitter Brewing, and That Witch Ales You Brewery. Билеты includes all drinks, snacks and transportation. The cost of a 5-hour tour is $125.

18. Individual makeup lesson

Is your friend a makeup artist? Give her individual lesson under expert guidance to take her skills to the next level. Teacher Shara Strand, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry, knows all the tricks of the trade - from basic skills in applying contours and shadows to mastering the strobing palette. In addition, your friend will be able to purchase her favorite skin care products, brushes or sets presented during the one-hour class. Lesson cost starts from $20.

19. New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise

Book the best romantic places in the city for you and your partner on New Year's Eve. During the five-hour cruise, you'll enjoy an open bar, free appetizers and a delicious dinner buffet, and be able to dance until the end of the year. On deck in New York Harbor, when the clock strikes midnight, you'll be treated to an unparalleled fireworks display over the shimmering skyline that you'll remember for years to come. The cost of such a cruise is $250.