How Experience Gift Cards Work: Complete Guide to Workshop Vouchers

Wondering how experience gift cards work? Unlike traditional retail gift cards, workshop vouchers and experience gift certificates give someone the gift of learning, creativity, and memorable moments. Whether you’re buying a gift card for cooking classes, pottery workshops, or creative experiences in Portugal, this guide explains everything you need to know.

What Is an Experience Gift Card?

An experience gift card (also called a workshop voucher or gift certificate) is a prepaid credit that can be redeemed for classes, workshops, and hands on learning experiences. Instead of buying physical products, you’re gifting skills, memories, and creative exploration.

How It’s Different from Regular Gift Cards

Traditional gift cards:

• Buy physical products at stores
  
  
  
• Instant checkout like cash
  
  
  
• Work at point of sale
  
  
  

Experience gift cards:

• Redeem for workshops and classes
  
  
  
• Recipient chooses their date and time
  
  
  
• Require a simple booking process
  
  
  
• Create lasting memories and skills
  
  
  

The key difference: Experience vouchers aren’t just purchasing power—they’re invitations to discover new passions and learn from talented local artisans.

How Hands On Gift Cards Work: Step by Step

Step 1: Choosing Your Gift Card

When you visit the Hands On gift card page, you have flexible options:

Gift Card Amounts:

• €25 – Perfect for intro workshops and creative sessions
  
  
  
• €50 – Popular choice for cooking classes and craft workshops
  
  
  
• €100 – Premium full day workshops and experiences
  
  
  
• Custom amount – Choose any value that fits your budget
  
  
  

Or Choose a Specific Workshop: Browse the full collection and purchase a voucher for a particular experience like:

• Tile painting workshops from €45
  
  
  
• Sushi making classes from €65
  
  
  
• Perfume creation workshops from €55
  
  
  
• Any workshop from the full catalog
  
  
  

Step 2: Personalizing Your Gift

Make your gift card special by:

• Adding a heartfelt personal message for the recipient
  
  
  
• Entering recipient details (name and email)
  
  
  
• Choosing delivery timing:
  
  
  
  • Instant email delivery for last minute gifts
    
    
    
  • Schedule for the perfect moment (birthday, Christmas morning, anniversary)
    
    
    

This personal touch transforms a simple voucher into a thoughtful, meaningful gift.

Step 3: Delivery

Your gift card is delivered instantly:

• Recipient receives a beautiful email with their gift card
  
  
  
• Unique voucher code included for redemption
  
  
  
• Full instructions on how to redeem and book
  
  
  
• Validity period clearly stated (typically 12 months)
  
  
  

Perfect for any occasion:

• Last minute birthday gifts
  
  
  
• Christmas presents
  
  
  
• Anniversary surprises
  
  
  
• Thank you gifts
  
  
  
• Corporate rewards
  
  
  

Step 4: Recipient Redeems Their Voucher

The recipient’s experience is simple:

1. Browse workshops across Portugal: cooking, pottery, photography, crafts, music, and more
   
   
   
2. Select their preferred experience based on interest and location
   
   
   
3. Enter their unique voucher code at checkout
   
   
   
4. Choose their date and time from available slots
   
   
   
5. Book instantly and receive confirmation
   
   
   

Maximum flexibility:

• Choose any workshop up to their voucher value
  
  
  
• Pay the difference if they select a premium experience
  
  
  
• Pick the date that works for their schedule
  
  
  
• Reschedule easily if plans change
  
  
  

Step 5: Attending the Workshop

Once booked, the recipient:

• Receives confirmation email with all details
  
  
  
• Gets reminder notifications before the workshop
  
  
  
• Attends their chosen experience and learns new skills
  
  
  
• Takes home creations (recipes, pottery, photos, crafts)
  
  
  
• Gains memories that last far longer than material gifts
  
  
  

Types of Gift Cards Available

Monetary Value Gift Cards

How they work:

• Choose an amount (€25, €50, €100, or custom)
  
  
  
• Recipient can use it toward any workshop on the platform
  
  
  
• Ultimate flexibility for the recipient to choose
  
  
  

Best for:

• When you’re not sure what they’d enjoy most
  
  
  
• Giving maximum choice
  
  
  
• Budget friendly gifting at any price point
  
  
  

Example: €75 gift card can be used for:

• A €70 cooking class (€5 credit remains)
  
  
  
• A €95 pottery workshop (they pay €20 difference)
  
  
  
• Any combination that fits their interests
  
  
  

Specific Workshop Vouchers

How they work:

• Select a particular workshop you know they’ll love
  
  
  
• Purchase a voucher for that exact experience
  
  
  
• Recipient books their preferred date
  
  
  

Best for:

• When they’ve mentioned wanting to try something specific
  
  
  
• Gifting an experience you’ll do together
  
  
  
• More personal and thoughtful presentation
  
  
  

Example: “Portuguese Tile Painting Workshop” voucher

• Recipient redeems for that specific workshop
  
  
  
• Chooses from available dates
  
  
  
• Gets exactly what you selected
  
  
  

Key Features of Experience Vouchers

Flexible Validity Period

How long are vouchers valid?

• Typically 12 months from purchase date
  
  
  
• Plenty of time to find the perfect date
  
  
  
• Can book an experience even after expiration, as long as you redeem before the expiration date
  
  
  

Important: The voucher must be redeemed before expiration, but the workshop itself can happen later.

Example: Voucher expires December 2025, but you book in November 2025 for a workshop in February 2026, it’s perfectly valid!

Easy Rescheduling

Life happens. If plans change:

• Most workshops allow free rescheduling with 24 to 48 hours notice
  
  
  
• Contact the workshop provider directly
  
  
  
• Choose a new date that works better
  
  
  
• No penalties for legitimate schedule changes
  
  
  

Perfect for:

• Busy professionals with unpredictable schedules
  
  
  
• Parents coordinating childcare
  
  
  
• Anyone who values flexibility
  
  
  

Transferable Vouchers

Can’t use your voucher?

• Gift it to someone else, vouchers are usually transferable
  
  
  
• Simply share the voucher code
  
  
  
• New recipient creates their account and books
  
  
  
• Original gift keeps giving
  
  
  

Great for:

• Unexpected schedule conflicts
  
  
  
• Change in interests
  
  
  
• Spreading the joy to others
  
  
  

Works for Multiple Workshops

If your voucher is worth more than one workshop:

• Some platforms let you split the value across multiple bookings
  
  
  
• Use €100 voucher for two €50 classes
  
  
  
• Or combine with payment for premium experiences
  
  
  

Check specific platform policies on partial redemption and credit retention.

Why Experience Gift Cards Are Perfect Gifts

For People Who Have Everything

The ultimate gift for impossible-to-shop-for recipients:

• Can’t buy yourself a memory
  
  
  
• Can’t impulse purchase the experience of learning from a master artisan
  
  
  
• Solves the “what do you get someone who has everything” problem
  
  
  

Zero Waste, Maximum Impact

Sustainable gifting:

• No packaging waste
  
  
  
• No shipping emissions (digital delivery)
  
  
  
• Supports local artisans and teachers directly
  
  
  
• Creates skills that last a lifetime
  
  
  

Creates Lasting Memories

Unlike material gifts that wear out:

• Skills stay with you forever
  
  
  
• Every time they make that dish or use that pottery, they’ll think of you
  
  
  
• Stories to share for years
  
  
  
• Photos and creations that commemorate the experience
  
  
  

Perfect for Any Occasion

Gift cards work for:

• Christmas and holidays
  
  
  
• Birthdays and anniversaries
  
  
  
• Thank you gifts
  
  
  
• Corporate rewards and team building
  
  
  
• Wedding gifts
  
  
  
• Graduation presents
  
  
  
• Just because
  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the workshop costs more than my gift card?

No problem! Simply:

1. Select the workshop you want
   
   
   
2. Apply your voucher code
   
   
   
3. Pay the difference with credit or debit card
   
   
   
4. Book your premium experience
   
   
   

Example: €50 voucher + €25 payment = €75 workshop

What if the workshop costs less than my voucher?

Depends on the platform:

• Most platforms: Remaining balance stays as credit for future bookings
  
  
  
• Check specific policies before choosing your workshop
  
  
  
• Maximize value by selecting experiences close to your voucher amount
  
  
  

Can I combine multiple gift cards?

Usually no, but:

• You can use one voucher plus payment method
  
  
  
• For group bookings, each person can use their own voucher
  
  
  
• Contact customer support if you have multiple vouchers
  
  
  

Do gift cards expire?

Yes, typically after 12 months, but:

• You must redeem and book before expiration
  
  
  
• The workshop date itself can be after expiration
  
  
  
• Many platforms offer extensions if you contact them
  
  
  
• Pro tip: Redeem within first few months to avoid stress
  
  
  

Can I reschedule my workshop?

Yes! Most workshops allow:

• Free rescheduling with 24 to 48 hours notice
  
  
  
• Multiple reschedules if needed (life happens!)
  
  
  
• Contact workshop provider directly
  
  
  
• Choose new date from available slots
  
  
  

What’s included in the workshop?

Typically includes:

• All instruction and guidance
  
  
  
• All materials and supplies
  
  
  
• Food/drinks if mentioned (cooking classes)
  
  
  
• Tools and equipment
  
  
  
• Items you create (pottery, recipes, photos)
  
  
  
• Digital resources (recipes, photos, instructions)
  
  
  

Not included:

• Transportation to workshop location
  
  
  
• Parking fees
  
  
  
• Accommodation
  
  
  
• Meals before/after (unless specified)
  
  
  

Can someone else use my voucher?

Yes, usually! Vouchers are typically:

• Transferable to anyone
  
  
  
• Just share the voucher code
  
  
  
• New recipient books in their name
  
  
  
• Great for regifting if you can’t use it
  
  
  

How do I book my workshop after receiving a voucher?

Simple process:

1. Visit the redemption page (link in your voucher email)
   
   
   
2. Create a free account (takes 2 minutes)
   
   
   
3. Enter your unique voucher code
   
   
   
4. Browse available workshops
   
   
   
5. Select your preferred date and time
   
   
   
6. Complete booking
   
   
   
7. Receive confirmation immediately
   
   
   

Tips for Buying the Perfect Experience Gift Card

Consider Their Interests

Match the gift to their personality:

• Foodies: Cooking workshops and culinary experiences
  
  
  
• Creative souls: Pottery, painting, crafts
  
  
  
• Photo enthusiasts: Photography classes and walks
  
  
  
• Culture lovers: Traditional crafts, music lessons
  
  
  
• Mindfulness seekers: Pottery, ceramics, meditative arts
  
  
  

Choose the Right Amount

Gift card values guide:

• €25 to €45: Intro workshops, short classes (1 to 2 hours)
  
  
  
• €50 to €75: Standard workshops, cooking classes (2 to 3 hours)
  
  
  
• €100+: Premium full day experiences, advanced classes
  
  
  

When in doubt: €50 to €75 covers most popular workshops and gives recipients good options.

Add a Personal Touch

Make digital vouchers feel special:

• Write a heartfelt personal message explaining why you chose this
  
  
  
• Print the voucher on nice paper and present it in a card
  
  
  
• Create a themed gift box:
  
  
  
  • Cooking class voucher + apron + wooden spoon
    
    
    
  • Pottery voucher + small ceramic piece + clay
    
    
    
  • Photography voucher + camera accessories + photo book
    
    
    
• Offer to join them for a shared experience
  
  
  

Time Your Delivery

Strategic delivery timing:

• Birthday morning: Schedule email for exact time
  
  
  
• Christmas Day: Deliver when they’re opening gifts
  
  
  
• Anniversary date: Timed for the special moment
  
  
  
• Instant delivery: Perfect for last minute gifts
  
  
  

Why Choose Hands On Gift Cards

Hundreds of Unique Workshops

Diverse experiences across Portugal:

• Traditional Portuguese cooking classes
  
  
  
• Azulejo tile painting workshops
  
  
  
• Pottery and ceramics
  
  
  
• Photography walks
  
  
  
• Sushi making and international cuisine
  
  
  
• Perfume creation
  
  
  
• Craft workshops and traditional arts
  
  
  
• Music lessons
  
  
  
• And many more
  
  
  

Browse all workshop options →

Learn from Local Artisans

Authentic experiences with passionate teachers:

• Professional chefs and culinary experts
  
  
  
• Master potters and ceramicists
  
  
  
• Skilled photographers and artists
  
  
  
• Traditional craftspeople
  
  
  
• Small class sizes for personalized attention
  
  
  
• Hands on learning from experienced instructors
  
  
  

Flexible and Easy to Use

Gift cards designed for real life:

• Instant digital delivery or scheduled sending
  
  
  
• 12 month validity with extension options
  
  
  
• Easy rescheduling if plans change
  
  
  
• Transferable if recipient can’t use it
  
  
  
• Works across all workshops (monetary vouchers)
  
  
  
• Simple redemption process
  
  
  

Supporting Portuguese Culture

Every gift card helps:

• Support local artisans and teachers
  
  
  
• Preserve traditional Portuguese crafts
  
  
  
• Sustain creative entrepreneurship
  
  
  
• Build community through shared learning
  
  
  
• Keep cultural traditions alive
  
  
  

Ready to Give an Unforgettable Gift?

Experience gift cards from Hands On offer more than just workshops—they offer discovery, creativity, connection, and memories that last far beyond material presents.

Whether you choose:

• A flexible monetary gift card (€25, €50, €100, or custom amount)
  
  
  
• A specific workshop voucher for something they’ll love
  
  
  
• A last minute digital delivery or scheduled surprise
  
  
  

You’re giving the gift of new skills, creative exploration, and unforgettable experiences with talented Portuguese artisans.

Choose your perfect gift card →

Gift Card Quick Reference

Buying Process

1. Select amount or specific workshop
   
   
   
2. Add personal message
   
   
   
3. Enter recipient details
   
   
   
4. Choose delivery time
   
   
   
5. Complete purchase
   
   
   
6. Voucher delivered instantly
   
   
   

Redemption Process

1. Recipient receives email with code
   
   
   
2. Creates free account
   
   
   
3. Enters voucher code
   
   
   
4. Browses available workshops
   
   
   
5. Selects date and time
   
   
   
6. Books instantly
   
   
   

Key Features

• ✅ Valid for 12 months
  
  
  
• ✅ Instant digital delivery
  
  
  
• ✅ Personalized messages included
  
  
  
• ✅ Easy rescheduling allowed
  
  
  
• ✅ Transferable to others
  
  
  
• ✅ Hundreds of workshops available
  
  
  
• ✅ Works across Portugal
  
  
  
• ✅ Support local artisans
  
  
  

Gift cards from Hands On make perfect presents for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and any occasion. Give the gift of creativity, learning, and unforgettable experiences with Portugal’s finest workshops and artisan classes.