This Christmas, craft your own gifts

Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, in an exchange of gifts that goes far beyond their material value. What truly matters is the gesture of affection and the care behind each choice.

In an increasingly consumer-driven world, where the search for gifts often boils down to the convenience of online shopping or the frenzy of large stores, giving a handmade gift comes from the heart and makes the moment of giving even more special.

If you want to avoid the chaos of shopping centres, spark your creativity, and learn something new—perhaps your next hobby—be inspired by our handmade gift ideas and discover the best craft workshops in the heart of Lisbon.

Ceramics: a timeless and practical gift

Ceramics has become one of the most popular activities in recent years, and it's no wonder: its therapeutic effects foster creative freedom, support environmental sustainability, and contribute to mental well-being.

This Christmas, give a unique piece of ceramic made by you. You can shape it to your liking and decorate it with colours, patterns and forms that best suit the person who will receive it.

Find the best ceramics workshops in Lisbon’s lively centre.

Cerâmica Bairro Alto Workshops

Located in the vibrant historic neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, Cerâmica Bairro Alto has over 30 years of history and preserves its vintage atmosphere.

Location: Rua Diário de Notícias 24, 1200-144 Lisboa

h A L L - Pottery and Ceramic Workshops

hAll is a very welcoming space featuring a large, bright room, two private mezzanines, a kitchen and a ceramics kiln. The workshops focus on various sculpture techniques.

Classes:

·      Ceramics (Duration: 2 hours)

·      Pottery (Duration: 2 hours)

·      Christmas Ornaments (Duration: 2 hours)

Location: Rua Ferreira Chaves 5A, 1070-177 Lisboa

Painting: an artistic and intimate gift

Painting is one of the most personal forms of artistic expression. Painting a picture to decorate a bedroom wall or creating objects like wooden boxes or photo frames can make an unexpected gift.

Whether you use acrylic, oil or watercolour techniques, what matters is the personal touch and care in every brushstroke.

Explore the best painting workshops in the heart of the capital.

Artlier Workshops

Artlier is a school of arts and crafts for anyone interested in handmade work. This workshop offers a variety of painting classes based on the materials and techniques you wish to learn.

Classes:

·      Tile Painting (Duration: 2:30 hours)

·      Flower Illustration with Gouache (Duration: 3 hours)

·      Acrylic Painting (Duration: 12 hours | Sessions: 4)

·      Watercolour Painting (Duration: 2 hours)

Location: Rua Gervásio Lobato 47B 1350-151 Lisboa

Nextart Workshops

A Nextart is an art training centre founded in 2002 in Lisbon's heart. It offers intensive painting workshops for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced.

Classes:

·      Painting – Introduction (Duration: 90 hours | Sessions: 30)

·      Oil Painting (Duration: 48 hours | Sessions: 8)

·      Acrylic Painting – Introduction (Duration: 29 hours | Sessions: 12)

Location: Rua da Vitória 73, 1100-618 Lisboa

Soaps: an aromatic gift for the home

By gifting a handmade soap, you show care and attention to the well-being of your loved ones.

You can choose the scents, colours and shapes based on the personal preferences of the person it’s intended for. For example, if the person loves animals and enjoys the scent of chocolate and cinnamon, why not create a soap in the shape of a cat and combine those two aromas?

Discover the best soap-making workshops in the vibrant centre of Lisbon.

Les Savonnettes Workshops

Les Savonnettes is a sustainable workshop centre in Marvila, founded in 2018 by Frenchwoman Sohila El Moussaoui. In these workshops, you can create soap or shampoo by mixing oils, spices, and other natural ingredients.

Classes:

·      Chamomile and Honey Soap

·      Herbal Shampoo

Location: Rua Fraternidade operária 29, 1950-258 Lisboa

Jewellery: a stylish gift

Did you know that handmade jewellery is more durable and highly valued by fashion enthusiasts?

Each piece of handmade jewellery is crafted with great care and attention to detail. No two pieces are alike, making every accessory a true work of art.

Learn about the best jewellery-making workshops in the heart of the city.

Centro de Joalharia de Lisboa Workshops

Founded in 2012, Centro de Joalharia de Lisboa is a leading reference for technical and artistic training in Portugal.

Classes:

·      Introduction to Jewellery (Duration: 24 hours | Sessions: 5)

·      Cabochon Stone Ring (Duration: 14 hours | Sessions: 2)

·      Rubber Moulds for Injection (Duration: 8 hours | Sessions: 2)

·      Partial Metal Fusion (Duration: 14 hours | Sessions: 2)

·      Torch Enamelling on Copper and Silver (Duration: 16 hours | Sessions: 2)

Location: Rua João Saraiva 28, Lisboa 1700-250

Knitting and Crochet: a cosy gift

Knitting and crochet are centuries-old traditional crafts. For many people, they bring back memories of their grandmothers. As such, a gift made with knitting or crochet, such as a scarf, hat, or blanket, will warm the body and heart of the one receiving it.

Delve into the best knitting and crochet workshops in the centre of Lisbon.

Lisbon Affair Workshops

The charming little corner of Lisbon Affair in the heart of Lisbon offers traditionally Portuguese handmade experiences.

Classes:

·      Knitting and Crochet (Duration: 2 hours)

·      Macramé (Duration: 2 hours)

Location: Avenida de Roma 87B, Lisboa 1700-344

Retrosaria Workshops

Retrosaria stands out for its skilled instructors and offers a wide range of beginner workshops covering various techniques and materials.

Classes:

·      Cocoknits Knitting Method (Duration: 2 hours)

·      Introduction to Punch Needle (Duration: 2 hours)

·      Introduction to Crochet

·      Introduction to Embroidery

·      Introduction to Arraiolos

Location: Rua Maria Andrade 50A, 1170-217 Lisboa  

These are our suggestions for surprising and delighting your loved ones this Christmas. Awaken your creativity, learn a handmade craft, and turn each gift into a genuine gesture of care.

After a workshop, enjoy a delightful brunch or meal at the best restaurants in Lisbon’s city centre, and explore the charming Christmas markets that will make your day even more special.