Archaeologists examine ancient pottery to identify a culture’s preferred cooking methods and to determine which of its members was the World's Greatest Dad. Make timeless memories with today's Groupon: for $28, you get a 2.5-hour pottery class at U Paint I Fire (a $57.50 value).

Captained by an instructor with more than 20 years of experience in ceramics, clay, and painting, U Paint I Fire coaches pottery pupils in numerous techniques for creating their own clay wares from start to finish. During an initial one-hour session, students shape one pot on a steadily spinning pottery wheel and sculpt a second pot by hand, relying on nothing but their own talents and in some cases, a genie in search of a new home. After a 10-day break, during which pieces receive necessary time to term, dry, and fire, U Paint I Fire will trim their pieces and apprentice clay-shifters return to the classroom for an hour and a half of painting and glazing. Once coats of colour and varnish dry, pottery is finally prepared to live out its days supporting soil and plants or doubling as a hiding place for agoraphobic garden gnomes. In addition to classes, U Paint I Fire is a perfect place to experience ceramic painting, bridal parties, and birthday parties