There have been so many changes to the world as we know it. Working from home, endless zoom sessions, banana bread baking, relocating to the countryside, the list goes on. You may also have picked up a new hobby or two, and chances are your loved ones did as well. Here are five great last-minute gifts for new hobby seekers or a splurge for yourself. What I love about these is they can be accessed from almost anywhere and without the stress and expense of shipping and delivery fees.
5 Great Last Minute gifts for New Hobby Seekers
Give the Gift of a New Skill
This year I really embraced the ability to take classes online. While I have missed making connections and friends in person, I did enjoy the convenience of learning from my living room without spending hours commuting back and forth.
Virtual classes opened up the possibility to take classes anywhere in the world, which pre-pandemic would not have been possible without a passport, a plane ticket, and a whole lot more time and expense. If you have someone that enjoys learning a new skill. Here are some of my picks for virtual learning gifts.
1. Learn from the Best with Masterclass
A veteran in the online learning space, Masterclass gets top experts in their respective fields to introduce you to their world through beautifully shot videos. Lessons include worksheets, opportunities for group discussions with other members, and even potential feedback from the celebrity instructor. Classes range from writing, cooking, tennis, music, film to the art of negotiation, chess and so much more. They add new classes monthly so you will never run out of things to watch. Forget last-minute gifts, this is just a great gift period! For new hobby seekers, or for someone with many interests, Masterclass is a great buy.
2. For the Fashionista in the Making
If you have someone who likes to get crafty and loves fashion (like I do), The New York Sewing Center is a hidden gem that started offering virtual classes this year. I’ve been taking classes there for a few years. I will personally attest that the teachers are talented, patient, and kind. They teach all ages and skill ranges and have quick evening workshops to more intensive projects that last a few weeks.
Kristine, the owner of The New York Sewing Center, also saw an opportunity to do good amid the start of the pandemic and began teaching for free how to make a CDC-compliant mask. Her efforts led to the donation of 10,000 masks to health workers when PPP was in short supply.
To support this small business, and give the gift of fashion to someone special, head over here to buy a class or gift cards as last-minute gifts, and for creative hobby seekers.
3. For the Person with the Inner Rocker Dying to Get Out
If there is a budding rockstar in your midst, this gift is for them. The New York City Guitar School, is another business that transitioned to an online model at the start of the pandemic.
They now offer classes to anyone around the globe who wants to learn guitar. They offer group classes, private lessons and have several workshops and camps including a rock band camp and Suzuki method for young musicians.
As a student, not only do you get monthly resources, access to workshops, and virtual open mics but you also get to be part of The New York City Guitar School’s inclusive and supportive community that cheers you on on your musical journey. For more information visit them here.
Fun fact: I was gifted a group class package and 8 years later I still love it.
Gifts for Keeping You Company Year Round
While this isn’t a hobby-related gift per se, it is the perfect thing to give someone who loves to read and keep up with current events. I would recommend gifting a digital subscription service. I love that these are gifts can be enjoyed all year and are easily accessible from any device. And, for the serious hobbyist out there, these gifts allow you to explore your hobby or interest even further.
4. The Audible App
I already mentioned my love for this app in my previous post. All the books mentioned there are also solid choices to gift as an ebook or audiobook.
The reason I am highlighting Audible as a great last-minute gift is that it goes beyond the largest collection of audiobooks. With the plus collection, you have access to your favorite podcasts, original content, and series as well, making it easy to find something for everyone.
You can choose between a 1, 3, or 6-month subscription or splurge for a full year of books with their 12-month plan. You get 1 credit a month to spend on any book of your choice including new releases and app exclusives. If you don’t like the book you picked, you can return or exchange it within a year of getting it. Driving, doing housework, or running errands will never be boring again.
I can also personally attest that their customer service is amazing, the rep I spoke to felt like a friend as we dished about our favorite thrillers and what to read next.
5. The Apple News + Subscription
One of my favorite apple products of recent releases is Apple News+ app. It certainly does not garner as much attention as a lot of other Apple releases, but in true Apple fashion, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac you may already be familiar with the free version of the AppleNews app which curates and personalizes top news tailored to you. It also includes a little-known feature you may not realize that is available to all users; the option to hear professionally narrated versions of select articles.
The paid subscription service which is under $10 a month, includes all the news features we just covered with added access to a diverse collection of magazines and newspapers that can be enjoyed cover to cover or downloaded for consumption later. Head on over here to learn more.
I hope you have found these 5 last-minute gifts for new hobby seekers post helpful! As a serial hobbyist myself I am always on the hunt for new activities and skills to learn. A blessing in disguise of quarantine life has been all the time to rediscover so many hobbies. I hope you or a loved one take time to enjoy these classes and products as much as I have.
Note: All products are independently reviewed and tested by me. Products featured are aligned with our quality standards, mission and values. To learn more, visit our welcome page. This post contains affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you click and purchase through these links. Thank you for supporting this site.
