Lois Loves - Gift Certificates

Many people dislike giving gift certificates because they think they are thoughtless and impersonal. I, however, disagree. Nowadays, gift certificates offer recipients some really imaginative and unique opportunities. A gift certificate can allow someone to shop guilt-free at a favorite store, get pampered with a spa treatment, or pursue a hobby by taking a class. I'm particularly fond of gift certificates that encourage pursuit of a hobby. I consider myself a cooking enthusiast and I would be ecstatic if I received a gift certificate for a cooking class. A gift certificate for a cooking class is perfect for an aspiring chef, a food enthusiast, or even someone who has a cooking phobia. If someone in your life fits any of these categories, contact your area culinary schools and restaurants and inquire about purchasing a gift certificate for a cooking class. If you live in the NYC area here are a few great options.

• The Institute of Culinary Education(50 W.23rd Street, 212-847-0770) has the most extensive recreational division in the City. The Art of Cevice - Plus a Great Mojito, Super Soup Suppers, All about Risotto, Sushi and More, and Doughnuts, Beignets, and Fritters are just a few of the interesting classes offered at the ICE. The ICE offers gift certificates redeemable for $75 or more. See ICE gift certificates for more information. To learn more about ICE recreational classes go to
  ICE recreational classes.

• Miette Culinary Studio(109 MacDougal Street, Suite 2, 212-460-9322) offers Adult Classes and Children Classes. The culinary studio's adult classes include an Indian Cooking Class and Saveur cooking classes for Italian, American and French Classics. Miette offers gift certificates in any dollar amount. For more information about Miette's Gift Certificates go to Miette Certificate.

• If you think your gift recipient would prefer to learn to cook in their own kitchen; home cooking new york(718-282-8866) is a great option. Home cooking new york offers in-home cooking classes where students create their own customized lesson plans. A cooking class for 2 is $250 and can be held in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. Contact home cooking for more information about classes and gift certificates.