Christmas Experience Gifts in London: Give a Pottery Class This Year

Every December the same question comes round: what do you give the people who already have everything? More and more Londoners are answering it with an experience rather than an object — and a pottery class is one of the most memorable you can give. Your loved one gets a few unhurried hours away from screens, learns a real craft, and goes home with a handmade piece they made themselves.

Why a craft experience makes a better Christmas gift

• It's time, not stuff. A workshop is a slow, joyful afternoon — something most of us rarely give ourselves.
• It lasts. The mug, cup or plate they make is fired, glazed and used for years. Every morning coffee becomes a little reminder of your gift.
• It can be shared. Book for two and turn it into a date, a catch-up with a friend, or a parent-and-grown-up-child day out.
• No experience needed. Our classes are designed for complete beginners — we guide every step.

What makes Doppiocotto different

Most London pottery experiences are either wheel-throwing or painting a ready-made bisque piece. At Doppiocotto everything is hand-built — shaped from slabs, coils and pinches, the same way we make the cups and vases in our shop. It's relaxed, tactile and far more personal: no two pieces ever come out the same.

The studio is led by an interior designer and ceramicist whose work has appeared alongside names like Philippe Starck, Vogue and Elle — so you're learning from someone who thinks about form, colour and how an object lives in a home. Sessions are BYOB, so bring a bottle of something festive.

Our new, bigger studio in Waterloo

This winter we're moving into a larger room in the same building near Waterloo (SE1). The new space comfortably welcomes 20–24 people, which means more workshop dates and plenty of room for festive groups.

Christmas gift options

1. Workshop gift vouchers

The simplest way to give the experience. Choose a gift voucher for any workshop, or go for a specific class such as the coffee cup making workshop or the two plates workshop. Vouchers arrive by email, so they're perfect for last-minute shoppers — and you can add gift wrapping if you'd like something to put under the tree.

2. A private session for your people

Want the studio to yourselves? Private sessions for groups of up to 15 people are £110 per person — ideal for a family gathering, a close group of friends or a special celebration.

For larger groups of 16 to 24 people, you can still book your own private time slot at our standard workshop prices. That makes a festive office social, a team Christmas party or a big family get-together surprisingly good value. See our Christmas pottery parties and team socials for ideas.

3. Pair it with something handmade

Can't wait until the class to give them something? Wrap a voucher together with one of our handmade cups or a ceramic nutcracker decoration — a gift to open now, and an experience to look forward to.

Good to know before you book

• Book early: December weekends fill fast, especially for private groups.
• Ready in 10 days: after your class we glaze and fire every piece, and it's ready to collect about 10 days later — so a class in early December means a finished piece in time for Christmas.
• Location: a short walk from Waterloo station, easy to reach from anywhere in London.

This Christmas, give the gift of making something with your hands. Browse our gift vouchers or get in touch to plan a private festive session.