The Gift Edit · 20 October 2026
Snow globes, space and speakeasies: this week's gifts worth giving
From a rooftop climb wrapped in a winter wonderland to a VR journey through the cosmos, this week's edit spans the theatrical, the outdoorsy and the deliciously odd. Whether you're shopping early for Christmas or just looking for something more memorable than a voucher, there's a strong case for giving an experience this October.
This week's pick
Climb The O2 inside a giant snow globe
Snow Globe Climb
Up at The O2 is offering a guided climb over the dome's roof with an immersive snow globe experience waiting at the summit. The climb runs from November through to early January.
Why it makes a good gift: It combines a physical adventure with a seasonal spectacle, making it a gift that feels both active and celebratory. The rooftop setting gives it a sense of occasion that's hard to replicate with anything wrapped in paper.
Who it suits: For someone who enjoys the outdoors and wants a Christmas gift that feels genuinely different.
- Where
- The O2, Greenwich, London
- When
- From 6 Nov 2026 through to 3 Jan 2027
Checked 20 October via upattheo2.co.uk
Just announced
A magical-themed restaurant opening in Doncaster on Halloween
The Twisted Broom's first restaurant dining experience
The Twisted Broom is a new magical-themed restaurant opening at 37A Hall Gate in Doncaster on 31 October 2026. The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and sharing platters.
Why it makes a good gift: Opening on Halloween gives it an immediate sense of occasion, and the themed setting makes a booking feel like more than a meal out. It suits anyone in the Doncaster area who enjoys a bit of atmosphere with their food.
Who it suits: For families or groups of friends in South Yorkshire looking for a themed night out.
- Where
- 37A Hall Gate, Doncaster
- When
- Opening Saturday 31 October 2026. Thursday: first booking 5pm, last booking 9pm. Friday–Sunday: first booking 12pm, last booking 9pm.
Lowest priced children's menu item; adult dishes start at £6.50
Checked 20 October via enigmarooms.co.uk
Giggly Squad announces London Palladium date for 2027
Giggly Squad: The Gehls Gehl Tour
Giggly Squad has announced a date at The London Palladium on 10 March 2027, as part of The Gehls Gehl Tour. The announcement was made on 16 October 2026 and a second date is also listed.
Why it makes a good gift: The London Palladium is a venue that adds weight to a gift ticket, and booking early for a March date gives it the feel of something genuinely planned and thoughtful. It suits fans of the podcast who would be unlikely to treat themselves.
Who it suits: For a Giggly Squad listener who would never think to buy themselves a ticket this far in advance.
- Where
- The London Palladium, London
Checked 20 October via Ticketmaster
Something different
A prison-themed speakeasy where guests bring the booze
Alcotraz — Immersive Prison Cocktail Bar
Alcotraz is a theatrical cocktail bar experience running across multiple UK cities, including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Brighton and Cardiff. Guests bring their own spirits and take part in a prison-themed show lasting one hour and forty-five minutes, with three to four cocktails included.
Why it makes a good gift: The bring-your-own-spirits setup makes it feel personal, and the theatrical format gives it a story to tell afterwards. It runs Tuesday to Sunday, which means it fits around most schedules.
Who it suits: For a pair of friends or a couple who enjoy nights out with a bit of theatre built in.
- Where
- London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Brighton, Cardiff
- When
- Tues–Sun
Checked 20 October via alcotraz.co.uk
Under £25
A 40-minute VR journey through space at the Science Museum
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck is an immersive virtual reality experience at the Science Museum in South Kensington, London. Groups explore the cosmos together using wireless VR headsets, guided through space telescopes and cosmic destinations over forty minutes.
Why it makes a good gift: It works well as a shared experience for two or more people, and the Science Museum setting lends it credibility beyond a typical pop-up. The wireless headsets mean everyone moves through the experience together rather than in isolation.
Who it suits: For anyone with a curiosity about space, from teenagers to adults who grew up watching Carl Sagan.
- Where
- Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
- When
- Now open
£15 for student/child/senior
Checked 20 October via smithsonianstarstruck.com
A weekly selection of tickets, experiences and days out worth giving.