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Cozzie Livs isn’t slowing down for anyone, and the events keep coming—Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, anniversaries. But from our point of view, there’s nothing wrong with love on a budget, and we’ve got just the thing—experience gifts, and we’ve rounded up plenty that are all under $100. No more gift packs from the discount bin going straight to landfill, this year we’re giving thoughtfully AND frugally.
Whether you get an experience for a loved one to enjoy solo or treat yourself and join in on the fun, these gifts promise fun, happy memories and maybe a keepsake to take home at the end (think of it as two gifts for the price of one), all for under $100!
Our top picks for gifts under $100
Creative gifts for the artists
Do you have a creative soul on your hands? Does Mum enjoy painting in the garden? Or perhaps your best friend scorns mass-produced items and prefers to thrift for unique finds? These creative gift ideas are for the dreamers, the doodlers, the colourful creatives, and they’re all under $100.
Neon paint and sip workshop
Cost: $59
Where: Chatswood, Sydney
When: Most Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings
Why we love it: Bright fluoro paint, electrifying artworks, beats and bevvies, sign us up! This is an evening for the senses. An invitation to leave all worries at the door and lose yourself in the sights and sounds of neon paint and sip. No substance, all style, these beginner-friendly classes are the perfect budget-friendly gift.
Coffee and clay
Cost: $50
Where: Maylands, Perth
When: Wednesday mornings
Why we love it: A cosy pottery studio, complimentary coffee and the chance to hand-build a cute trinket tray from clay? Yes please! This is a mindful experience for those who like slow mornings and giving their belongings a special home. We think this is a wonderful gift for your mum or grandma (or both!)
Wine and clay beginner's wheel throwing
Cost: $75-$85, depending on the date
Where: Willoughby, Sydney
When: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Why we love it: For those who’ve never tried it, wheel throwing is a blast for beginners! And when you add wine (or your drink of choice) to the mix, you’ve got a good time on your hands. Screen-free, tactile and freeing, this experience is a great way for your giftee to loosen up and go home with a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece for their kitchen. Pottery classes are one of our favourite, unique gifts on a budget.
Paint your partner in Melbourne
Cost: $59
Where: Port Melbourne
When: Friday and Saturday nights
Why we love it: Painting your partner has gone viral for a reason—it’s hilarious! Whether you’re a budding artist or a complete disaster with a brush, the focus here is fun and connection, not perfection. Just remember to leave your ego at the door and embrace the laughs!
Delicious gifts for foodies
Most people like food, but some of us are obsessed. For the friends, family and lovers who won’t go to a restaurant unless it’s Instagrammable, have cookbooks as décor and are always asking “what’s for dinner?”, these foodie gifts will keep their stomachs full without leaving your wallet empty.
Burrata and bocconcini making (with bubbles)
Cost: $99
Where: Rosebery, Sydney
When: Thursday and Friday nights and Saturdays
Why we love it: There’s cheese and there’s bubbles, need we say more? For the cheese lovers in your life, this experience is the perfect gift. Not only will it help them appreciate the effort that goes into making those creamy morsels, but it also involves eating them, taking them home and pairing them with a glass of bubbles. Celebrating a birthday? We can’t think of a better gift!
Dumpling making
Cost: $97
Where: Teneriffe, Brisbane
When: Mixed dates
Why we love it: If your giftee loves food but finds cooking intimidating, dumpling making is a surprisingly easy foray into the kitchen. They’re guaranteed a delicious result and a feast of dumplings they’ll be proud to have made themselves! With vegan and vegetarian options, plus a sweet treat to finish, this is a foolproof foodie gift.
Cocktail class and nibbles in a Distillery
Cost: $85
Where: Surry Hills, Sydney
When: Saturday afternoons
Why we love it: A distillery tour, hands-on cocktail making, and tasty nibbles, under $100? Steal of a gift! Your giftee will craft cocktails with fun names like Spiced Rum Espresso Martinis and Zombies, sip their creations and line their bellies with a delicious charcuterie spread.
Luxe wellness gifts for mindful living
Who says you can’t have luxury or peace on a budget? Our luxe wellness gift ideas are the perfect antidote to fast-paced modern living, and they don’t come with a hefty price tag. For under $100, your loved one could be carving out some ‘me time’ for themselves and remembering what it’s all about.
Succulent terrarium making
Cost: $79
Where: North Stathfield, Sydney
When: Monday evenings
Why we love it: For frazzled minds, there’s nothing like sinking your hands into some dirt and returning to your roots—literally. Working with plants is an invitation to slow down, and creating a terrarium is like making a mini low-maintenance garden. The perfect way to include some nature in the home. This gift is perfect for busy folk who need a reminder to stop and breathe.
Tea blending
Cost: $55
Where: Melbourne
When: Saturday mornings
Why we love it: Nothing says ‘have a mindful moment’ like a cup of tea. Add a tea that’s been custom-blended to your giftee’s tastes, and you have yourself a luxurious and thoughtful gift.
Exciting gifts for the adventurous
Sometimes being on a budget is dreary, but there’s nothing dreary about these exciting gift ideas for adventurous spirits! For the person who’s always willing to try new things or does it for the plot, these gifts are sure to lift their spirits, and all for under $100! There’s nothing boring about these budget-friendly gift ideas.
DJ workshop
Cost: $60-$80, depending on the date
Where: Northcote, Melbourne
When: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Why we love it: For the friend who loves bangers and beats, this DJ workshop will teach them how to create their own! Now you’ve given your friend the gift of a new hobby and a new weekend activity. Who needs the club when you’ve got a home DJ?
Axe throwing for beginners
Cost: $45-$50 per person
Where: West End, Brisbane
When: Every day
Why we love it: It’s not often a person gets to throw an axe in the modern age, so this is a fun and safe way for your giftee to try something they’ve never done before! It’s exciting, active and a little competitive, the perfect activity to try before heading to the nearest beer garden to celebrate (we recommend doing things in that order!)
Spanish fiesta and flamenco dancing
Cost: $85
Where: Mount Hawthorn, Perth
When: Saturday nights
Why we love it: Bring the heat to your weekend! This isn’t just a night out—it’s a full-on Spanish fiesta packed with fiery flamenco, delicious tapas and all the rhythm your giftee can handle. Perfect for anyone who loves dancing, food and a night that feels like a mini holiday.
Find more of the best unique experience gifts in Australia here.
