In this story:
- Go with the flow at an acrylic pouring class
- Build a DIY terrarium with your stepdad
- Get snapping at a smartphone photography class
- Join a Spanish tapas class for Dads who love to cook
- Learn how to bake sourdough bread
- Barista classes for coffee-loving stepdads
- Play with clay at a wheel throwing class
- Get crafty at a rug tufting class
- Savour the experience at a whisky tasting masterclass
- Craft something unique at a leatherwork class
Show your stepdad how much you care with these creative and heartfelt gifts for Dad across Australia! Whether he’s been a part of your life since childhood or you’re still getting to know each other, these thoughtful experience gifts will make him feel truly special. From building a DIY terrarium to learning how to cook a Spanish feast or baking sourdough bread as a family, these unique stepdad gift ideas are bound to bring joy and lasting memories.
Wondering what a good Father's Day gift for your stepdad is? How about capturing memories with a smartphone photography class? Or perhaps you’re after festive Christmas git ideas for your stepdad? A Christmas-themed BBQ cooking class could be the perfect surprise! Whether you're searching for gifts in Sydney, Melbourne or beyond, there are countless arts, crafts and cooking classes across Australia to share with your stepdad in 2026.
These activities are not just great for breaking the ice—they're a wonderful way to spend quality time together. Ready to explore more? Here are some beautiful Father's Day, Christmas, and birthday gift ideas that your stepdad will love!
Go with the flow at an acrylic pouring class
Is your stepdad into art? Even if he’s never picked up a paintbrush, you can explore creativity together with an acrylic pouring class. It’s a unique way to express yourselves without diving into traditional art forms. In these classes, your stepdad will learn how to mix and pour acrylic paints to create mesmerising abstract designs. The best part? These classes are beginner-friendly, so no previous experience is needed! Plus, you’ll be supporting local artists and discovering a fun new hobby to enjoy together.
Build a DIY terrarium with your stepdad
For stepdads with green thumbs, terrarium workshops are a great way to show your appreciation for his nurturing side. Get your hands dirty as you build a mini-ecosystem together in a class taught by a friendly, local teacher. You'll both learn how to layer each element and choose the perfect succulents for your terrarium. At the end of the workshop, take your low-maintenance creations home and care for them side-by-side! Bond over your favourite plants, how to care for your mini-garden, and what nature-loving class you might want to try next.
Get snapping at a smartphone photography class
Help your stepdad sharpen his photography skills with a smartphone photography class. If he often misses the perfect shot, these beginner-friendly workshops will teach him everything from light composition to filters. You’ll both have the chance to explore hidden spots in your city, sharing stories or things you’d like to try, all whilst snapping beautiful photos. This one’s a joyous and casual gift for your stepdad this Father’s Day. Paul M. caught the photography bug, ready to keep the photography rolling after his day out in Melbourne with Tania.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class; I learned a lot of simple and more complex tips to improve my snapshot-taking skills. The teacher Tania, was very helpful and encouraging while giving us playful challenges to get our creative juices going. By the end of it, I wanted to take more pics!”
Join a Spanish tapas class for Dads who love to cook
Is your stepdad a foodie? Build his confidence in the kitchen and get him the gift of a mouth-watering Spanish cooking class. In these beginner's classes, he’ll learn how to make new dishes for the family at home, surrounded by like-minded cooking enthusiasts. From learning how to make tapas to mastering the art of a mouthwatering paella, Spanish cooking classes are full of smoky scents, sips of sangria and Hispanic music that brings the fiesta vibes. Enjoy lunch with a twist and learn the skills to recreate the magic at home together!
Learn how to bake sourdough bread
There are very few people who don't love the taste or smell of freshly baked bread, and there’s no doubt your stepdad will love learning how to make the perfect sourdough loaf. He'll quickly pick up the skills to continue baking fresh bread at home whenever he wants. (Your mum will love you for it!) Tag along to the class with him, find common ground as you learn new sourdough recipes together and embrace a shared hobby that’ll make the whole family happy!
Barista classes for coffee-loving stepdads
Help your stepdad learn how to make the best latte and take his coffee game to the next level at a barista class! If he’s tired of instant coffee, or has just invested in a new coffee machine, he’ll love getting out to a coffee making class with you! Ray V., a fellow coffee lover, got great value from this barista coffee class in Melbourne.
"Avid coffee lover who got to understand a lot more of what actually goes into a good cuppa!"
Learn how to perfect latte art and pour an exceptional coffee with the help of a true coffee aficionado. Then take your skills and knowledge back home, where you can chat all things coffee beans and coffee art and who's more likely to be voted the best barista of the house!
Most dads love a good BBQ, so a BBQ cooking class is a safe bet (unless he’s vegan, in which case, steer clear and check out a vegan masterclass!)
If you’re going for the BBQ, gather the family and get everyone well acquainted with perfectly smoked meats. Even if he already knows a thing or two about BBQing, he’ll adore the quality time, a cold bev and great food to share afterwards. Not to mention, you may just help him become the BBQ king! Take it easy and enjoy a relaxed and low-pressure day, creating casual but long-lasting memories your stepdad won’t forget anytime soon.
Play with clay at a wheel throwing class
A unique stepdad gift idea in Australia might just be at your local pottery studio. Book yourselves in to learn the art of wheel throwing and get him stuck into this mindful activity that embraces imperfection and escaping the daily grind for a peaceful moment in time. Start your own quirky pottery collection or simply enjoy a different night out as you both transform a lump of clay into a beautiful piece of art. Great for stepdads who need a bit of time out and want to enjoy something different with the people they love. Cooper J. had a great time at this pottery class in Sydney, which makes for a wonderful shared activity!
“Had an amazing time during this class! I'd highly recommend this if you want to start wheel throwing as a hobby or are just looking for something fun to do.”
Get crafty at a rug tufting class
Want something truly out of the box? Join a rug tufting class and learn how to create a personalised rug together. With guidance from skilled instructors, you’ll explore different tufting techniques and design a stunning rug from scratch. Have fun designing your rug together or surprise each other at the end. You may even want to give your finished product as an additional gift to brighten up your stepdad's home office or as a simple memento of this fun day out!
Savour the experience at a whisky tasting masterclass
If your stepdad appreciates a fine dram, a whisky tasting experience could be the perfect experience to share. Guided by knowledgeable connoisseurs, you and he can explore the rich history and nuanced flavours of various whiskies, from smooth single malts to robust blends. This experience not only offers the opportunity to taste premium spirits but also to understand the craftsmanship behind them. Whether he's a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of whisky, this class promises an engaging and flavourful journey.
This whisky tasting and distillery tour in Melbourne is the perfect gift for a man with fine taste, just ask fellow whisky enthusiast, Paul C:
"Was very informative. Received this as a gift for my 60th birthday and was impressed with the tour. The host was fantastic! Was great fun and would recommend to anyone."
Craft something unique at a leatherwork class
For the hands-on stepdad, a leatherwork class offers a unique chance to create something both functional and personal. Under the guidance of experienced artisans, he'll learn techniques such as cutting, stitching and finishing to craft items like wallets, belts or key holders. Pick the class that best suits him; maybe he’s been dropping hints about needing a new wallet lately! This experience not only imparts valuable skills but also results in a handcrafted piece that he can proudly use. Join him for the session and make him something extra special. You never know, you may start a yearly tradition, making a new leather piece together, expanding your skills as much as your bond as the years go on.
No matter which experience you gift your stepdad this year, the real present this Father’s Day is the chance to connect and create new memories together. Whether you're bonding over a messy pottery wheel, cooking up a storm, or photographing the city, it’s these shared moments that’ll show him how much he means to you.
