Subscribe today to get 3 free articles per month

InstagramTwitterTiktokLinkedin
|
Advertise
The Main Logo
Magazine
Categories
  • Arts & Culture

    Creativity, heritage, and expression.

  • Beyond Montreal

    Travel, adventure, and global perspectives.

  • Design

    The best of Montreal design.

  • Food & Drink

    La bonne bouffe.

  • History

    Stories, lessons, and context.

  • Bulletin

    Our weekly newsletter.

  • See all original stories
Holiday
City Guides
Popular Guides
  • The Best Restaurants in Montreal
  • Best NEW Restaurants
  • Best Cafés
  • Unique Boutiques
  • Romantic Restaurants
  • Best Bookstores
  • See all Guides
Directory
Neighbourhood
  • Downtown
  • Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
  • Mile End
  • Mile-Ex
  • Saint-Henri
  • See All
Business Type
  • Restaurant
  • Café
  • Boutique / Store
  • Bar
  • Bakery
  • See All
Near the Metro
  • Peel
  • Mont-Royal
  • Place-Saint-Henri
  • Place-d'Armes
  • Jarry
  • View all
Shop
Subscribe
Subscribe

Montreal's Cultural Directory

Help us improve! Share your thoughts on how we can make your experience better.

Leave feedback

For partnerships and collaborations:

partnerships@themain.com

Explore

  • About us
  • Shop
  • Advertise
  • Pitch us

Connect

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Tiktok
  • Linkedin

Resources

  • RSS Feed
  • Subscribe

Legal

  • Terms of service
  • Membership Terms
  • Privacy Policy

The Main Media Inc. 2025

✦ Built By Field Office
    A gift from Lufa Farms

    A gift from Lufa Farms

    A gift from Lufa Farms

    Enjoy 30% off your first three boxes of groceries

    Claim your offer
    1. Articles
    2. Holidays 2025

    Experiential gifts in Montreal: What to give the person who has everything

    Because sometimes the best gift isn't something you can wrap.

    By Phylida Tuff-WestNovember 12, 2025 - Read time: 7 min
    Experiential gifts in Montreal: What to give the person who has everythingPhotograph: Les Faiseurs / Facebook

    Places featured in this article

    Appetite For BooksAllez UpLes Laines BiscotteThe Comedy NestMontreal ForumLes CavistesLa Source Bains NordiquesTututu SpaceAtelier RetaillesSaint Michel Flea MarketSkâlp SpaNirvana Tattoorendez-vous importantLes FaiseursZab Café

    Experiential gifts offer something beyond the fleeting joy of giving or receiving the perfect object. They offer a chance to learn a new skill, indulge in self-care, or explore a passion in a way that lasts beyond the moment. 

    Whether it’s diving into pottery or discovering the art of papermaking, these experiences invite hands-on involvement and personal expression. For those who crave a challenge or relaxation, from climbing repurposed industrial silos to unwinding in a spa, there’s something to inspire gift ideas for everyone. 


    Cooking classes at Appetite for Books 

    Appetite for Books is Montreal’s concept cookbook store, blending a curated selection of literature with unique culinary experiences. Led by Chef Jonathan, seasonal cooking classes inspired by carefully chosen cookbooks invite guests to enjoy a meal while exploring new flavours and techniques. If you're looking for a group gift, they offer private classes for groups of 6-10 people, with food demonstrations, a 4-course tasting menu, and it’s BYOB.

    Must be logged in

    Join The Main free and keep reading.

    Create a free account.

    Create a free account to unlock this story and get 3 articles a month, plus our weekly Bulletin.

    • 3 free articles per month
    • Save your favourite places & guides
    • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
    • Stay connected to Montreal culture

    Become an Insider.

    Unlock unlimited access, exclusive guides, and member perks — and help support the independent Montreal stories we publish every week.

    Subscribe
    • Unlimited access to all stories
    • Exclusive features & local insights
    • Special offers and event invites
    • 10% off in our shop
    • Support local storytelling

    Already a member? Sign in

    How the Montreal-founded billion-dollar Sonder collapsed so suddenly

    Previous

    How the Montreal-founded billion-dollar Sonder collapsed so suddenly

    Next

    The best gifts under $50 from local Montreal makers

    The best gifts under $50 from local Montreal makers

    Latest Stories

    Food & Drink

    Where Montreal's food writers and photographers loved to drink in 2025 (and what they ordered)

    DEC 26
    Where Montreal's food writers and photographers loved to drink in 2025 (and what they ordered)
    Food & Drink

    Montreal's best restaurants of 2025 according to local writers, photographers, and influencers

    DEC 25
    Montreal's best restaurants of 2025 according to local writers, photographers, and influencers
    Newsletter

    The Bulletin: A holiday heist, full plates, and a surprisingly busy weekend [Issue #161]

    DEC 25
    The Bulletin: A holiday heist, full plates, and a surprisingly busy weekend [Issue #161]
    Arts & Culture

    The best things to do this weekend (Dec 25 to 28, 2025)

    DEC 24
    The best things to do this weekend (Dec 25 to 28, 2025)
    Food & Drink

    Hana is Korean fine dining for the steakhouse crowd

    DEC 19
    Hana is Korean fine dining for the steakhouse crowd
    logo

    Shop The Main's Dépanneur. Open 24/7.

    Mr. Sign x The Main "Dep" Bundle

    Mr. Sign x The Main "Dep" Bundle

    $50.00

    Mr. Sign x The Main “Dep” Tee

    Mr. Sign x The Main “Dep” Tee

    $30.00

    Mr. Sign x The Main “Dep” Tote

    Mr. Sign x The Main “Dep” Tote

    $30.00

    Support local

    Shop All Merch