Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
9 Top Hens Party Ideas to Relax the Bride-to-be in 2026
By Kellie Maloney
Wedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2026 to help her ease some worries and have fun!
Creative Gift Vouchers for Couples in Sydney
By Annie Symmonds
Looking for gift ideas for couples? Try a gift voucher for a creative class or experience gift and give them the chance to make precious memories in 2026.
Empowering Artists to Earn More, Doing What They Love
By Iain Wang
It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000 for everyone else. This massively impacts their lifestyles – some artists even forgo having children because of their financial constraints. It isn’t a tiny problem. There are over 15,000 artists in NSW, and that’s just counting individual visual artists and musicians (e.g. not food artists like chefs or baristas, or garden artists like florists, or those who are unemployed). It's tough making a living, hustling to get money from grants, prizes, and unpredictably selling the occasional artwork. Many artists turn to casual work to make ends meet. Many consider participating in the gig economy. But the biggest Australian marketplaces out there, like Uber and Airtasker, aren’t great for artists. Being creative people, the idea of being stuck in a car, repeating the same task of taking people from point A to point B or delivering food, while earning minimum wage (or less), can be rather demotivating. Assembling IKEA furniture or moving boxes on Airtasker arouses similar feelings, in some ways it goes against the very essence of what it means to be an artist. Not exactly ideal jobs. At the same time, there’s strong (and in many cases, growing) interest in what these artists do – namely, arts and crafts. People (Australians in particular) are often looking for an artisan and unique experience, not something mass-produced and commoditised – the personal and creative touch that artists can provide is exactly what’s being sought after. This is why international brands, pushing their one-size-fits-all products, like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans, struggle so much in Australia – locals often prefer the brews made by their neighbourhood baristas, with the special twists they provide to make that experience just a bit more special and relevant. So why the disconnect? How can we connect this interest with the huge pool of talented artists in our cities, who walk our streets and maybe even live next door? Wouldn’t it be great if artists could do what they love, while earning more? Can’t the gig economy deliver our communities more meaningful and exciting jobs? This is a huge opportunity and forms an important part of our mission at ClassBento. We empower creative teachers to earn hundreds of dollars per hour while indulging in and sharing their passion. They don’t need to spend time on admin or on learning how to do marketing or website building, all of which can be hard for novices to learn and do well – ClassBento takes care of all of that. As many teachers would know, teaching is an incredibly rewarding experience. To be able to grant someone else the gift of skills and knowledge, to broaden their perspectives and to bring a smile to their face, is incredibly gratifying and even therapeutic. Teachers can do it to their schedule, only teaching when they want to, at places convenient to them, whether that’s at their home, their shop or studio, or at the student’s location. Thanks to the ubiquity of services like Airbnb and Uber, most Australians are now comfortable with the idea of letting a complete stranger they’ve never met before providing them with a personal service. With this additional income stream, we hope that teachers can improve their quality of life, and to keep doing what they do best. Through this, they’ll be preserving our culture and traditions while also taking art to new levels, helping us to question our thinking and how we view the world around us. With more creative teachers and classes available locally, we hope that everyone will reconnect with their communities, and keep themselves socially and mentally active, thus keeping problems like burnout and dementia at bay. What’s next? ClassBento will continue to grow its presence to spread the love, and will keep investing into ensuring that the ClassBento platform is the world’s best for discovering and booking fun workshops, and also for teachers to easily earn and manage their classes. It’s a long and exciting ride ahead and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. If you’re a teacher, we can’t wait to see what you can do – sign up today and start doing more of what you love. For everyone else, check out our wide range of workshops, and give back to your community. ...
Why Do a Barista Course in Sydney? (2026)
By ClassBento Team
Jump behind the espresso machine and make the perfect coffee with barista courses in Sydney, perfect for helping you save money and learn new barista skills!
7 Social Craft Classes Worth Leaving the Group Chat For
By Tiffany Fung
Swap endless group chat plans for real catch-ups with these 7 social craft classes, from wheel throwing and tufting to jewellery making and crochet.
Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing
By ClassBento Team
Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering!
9 Brain Stimulating Gift Vouchers for Kids
By ClassBento Team
From jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained this year.
15 Unforgettable Experience Gift Cards in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Discover thousands of unforgettable experience gift cards in Australia. Treat your favourite people to everything from pottery making to cake decorating.
3 Cute at Home Date Ideas
By Sam Bowden
Cook up a storm, make resin art or learn couples massage with these cute date ideas in Sydney, no matter what type of budget you have!
Mid-year Team Reset Ideas to Boost Motivation
By Erica Genda
Need a mid-year motivation boost? Here are 7 unique team reset ideas to help your team feel refreshed and motivated to keep up the good work!
7 Ways Wine and Painting Classes Can Boost Your Wellbeing
By Tiffany Fung
Explore 7 ways wine and painting classes can boost your wellbeing, reduce stress and build your confidence, with fun, creative workshops all across Australia.
Gourmet Gift Experiences for Couples Who Love to Cook
By ClassBento Team
Looking for gifts for people who like to cook? Check out these gourmet cooking classes for couples run by passionate local chefs.
Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends
By ClassBento Team
While there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points with your special someone.
9 Crafty Experience Gift Cards for Teens
By Kellie Maloney
Check out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something for everyone!
Personalised Gift Card Ideas for Every Type
By Tiffany Fung
Struggling to find the perfect gift in 2026? Discover personalised gift card ideas for creatives, foodies and more that turn giving into unforgettable memories.
10 Feel-Good Stories from Our Community to Inspire You in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
Get inspired to try something new in 2026! From ring making with friends to solo sushi making, read these 10 feel-good stories from our communityGet inspired to try something new in 2026! From ring making with friends to solo sushi making, read these 10 feel-good stories from our community that prove anyone can make something they’ll be proud of. ...
Everything You'll Learn at Sewing Courses Sydney
By Jana Lepojevic
Learn the art of sewing in Sydney! From beginners to advanced, discover how sewing courses can teach you to make clothes, embroidery and more.
The Ultimate Gift Guide to Experience Presents in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the joy of giving with our guide to unique experience presents in Sydney. From wine tasting to wheel throwing, we've got the perfect gift that they’ll love!
Make Personalised Gifts for Her with These 7 Craft Classes
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover the art of crafting personalised gifts for her with these 7 unique craft classes. Create cherished memories and surprise her with thoughtful, handcrafted treasures.
9 Best Gifts for Dad from His Daughter
By Tiffany Fung
Make Dad's day special with unique gifts from his daughter. From dumpling making to watercolour painting, explore meaningful experiences in Australia.
Couples Cooking Classes That Make Perfect Date Night Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Get into the kitchen for date night at cooking classes across Australia—the perfect treat for couples looking to reignite the romance!
Save Money and Become Your Own Barista
By Kellie Maloney
Learn how to make barista style coffee at home with a barista class in Sydney and save money on takeaway coffee without compromising on taste.
The Minimalist Gift Ideas We're Loving
By Erica Genda
Discover 7 thoughtful, experience-based gift ideas that celebrate sustainability, connection, and clutter-free living for the minimalist in your life.
Best Birthday Gifts for Your Wife Based on Her Personality
By Erica Genda
Looking for a meaningful birthday gift for your wife? Here you’ll find something for every personality type to make sure she has the best birthday experience ever.
Learn How to Create Your Own Mug in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Create your own mug at fun Sydney classes—perfect for beginners! Shape, decorate and glaze your own ceramic cup with expert guidance in a cosy pottery studio.
7 Jewellery Making Workshops in Sydney Where You Can DIY Earrings
By Jana Lepojevic
Learn how to DIY earrings at these fun Sydney workshops! Perfect for creative catch-ups, hens parties or handmade gifts that show off your style.
Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2026 and help your loved ones book their favourite workshop and celebrate their big day in style.
5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending
By ClassBento Team
Find out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend in 2026.
Creative Present Ideas for Pinterest Loving Mums
By ClassBento Team
Delight busy mums with our creative Mother's Day experiences. Pinterest-worthy presents for creative mums!
Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing
By Jana Lepojevic
Need a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-to for relaxation!
Gift Ideas for All the Men in Your Life
By Jana Lepojevic
Find experience gifts for him in Sydney and treat every man in your life to more of his passions and interests. Make memories and celebrate him.
8 Birthday Gifts to Give Your Best Friend
By Erica Genda
Need some birthday gift ideas for your best friend? Here are 8 amazing birthday gift experiences your best friend will never forget!
The Best Wellness Gifts for Her in 2026
By Jana Lepojevic
Give her the gift of calm with wellness gifts for her, including creative workshops and soul-soothing experiences.
Cocktail Classes in Sydney for Every Special Occasion
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to celebrate a special event? Cocktail classes in Sydney create the perfect atmosphere for you to shake classic cocktails and bond with your loved ones.
9 Employee Gift Ideas That Your Team Will Really Want in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover some of the best company gift cards in Australia that your team is guaranteed to love, from unwinding with clay to shaking up delicious cocktails.
Who Said Women Can't Make Sausages
By Kellie Maloney
Discover how a sausage maker, a talented threader, a glass smith and a macramè master challenge gender stereotypes in their chosen craft.
7 Special Experiences for Couples Craving Quality Time
By Tiffany Fung
Whether you’re long-time partners or newly smitten, these experience gifts in Australia promise unforgettable ways to connect and make memories together.
Power Through Your Present List with Crafty E Gift Card Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Gift unforgettable experiences with these crafty e-gift card ideas! From jewellery making to cocktail classes, discover unique ways to create lasting memories.
Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing
By Laine Fullerton
Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing in 2026!
Unique Gifts for Couples in Sydney
By Susana Aguilera
Celebrate your love in 2026 with these unique experience gifts for couples. Reignite the spark over cocktails, pottery or even tea!
Discover Cocktail Making in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Take your appreciation for boozy drinks to a whole new level with cocktail making classes in Sydney!
Top Tips for Becoming a Better Gift Giver
By Erica Genda
Discover how experience gifts can make you a better gift-giver. Think thoughtful workshops that build lasting memories and real connection.
Understanding the Psychology of Gift-Giving
By Erica Genda
Discover the psychology of gift-giving. Learn why thoughtful presents release dopamine, deepen social bonds, and boost happiness for everyone.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Dads Who Want Nothing
By Tiffany Fung
Do you need the perfect gift for a Dad who wants for nothing? Show your thoughtfulness with an experience gift that supports his hobbies and interests!
Best Gifts for New Mums Who Need a Bit of Me-Time
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the perfect Mother's Day gifts for new parents! Treat new Mums to relaxing experiences like floristry and pottery for some well-deserved me-time.
11 Heartfelt Gifts for Your Stepdad in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Soak up quality time with your stepdad and get creative together with these gifts for Dad in Australia, from terrarium making to BBQ cooking classes.
Good First Date Ideas and How to Pull Them Off
By Sam Bowden
It can be hard to come up with fun things to do on a first date, that's why we've got you covered with our first date night ideas that are creative and laidback!
11 Experiences to Get Your Girlfriend for Her Birthday
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for what to get your girlfriend for her birthday? Discover these 11 experience gift ideas to surprise her with, from perfume making to pottery classes.
7 Unique Presents for Dads Who Love DIY
By Kellie Maloney
Find the best gifts for dads who love DIY! Explore classes in glassblowing, woodworking, knitting, and more. Perfect for Father's Day and special occasions.
How to Host the Ideal Hens Party for an Introvert
By ClassBento Team
Create a memorable hens party for the bride-to-be who enjoys time with her nearest and dearest with these nine unique ideas!
Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife
By ClassBento Team
Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face.
Awesome Birthday Party Ideas for Travel Lovers
By Annie Symmonds
Embrace the wanderlust with these travel-inspired birthday party ideas to warm your winter. These culturally rich experiences are perfect for group celebrations!
7 Unique Cocktail Experiences in Sydney You Need to Know About
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Start your night out with cocktail classes in Sydney and learn how to shake, muddle, stir from experienced bartenders. Fun, educational and tasty!
Affordable Gifts for Him That Still Feel Special
By Jana Lepojevic
Skip boring presents. Find affordable gifts for him under $100, from whisky tastings to creative classes he’ll actually love.
Birthday Gift Card Ideas for Intimate Celebrations
By Jana Lepojevic
Small group, big fun! Explore birthday gift card ideas for intimate celebrations that turn gifts into shared experiences.
5 Things to Do in Sydney for an Unforgettable Staycation
By Tiffany Fung
Make your Sydney staycation extra special with these five unique experiences—from indulgent chocolate making to creative lino printing and more!
Date Ideas in Sydney for Adventurous Couples
By Tiffany Fung
Try these fun date ideas in Sydney for adventure-loving couples, from shaking up classic cocktails to exploring your local neighbourhood through your phone.
Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
A typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sizedA typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sized sweet Japanese treats. As you peruse your options, it will be difficult to pinpoint just one tantalizing option: there are small, soft green balls, dense, chocolate-like squares, intricately molded hard candies, and more, all delicious and delicate and exciting. Learn how to make them from scratch at Japanese cooking classes in Sydney. After deliberating for a long time between the wide selection, you may just have to sample more than one. Don’t worry if you don’t find your favourite treat on your first pass. Japanese sweets are available at virtually every Japanese establishment in Australia, including restaurants, department stores, food carts, and convenience stores (1). Make sure that you have an open mind and a cup of green tea with you as you begin your wagashi journey. To understand wagashi, you must first learn the ancient art of tea ceremony. You’ve probably heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that automatically conjures up images of delicate tea sets, the precise and talented movements of a tea master, and the serene greenery of a tea garden. Historians have written a great deal about this highly structured and difficult-to-learn cultural practice, from its introduction to Japan in the 700’s to today’s tea ceremony revival in younger generations. Everyone can agree that tea ceremony holds a special place in Japan’s national identity, invoking pride in citizens and absolute awe in tourists. What you may not have heard, but will be excited to learn, is that tea ceremony has a sweet secret: Wagashi, or Japanese sweets. This facet of tea culture deals specifically with the sweet accompaniments to green tea, made up mostly of sweet bean pastes and rice flour. They come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, tastes and textures, and have become a cultural staple in their own right. Dessert-lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike are anxious to sign up for Japanese confectionery classes, in which students learn the preparation method and serving technique of the tasty morsels. Try making your own sweet treats with ClassBento's friendly and expert teachers, or dive deeper into a workshop that focuses on Japanese arts and culture. Once you’ve signed up for your beginner’s course, you may want to brush up on your Japanese tea history before your first class. Here are a few key things to remember about this special practice: • In the 14th century, tea ceremony was created by Zen Buddhists as a religious practice emphasizing the four integral notions of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility (2). Because of this, tea ceremony is a fundamentally spiritual practice and has retained sacred status for seven centuries. • The most important name associated with tea ceremony is Sen Rikyu (3), a tea master who set the standard for tea ceremony by codifying the entire process, from the technical process, to the utensils, to the setting. He is credited with developing the notions of wabi (a commitment to simple, everyday living) and sabi (an aesthetic tendency towards the old and worn.) The overall intention is to find beauty in ordinary objects. • Tea masters dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their craft, and a full tea ceremony can last up for four hours, with multiple renditions of green tea, a meal, sake tasting, and wagashi (4). Now that you have a foundational knowledge of the main show, let’s pivot to one of the key players of the ceremony: wagashi. Wagashi can be broken down into three separate categories - togashi, tenjin and nanban-gashi - each with its own taste and cultural history(5). • Togashi is the rarest form of Japanese confectionery and is made from the kneading of wheat flour or bean paste into various shapes. It is then deep-fried and has a long tradition of being served at aristocratic banquets. • Tenjin is the type most closely associated with tea ceremony as it was introduced with by the zen buddhists who popularized the custom. It is characterized by jellied and bun-like sweets, although traditional versions were more savory than sweet. • Nanban-gashi was radically different from other forms of wagashi when it was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in 1543. Unlike its savory relatives, this unique form utilized sweet ingredients and eggs, which were previously uncommon on the islands. If such distinctions are not enough, wagashi gets more complicated - and more exciting! For, the creation of Japanese sweets are not simply shaping sweetened bean paste into random shapes. Instead, each wagashi creates a balance of the senses which enhances its role as part of the Zen Buddhist’s tea ceremony(6): • Sight - each wagashi is perfectly crafted to be aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking • Taste - wagashi is a showcase of its natural ingredients, allowing the person tasting the treat to admire traditional Japanese crops such as beans and grains • Texture – the sweets come in a vast variety of textures, from soft to crispy to light to dense • Scent - a key aspect is subtlety - in fragrance, especially. Each morsel compliments the other scents of the ceremony, like the all-important green tea • Sound - wagashi invoke an auditory response as a result of its unique and significant labels. Many refer to natural elements or traditional poetic works When sifting through all of the information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is normal; tea ceremony and Japanese sweets boast of long and meaningful histories that are difficult for foreigners to understand. But wagashi can be a beautiful and accessible hobby, in which students learn about and gain an appreciation for an incredibly complex culture while also exploring the creative process of wagashi-making. As a student of wagashi, you can benefit just by learning the basics, or you can fully lean into the practice, tapping into an extensive and well-established tradition of sweet-making. Learn about the amazing health benefits of matcha here. References: (1) japan-guide.com (2) mightyleaf.com (3) britannica.com (4) shibuiswords.com (5) kikkoman.com (6) toraya-group.co.jp ...
Fun Galentine's Day Ideas That Celebrate Friendship
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate friendship this February with fun Galentine’s Day ideas. From flowers to cocktails, chocolate to pottery, there’s something for every girl gang!
How to Keep Your Brain Young
By Courtenay Turner
We unpack the simple lifestyle changes you can make in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond to keep your brain young and your mind malleable.
5 Unique Drawing Classes in Sydney to Explore Your Creativity
By Kellie Maloney
Brush up on your drawing skills or add a creative twist to your next social event with these 5 unique drawing class in Sydney. Perfect for adults and beginners!
One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss
By Annie Symmonds
Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences.
Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life
By ClassBento Team
Help your loved ones rejuvenate with self-care gifts for men that'll encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing this year.
The Food and Drink Trends Worth Trying If You're in Your Home Café Era
By Tiffany Fung
Love home cafés, handmade pasta and beautiful bakes? Discover Australia's biggest foodie trends and the creative classes helping you learn them.
Cool Birthday Gifts for Your Husband Based on His Type
By Tiffany Fung
Cool birthday gifts for him start here! Discover creative experience gifts for your husband, from woodworking classes to pottery workshops he'll love.
Last-Minute Gift Experiences in Sydney for the Whole Family
By Laine Fullerton
Discover fun and meaningful last-minute gift experiences in Sydney, from cooking and baking to painting and pottery. The perfect gift for families of all ages!
Birthday Present Experiences That Create Memories
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for fun birthday present experiences in 2026? Help create fun memories your loved ones will never forget with our art, craft and cooking workshops!
Gifting Sorted with These E Gift Card Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Make gift-giving easy with these e-gift card ideas. Fun, creative and memorable experiences for birthdays, Christmas, or just because.
Team Building Activities
By Tiffany Fung
Learn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with team workshops.
The Best Gifts Under $100 in 2026
By Jana Lepojevic
Skip the discount-bin gifts! Find presents that wow with our best gifts under $100, from painting to cocktails to flamenco.
Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet
By Kellie Maloney
Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!
Last-Minute Gifts That Don't Feel Last Minute
By ClassBento Team
From Sydney to Perth, we’ve scoured Australia for the best last-minute gifts to give to someone special in your life.
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