Last Minute Experience Gifts in Melbourne

The Christmas countdown is on and we're here to help you tick off everyone on your gift list with thousands of unique experience gift ideas in Melbourne! From cute clay mugs for mum to a chunky scarf for your best friend, here are our top 11 picks to spend quality time with your favourite people and create something beautiful this holiday season in 2024. 

1. Learn how to make unique ceramic pieces

Clay hand building with Daisy Cooper Ceramics has to be at the top of our list. During the three-hour class, you and a group of friends will learn to create up to three hand made ceramic pieces that will be fired and glazed and that you'll get to keep forever. 

Looking for last minute birthday gifts for Mum? Why not hand build a cute clay mug inspired by her or even better, bring her along to a pottery class and create pottery pieces together! Your mum will definitely appreciate any thoughtful, handmade gift when it’s created with love. 

2. Cook up delicious Lebanese dishes for Christmas

Do you have a friend who is absolutely obsessed with Lebanese barbecue? Look no further than the Lebanese BBQ cooking demonstration class! Organised by Oasis, this class is perfect for anyone looking for things to do in Melbourne that are both fun and delicious. You'll learn about Lebanese barbecue techniques used in the Middle East and watch an hands-on demonstration by an experienced chef. 

3. Create your own signature scent

When it comes to finding Melbourne activities or last minute deals in Melbourne, it’s best to look for delicious-smelling ones. That’s why a beginners essential oils and fragrance workshop taught by Kat Snowden is a great experience gift. This workshop is perfect for groups of 10 or more and you’ll take home a 15ml bottle of signature perfume and the skills to make your own scents in the comfort of your own home.

Read on to discover why you should gift experiences in Melbourne.

4. Explore Melbourne through your phone

If your friend's a photography buff, send them on one of Alfonso’s Photography Tours. The classes run with up to eight students as Alonso takes you on a tour of Melbourne’s hidden tourist attractions including hidden cafe laneways, vibrant graffiti, and colonial architecture. The class will allow you to put theory into practice as you learn about composition, controlling the phone camera’s ISO and exposure and more. 

5. Build your own DIY terrarium 

If there's someone you know who needs help brightening up their office or home space, Evie Black's terrarium making class is the perfect choice for them. This relaxing class will teach you how to make your own terrarium using the right layering techniques and sweet tiny succulents. 

6. Knit a cosy scarf this holiday season

With winter now in full swing, keeping warm is key and there's nothing more necessary than a woollen scarf. Why buy one from the store when you and your friend can have a relaxing time making your own? Haylee of Work-Shop will teach you how to knit a wonderfully warm scarf in two hours. You’ll receive your thick yarn, knitting needles, scissors, printed instructions, plus a glass of wine! 

7. Take your pottery skills to the next level

Do you have a friend who has always wanted to try pottery but is unsure where to start? Marlize Myburgh has them covered. Over the course of five weeks, they’ll learn how to make their own pottery and learn techniques in hand building, sculpting and casting. 

8. Learn to make the perfect cup of coffee

Know someone who is serious about coffee? The Coffee School offers a five and a half hour barista and coffee art class that takes you through all of the essentials of coffee making, as well as giving you plenty of hands on brewing time. You'll even head home with a complimentary coffee art book, which is perfect for last minute birthday ideas for coffee lovers. 

9. Paint the night away 

Paint and sip classes are popping up everywhere in Melbourne and that's probably because there's no funner way to spend your weeknight. Gift your loved one a ticket to this Paint and Sip Class and you'll sip and paint side by side in the styles of Pablo Picasso, Gustav Klimt  or more contemporary art styles. 

10. Get to know everything about fermentation

If you know a health nut, look no further than the introduction to fermentation class. They’ll learn about fermentation and what the health benefits are, as well as pick up the skills to ferment at home. During the three hour class taught by Briony Kean, they'll learn how to make probiotic coconut yoghurt, preserved lemons, dill pickles, fermented vegetables, fermented honey and and even kimchi.

11. Gather your ladies and create your own flower crown 

Are you friend of a bride-to-be and want to surprise them with a gift experience in Melbourne they'll never forget? Grab ten or more girlfriends to put in for this epic flower crown workshop run by Bloomin' Marvellous and you'll spend a beautiful afternoon sipping champagne and playing with flowers.