Remember when homemade gifts meant construction paper, glitter glue and a handwritten note? Bring back a little of that holiday magic with an afternoon of making gifts for the people you love.

Candle making at Candlestock's Wax Imagination Studio in Saugerties




DIP, ROLL AND POUR AT CANDLESTOCK

At Candlestock’s Wax Imagination Studio in Saugerties (not the Woodstock storefront), you’ll choose three kinds of candles to make and take home: hand-dipped beeswax tapers, rolled candles, scented soy candles and more. The session runs about 90 minutes and welcomes makers ages 6 and up, with an adult along for kids 13 and under.

Pottery classes and handmade ceramics at Studio 89 in Highland




GET YOUR HANDS IN CLAY AT STUDIO 89

This welcoming pottery studio in Highland has November and December classes enrolling now, from one-time workshops and family classes to wheel throwing and handbuilding. Planning a get-together? Ask about private parties.

Woodcarving at the Hudson River Maritime Museum Woodworking School in Kingston




CARVE, TWIST AND CRAFT AT THE HUDSON RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM

The Woodworking School on the Kingston waterfront offers a nautical rope wreath (Nov. 29), spoon carving (Dec. 5), broom making (Dec. 12) and beginner sunflower woodcarving (Dec. 19). These are gifts that last for years.

Shelves of colorful yarn at Yarn Farm Kingston




STITCH SOMETHING SPECIAL AT YARN FARM KINGSTON

Learn to knit, crochet, embroider or spin in the Rondout, or book a session with friends. Stay for the wine bar or drop in for Wednesday Knit Night.

Guests at a hands-on cooking workshop at Watergrasshill in New Paltz




CREATE WITH A HOST AT WATERGRASSHILL

This New Paltz B&B hosts hands-on workshops in its kitchen studio and barn, including Holiday Watercolor Cards on November 30. Don’t see a date that works? Watergrasshill will help arrange a private class, and you can make a weekend of it with an overnight stay.

Ceremonial cacao being prepared at Cacao Laboratory in Kingston




BLEND YOUR OWN AT CACAO LABORATORY

At their café in Kingston, the team will mix up a custom ceremonial cacao blend for you from the superfoods on hand. Grab a cup for yourself and a blend to give.

Glassblowing studio and colorful glass bowls at Pablo Glass in West Hurley




WATCH THE GLASS COME ALIVE AT PABLO GLASS

Watch artists blow glass at this West Hurley gallery and studio, then check their class listings to try it yourself.

Crowds shopping local makers at the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo market in Kingston




NOT THE CRAFTY TYPE?

Shop the Hudson Valley Hullabaloo, November 21–22 at the Andy Murphy Midtown Neighborhood Center in Kingston. More than 70 local makers and small businesses offer handmade gifts and vintage finds: all the heart of a handmade gift, without the glue gun. Admission is $2 cash; kids 12 and under are free.




MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT

Find a cozy inn, B&B or hotel decked for the season on the Ulster County website.