Five Thoughtful Pottery Experiences to Gift This Christmas

Christmas gifting can feel overwhelming, can’t it? You want to give something thoughtful, something with meaning, something that feels like it genuinely reflects the person you’re buying for. But when you’re wading through endless gift guides, special offers and “stocking fillers”, it’s so easy to feel like you’re just adding more things to someone’s home rather than giving them something they’ll truly treasure.

That’s why experiences have become one of the loveliest ways to give a gift — especially for people who enjoy learning new skills, trying hands-on crafts, or simply spending calm time doing something creative. At Brick Kiln Pottery, we see first-hand how much joy people find in stepping away from the busy pace of life and spending a little time with clay. And gifting that moment to someone else can feel incredibly special.

If you know someone who has always wanted to try pottery, someone who adores handmade ceramics, or a friend who’s forever talking about finding a new hobby, these experiences could be the perfect way to show them you really know what they love.

So here’s a warm, detailed guide to our Top Five Pottery Gift Experiences — and exactly what’s included in each one, so you always know what you’re giving.

1. Intensive Three Day Pottery Course

£495

If they’re the kind of person who dreams of spending a whole weekend immersed in creativity, this experience is the one. Our three-day course brings together both wheel throwing and hand-building, giving them a well-rounded introduction to working with clay.

Across the weekend, they’ll learn how to centre clay on the wheel, shape bowls and cylinders, and trim their pieces. Alongside this, they explore hand-building techniques such as pinch, coil and slab work — ideal for making mugs, dishes, or beautifully textured pieces.

On the final day, they glaze and finish their own collection of work to keep. Every tool, material and firing is included, and the small group size means they’ll have plenty of one-to-one guidance. It’s a wonderful gift for beginners or budding potters wanting something a bit deeper than a taster session.

2. Private Wheel Taster Session for Two

£190 – 2 hours

This is our most popular experience — and it makes such a heartfelt gift. It gives the recipient two hours in the studio with someone special of their choosing. They’ll prepare clay, watch a full demonstration, and then learn step-by-step how to throw their own pots on the wheel.

People are often surprised by how much they can make in one session. There’s no limit to the number of pieces they throw, and each item is bisque fired, glazed in their chosen colour and fired again. Finished work can be collected or posted.

It’s a lovely shared experience, full of laughter, creativity and that satisfying moment when a pot finally appears under your hands.

3. Sculpt a Highland Cow Workshop

£35 per person – 2 hours

A real favourite — and one of our most requested workshops. In this hand-building session, they’ll learn how to shape and sculpt their own adorable Highland cow. The techniques are simple and accessible, even for complete beginners, and there’s always a wonderful mix of concentration and giggles in the room.

Whether they go for a traditional Highland cow or give theirs a quirky twist, the finished piece is always full of charm and character. All materials and firing are included, and the workshop is suitable for ages 12+, making it a great gift for families too.

4. Make a Mug Workshop

£45 – 2 hours

If you know a tea or coffee lover, this might be their perfect gift. This two-hour hand-building workshop guides them through designing, constructing and decorating their own mug. They can use templates or create something entirely unique.

They’ll decorate with coloured slips, and once the mug has been bisque fired, it’s clear glazed and fired again, ready to take home and enjoy. It’s a relaxed, friendly session where people can learn at their own pace and have fun experimenting.

5. Gift Vouchers

From £50

Sometimes the kindest gift is the gift of choice. A voucher lets them decide which workshop suits them best — and we have plenty to choose from, including Pottery and Prosecco, Make & Paint a Wall Sconce, and sessions with our visiting artists.

A £50 voucher comfortably covers many of our workshops, making it an easy option if you’re unsure what they’d love most.

A Note on Gifting Something to Open

All of our experiences are booked digitally, but we know how lovely it is to have something to unwrap on Christmas morning. If you’d like a physical gift voucher posted out after you’ve made your purchase, just let us know and we’ll be happy to organise it for you.

If you’re planning a handmade, thoughtful Christmas this year, we hope this guide helps you find something meaningful for the creative people in your life. And if you ever need help choosing the right experience, feel free to get in touch, we’re always happy to chat.