By Tiffany FungIn this story:
Struggling to find thoughtful gifts on a budget? Unique experience gifts in Melbourne are your new, surprising solution! And you don’t need to spend a fortune. Forget cheap knick-knacks or supermarket chocolate boxes; it's about time we embraced the art of gifting experiences that help us make memories with loved ones.
We’ve put together some of the best Melbourne experiences that won't break the bank, from getting artsy with casual paint and sip classes to unleashing your inner barista at a latte art class.
Spin clay on the pottery wheel in Box Hill South
Cost: $79 to $99 depending on early bird offers
Looking for the perfect present for an artistic soul? This mindful pottery wheel workshop in Box Hill South will do the trick!
If your giftee is the creative type who likes to do their own thing, Heer Pottery’s open-wheel session is an affordable, flexible gift, perfect for those who like to drum to their own beat. Offering all the fun of pottery without the high price tag, a talented local ceramicist will demo the basics, hand over helpful guide cards and let you both dive right into hands-on clay time.
You’ll get to have a fun, carefree experience together, plus take home your unique creations—talk about value for money!
Heer Pottery even have a class dedicated to parents and kids, so whether your gift is for your Mum, your friend or your children, everyone can join the fun!
Learn how to create beautiful latte art in Melbourne
Cost: $95
If you’re looking for the best Melbourne experience for the coffee lover in your life, this barista course on Elizabeth Street offers plenty of coffee making and tasting. Here, your special someone can learn how to brew the perfect latte and master aesthetically pleasing latte art, too. They’ll be whipping up perfectly fluffed foam and creating cool latte art designs like rosettas, tulips and love hearts in no time!
Coming in at under $100 and teaching your giftee the art of making coffee at home, this is a gift that offers double the value! Expect future coffee invites and prepare to be impressed by their newfound skills.
Paint your furry best friend in Port Melbourne
Cost: $65
A woman or man’s best friend is often said to be their dog… and we completely agree! For unique experience gifts for dog lovers, this paint your dog workshop is the perfect choice. At Paint for Fun Melbourne, your giftee can bring their pooch to the workshop and learn how to capture their likeness on the canvas! Often cheaper than a custom pet portrait, this gift offers the added bonus of giving your loved one a fun, creative time with their beloved pet! The only tricky thing will be not getting distracted by everyone’s cute dogs in the class!
At the end, they’ll have a sweet painting of their dog to take home and hang on their wall, combining the benefits of a physical gift with an experience gift. Plus, it's one of the best last-minute gifts in Melbourne that still feels personal!
Chelsea E. couldn’t recommend it enough!
“We bought this as a gift for our mum, and what an amazing day it turned out to be. The three of us attended the class together alongside Mum's two adorable puppies, and we had a blast. Amelia was such an amazing host, helping Mum unleash her artistic flair while also keeping an eye on the dogs as they ran around the studio. The music and atmosphere were fun, and the class duration was great. I’d highly recommend this experience to others!”
3 years in business
Runs regularly
Pascoe Vale South
1 to 8 guests
$80 - $110
Create classic cocktails like a pro in Fitzroy
Cost: $85
If your giftee needs to let loose, shake things up with a cocktail making class at Polly Bar in Fitzroy. This fun-filled experience is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to entertain, needs a night out, or simply enjoys a well-crafted drink.
In the heart of Fitzroy, a vibrant, artsy suburb, you’ll be welcomed into a wonderfully moody space with a drink on arrival! There’s no better way to make someone feel celebrated on their special day than a dedicated cocktail session. You’ll enjoy your premade drink and shared antipasto platter as an expert bartender guides you through new cocktail techniques, recipes, tips and tricks. Before you know it, you’ll be pros at making cocktails—not only do you get a fab night out, but you also get the skills to level up every future celebration with your delicious concoctions.
Priced at just $85 per person, this cocktail class is truly a unique gift experience for couples or friends that promises plenty of laughter, learning and drinks! Plus, you get to let the party live on as you bar hop your way down Brunswick Street.
Make mesmerising fluid art pieces in Richmond
Cost: $93
If you have a wannabe artist on your hands, get them a gift that matches their interest but is also easy enough for even beginners to walk away with something beautiful and handmade.
Enter this fluid art workshop by Live for Art in Richmond. Relaxed and mesmerised, your giftee will watch patterns form and colours swirl as they learn Dutch pouring techniques, pouring paint from a cup and using a hairdryer to move the paints around.
The best part is that no two paintings ever come out the same, meaning each piece created during the workshop is unique to them! That’s the gift of two hours of creative time AND a custom art piece, all for under $100. Not to mention the sense of calm your giftee will feel after the session. That’s something you can’t put a price on!
There’s no need to spend more than $100 for an unforgettable gift. Melbourne has no shortage of experiences that offer high-value fun without breaking the bank! Maybe your loved ones will get to take home a cool art piece or some new skills, but what they’ll love most is the shared memory and the thought you put into making their day extra special.
