Is it just me, or have we reached the time of year when we start to freak out about our holiday gift list? The temptation towards scarves, socks, or sweaters is strong. But when 10964 staffer Bob Chase told us a story about a pastry class that he and his nephew Alexander took together, it got me thinking: what if we skip the stuff this holiday season and, instead, seek out experiences we could give and share?

In that spirit, here are some interesting experiences nearby:

Class at Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center
(Click to enlarge)

FOR THE FOODIES: Check out the offerings at the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, where Bob and Alexander got their chef on. "We learned a lot, had loads of fun, were able to have some uncle/nephew bonding time, and tasted the food we had prepared," Bob says. The pair had such a great time they signed up for a second class this fall. Alexander even recreated the dessert at home for the whole family.

"You do not need to be experienced to sign up," says the program's Director, Mark Davidoff. "But if you are experienced, you will not be bored." Arrive early for a pre-session snack and, if you're making it a date night or a friends' night out, BYOB. The classes are popular and often sell out. Davidoff suggests visiting the website for the current line-up. Gift certificates are always available.

Find all the info at https://sunyrockland.edu/about/campustour/hospitality-and-culinary-arts-center/

FOR THE CRAFTY: Instead of giving them a scarf, how about they knit their own? Biscotte Yarns is well- known for their hand-dyed yarns in creative colorways, offering options with colors that represent your favorite sports team or even your House at Hogwarts. Biscotte offers ongoing classes and workshops. They welcome knitters at all levels based on their own, non-scientific rating system: Absolute Beginner, Brave Maker and Clever Crafter. Contact the store at 551-655-9973 or drop in at 260 Livingston Street for more information. https://biscotteyarns.com/pages/our-local-yarn-stores

FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELF FASHIONISTA: Mood, the iconic fabric store featured on Project Runway, has opened a learning studio in Closter, New Jersey, offering a wide range of workshops, classes, and experiences. In addition to learn-to-sew classes, there are offerings in pattern drafting, fashion illustration, sessions for kids, and a Sip and Sew workshop. Check out their social media feeds to get a feel for the Mood vibe or visit www.moodfashionstudio.com.

FOR WRITERS AND POETS: Writing workshops and classes that offer constructive feedback are priceless but often, ironically, pricey. All Ways Writing Collective is a nonprofit literary arts organization based in Nyack that bucks that trend. Organized by poet Lily Greenburg, they run classes of all sorts with writers and authors from the Hudson Valley run year-round. Visit www.allwayswriting.org for more information.

The Pearl River Library also offers Writing from Life, a free, In-Person writers workshop led by Hickory Hill resident John Aiello. "You’ve got a lifetime of stories and it’s time to write them down. Memoir, fiction, poetry, our enthusiastic instructor and this supportive group will help you find your writing voice and your editing skills!" https://pearlriverlibrary.libcal.com/event/13284924

FOR THE SPORTY TYPES: If someone in your life is looking for a way to scratch their pickleball itch even when the weather doesn't cooperate, Prestige Pickleball might fit the bill. A purpose-designed pickleball space, there are multiple options for memberships, court rentals, or lessons. There's even a brand-new pro shop on site. You can find them tucked away in a corporate park at 160 Legrand Avenue in Northvale. www.prestigepickleballclub.com

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: Diggerland USA in Berlin, NJ, is a construction theme park where visitors can drive, ride and operate real heavy machinery. Sure, it's a bit of a drive, but for the truck-obsessed little ones (or not-so-little ones) in your life, they'll love spending the day with the big diggers. The rides close for the winter, but the Diggerland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Spectacular operates throughout the holiday season. For prices on packages and passes, visit www.diggerlandusa.com