Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
9 Custom Dad Gifts You Can Create Just for Him
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover 9 custom dad gifts you can make yourself. From mugs to wallets, create unique presents that show Dad how much you care.
Why I'm Gifting Mum Quality Time in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
Want to give Mum the ultimate gift this Christmas? Our Australian Head of Content Laine lets you in on her top tip. (Hint: it’s all about making memories!)
Stop Buying Things and Start Giving Experiences for Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
Stop buying things and give experiences for gifts! Discover how to make 2026 memorable with thoughtful, fun and eco-friendly experience gift ideas.
Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2026, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate their big day in style.
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.
Nourish, Spoil and Support Her with These New Mum Gifts
By Tiffany Fung
Want to spoil the new Mum in your life? From Melbourne to Perth, our relaxing classes make the best new Mum gifts for those who need some nourishment.
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.
Make Memories with These Fun Friendsmas Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Host a Friendsmas your friends will love with Christmas party ideas that mix creativity with fun, and plenty of laughs this holiday season.
Make Your Wife Feel Special with These Anniversary Gifts for Her
By Tiffany Fung
Celebrate this amazing milestone with these anniversary gifts for her. From pottery to jewellery making, you’ll find an endless list of options to surprise her.
5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together
By Jana Lepojevic
Spice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect, laugh and make meaningful memories together.
Meet Zara Avila
By Laine Fullerton
Colourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in the fun!
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.
Feel-Good Gifts for Her to Boost Health and Happiness
By Tiffany Fung
Whether you’re after a bridal shower treat or a thoughtful birthday gift, these feel-good gifts for her are sure to leave your special lady smiling.
Guys Gifts Ideas for Every Type of Guy
By Tiffany Fung
Stuck on what gifts to get him? Discover guys gift ideas for every type of guy that he will want this year, whether he's a curious observer or a grounded man.
Everything You Need to Know About Macarons
By John Tabari
Learn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. WeLearn about the history of macarons at baking classes in Sydney It may surprise you to learn that macarons did not originate in France. We imagine that this quintessentially French patisserie could only be the work of a French pastry chef. But, according to historic records, macarons date back to 8th century AD. With the first recorded instances baked in Venetian monasteries. The macaron came to France with Catherine de Medici, when she married King Henry II in 1533. Her pastry chefs continued to make these meringue-based biscuits for her when she moved over to Paris. According to one controversial Encyclopedia entry, it was two French nuns who invented macarons. The text claims that the dessert gained popularity when two Sisters baked and sold macarons during the French Revolution. They used their venture as a way to fund their housing while they were seeking asylum. Yet, those macarons were not the ganache-filled treat we know today. Those macarons were two meringue cookies atop one another, without any filling. As with the invention of the original macaron, there is a discrepancy about how the modern version was invented as well. Two French chefs claimed to have invented the sweet fillings; Claude Gebert and Pierre Desfontaines of Ladurée. They are both credited with having introduced a third layer to the sweet in the early 20th century. French or Italian Recipe? Although macarons originated in Italy, some 17th century Italian cookbooks include ‘French Macaron’ recipes. In any case, there are two distinct methods to making macarons; the Italian way and the French way. The difference comes from the meringue part of the recipe; specifically when to add sugar. The French recipe calls for egg whites to be whisked into meringue shapes before powdered sugar is folded in. The Italian method includes adding sugar to raw egg whites to make a paste. Today, the accepted method to bake macarons is closest to the French recipe. Ladurée Although macarons didn’t originate in France, we have a French patisserie to thank for their lasting popularity. Ladurée has been around for over 150 years. It was founded in 1862 by writer, Louis-Ernest Ladurée. The original location burned down during a late 19th Century uprising, so a second popped up. It was at the second location that the founder’s second cousin, Pierre Desfontaines, created the ‘Double decker’ macaron. This refers to two traditional macarons on top of one another bound together by a creamy, usually ganache or buttercream, filling. The steady increase of these stores outside France attests to how popular the macaron has become. Ladurée is now present in almost 20 cities in Europe and many countries across four more continents. International Interpretations Keeping with the tradition of adapting the original recipe, may other cultures now produce their own versions of the dessert. In the States, the composition of macarons remains the same, but the flavours are much more experimental. In France, you will find classics such as pistachio, raspberry and chocolate. In the US you can buy peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin, cheesecake and candy corn. In Southeast Asian countries, recipes substitute traditional ingredients for local variations. Almond flour is substituted for peanut flower in Japan. Taiwanese recipes incorporate red beans and South Korean recipes use green tea leaves or powder. Discover the best types of macarons here. Pop Culture In Japan, where food can be cute, the macaron is a popular print for fashion items, stationery and even bedding. Simple and colourful, they decorate clothing and accessories along with other foods such as fruit and sushi. In their attempts to create a more upscale image, McDonalds’ McCafe branches sell macarons in France and Australia. Interestingly, they are produced by a company owned by the same holding company as Ladurée. Yet, they don’t use the same recipe; McDonalds has a more limited flavour menu than Ladurée, offering six classic flavours. Ladurée, whilst not as experimental as some US macaron producers, does offer a wider range of French favourites. These include speculoos, rose and salted caramel. ...
Best Paint and Sip Experiences to Try in 2026
By Erica Genda
Find the perfect paint and sip experiences near you with these top 11 painting classes! Enjoy a drink, grab a brush, and dive in!
Best Gifts for Newly Married Couples in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the best gifts for newly married couples to add spark to their life in 2026, from romantic pottery classes to cosy candle making workshops for two.
15 Gifts for Husband to Show Your Love
By Jana Lepojevic
Show your love with thoughtful gifts for your husband that match his passions. From BBQ and barista classes to pottery and whisky tastings, discover fun gifts for him.
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.
Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2026!
How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back
By ClassBento Team
Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!
Tasty Gifts for Foodie Mums That Aren't a Hamper
By Tiffany Fung
Swap the usual hamper for foodie gifts for Mum she’ll love—think hands-on cooking classes, new skills and delicious memories you can share together.
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!
Gardening Gifts for Her That Bring Joy to Her Home
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover gardening gifts for her that bring joy! From terrariums to floristry, these creative experiences brighten her home and her day.
Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip
By Tiffany Fung
Invest in the wellness of your workplace and get your colleagues bonding and connecting with each other at paint and sip classes in Australia.
Expand Your Creativity with Australia's Top Craft Classes
By ClassBento Team
Unlock your creativity in 2026 with the top craft classes in Australia! From pottery to bullet journaling, discover mindful hobbies for a vibrant, focused year.
Thoughtful Gifts for Men He'll Actually Want
By Tiffany Fung
Find thoughtful gifts for men he’ll actually want! From cooking classes to whisky tasting experiences, surprise him with unforgettable creative experiences.
Why Paint Your Partner Classes Are the Best Date Night Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Ditch the dinner and movie routine! Paint your partner classes offer a playful way to connect, get creative and share laughs on your next date night.
Your Guide to the Best Earring Making Kit for Beginners
By Tiffany Fung
Want to learn how to make earrings at home? Find the best earring making kit for beginners to get started today, from flora earrings to DIY statement pieces.
13 Unique Experience Presents for Creative Souls
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for unique experience presents for the creative soul in your life? Explore these 13 creative experiences that make for the perfect present in 2026.
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.
11 Best Gifts That Are Experiences for Foodies
By Jana Lepojevic
Give the gift of delicious adventures! Explore the best experiences for foodies, from chocolate making to sourdough baking and Thai cuisine.
Find Your Calm with These 5 Spring Craft Ideas
By Tiffany Fung
Craving a slower pace? Embrace simple living with these fun, mindful spring craft ideas, from soap making to pickling and beyond.
You'll Love Learning to Draw at These Easy Art Classes
By ClassBento Team
Rediscover the joy of drawing or experience it for the first time at art classes in Australia. See your vision come to life as your art skills improve.
11 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more.
Everything You Can Make at a Crochet Class
By Jana Lepojevic
Wondering what you can make at a crochet class? From bags and beanies to amigurumi and homewares, discover beginner-friendly crochet projects.
Gift Cards for Couples That Let Them Choose Their Adventure
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the best gift cards for couples in 2026 and let them choose a creative experience to turn quality time into unforgettable shared memories.
Date Night Gift Ideas to Double the Fun
By Jana Lepojevic
Surprise your partner with creative date night gift ideas. Fun, hands-on experiences make perfect gifts for couples to enjoy together.
A Guide to Things to Get Your Mum for Her Birthday
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover the best things to get your mum for her birthday with experiences, workshops and creative gifts she’ll actually love.
9 Team Development Activities to Build Relationships
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the ultimate guide to team development activities to help you build relationships with your team, from cooking classes to terrarium workshops.
Why You Should Try Mug Making in 2026
By Tiffany Fung
Discover why mug making is quickly becoming the next must-try creative hobby to try in 2026. You might just find your new favourite creative escape!
5 Reasons Why Appreciation Gifts for Employees Are Important
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the benefits of gifting company gift cards to your employees in 2026 and why you should do it too for your team!
Make Her Smile with These Meaningful Gifts for Mum
By Tiffany Fung
This Mother's Day, put a smile on your mum's face with a special and unique gift experience. See our selection of Mothers Day gift ideas to get started.
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!
Express Your Gratitude with These Thoughtful Gifts for Her
By ClassBento Team
From cooking workshops to floristry classes, show the special lady in your life just how much you care with these thoughtful gifts for her!
11 Reasons to Gift an Experience This Holiday Season
By ClassBento Team
From minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience gifts this Christmas.
Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Spoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas for Mums.
Gift Experiences for Your Creative Man
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Inspire the creative man in your life and take him to our 2026 gift experiences for him that will have him crafting, painting or cooking in no time!
Corporate Team Building for Large Teams
By Tiffany Fung
Corporate team building for large teams made easy. Discover fun, creative workshops your team will actually enjoy—from painting to cooking and more.
10 Best Workshops to Learn Perfume Making
By Jana Lepojevic
Step into the world of fragrance blending and learn to make perfume at these 10 must-try workshops across Australia.
13 Fun and Unexpected Things to Try Around Australia Next Month
By Laine Fullerton
Next month just got exciting! From pasta making in the Byron Hinterland to quirky collage art in Melbourne, here are 13 fun and unexpected things to try around Australia.
9 Fingerlicking Foodie Gifts for Ladies Who Love to Lunch
By Tiffany Fung
From cake decorating classes to food and drink tastings, discover the top creative gifts for foodies to add to the top of their present list in 2026.
Sustainable Stocking Filler Alternatives
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for something a little less wasteful to stuff in your stockings this Christmas day? Read on for our guide to sustainable stocking filler gifts.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hen's Party Ideas 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Shake, mix and paint with your favourite people at the best 2026 hens party ideas in Australia!
Creative Activities Around the Vivid Festival
By Julia Carr-Catzel
When the sun sets in Sydney during the winter, the city transforms into a hub of creativity. From 25th May to 16th June 2018, the Vivid FestivalWhen the sun sets in Sydney during the winter, the city transforms into a hub of creativity. From 25th May to 16th June 2018, the Vivid Festival will attract audiences from all over Australia in an annual celebration of light, music and ideas. Last year, the city saw a whopping 2.3 million bright-eyed attendees roaming the colourful nighttime playground. For its 10th anniversary, attendees will be transported into an underwater world of shimmering corals, bioluminescent jellyfish at Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens forest, rippling and pulsing with more than 40,000 individually-controlled RGB pixels. Converse with a giant luminescent puppet, performing fire and rain rituals in celebration of Barangaroo’s Indigenous history. Contemplate the meaning of life in a 360-degree light projection of the observable universe in the North Shore. But the creative pulse of Australia’s largest city does not always reveal itself in the form of giant puppets or luminescent jellyfish under the magnetism of the night sky. In the larger Sydney arena, pockets of creative expression and learning can be found in rain or shine. Circular Quay/The Rocks Night Photography The parks, bays, cafes and museums observable to the travelers’ inquisitive eye, demand to be documented. Memories of a trip past, though poignant, fall back on their ephemeral qualities. Unless you possess master storytelling skills, wielding memory to recount a trip abroad to relatives, most often results in frustration on the traveler’s behalf, who cannot possibly do justice to the magical places seen. Fortunately enough, this can be resolved with the aid of a photograph – an immediate and tangible clarification of a sight seen with layers of emotion felt at the time. It is no surprise then, that most travelers wish to improve their photography skills – and what better place to harness the power of photography in an environment oozing creativity? If the thought of wandering through thousands of virtual toy balls or one thousand cranes excites you, then paying a visit to Vivid on The Rocks may just provide the ultimate creative space to exercise your camera skills. Director of Alfonso’s Photo Tours, Alfonso Calero, started his business back in 2008 with the aim of teaching locals and tourists travel photography. His Night Photography Short Course focuses on composition and shooting skills, with an emphasis on unconventional thinking as a key tool in the creative process. Equip yourself with a camera of choice and follow the professional photographer down Sydney’s historic laneways in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In an entirely customizable class, request tips from Alfonso on travel photography genres, styles and composition. Learn how to control ISO, shutter speed and aperture expertly to produce low-light shots. Become well acquainted with Sydney’s architecture and landscapes in its most creative and abstract time of year. Capture the multi-coloured canvas of the Opera House for the Lighting of the Sails exhibit. Compliment your tales with timeless photographs of a city at its prime. Collect images that will evoke wander and inspire upon reflection for years to come. Central Business District Whilst getting lost in electric forests or interacting with a six-metre high puppet promises all the creative stimulation in the world. There is no shortage of Sydney’s creative community during its day-lit hours. Start the creative journey early and head towards Sydney’s Central Business District for a range of workshops, including terrarium, pottery, flower arranging or cooking. Succulent Terrarium-Making Located in the inner-city suburb of Redfern, just three kilometres South of the CBD, the creative team from Merchant and Green host a range of classes from flower arranging to terrarium making. In a Terrarium Making class, work in an immersive and interactive environment under the expertise of senior florists and stylists. Construct a personalised wild landscape of fresh soil, river stones and petite succulents, embellish your vintage style glass jar with figurines, boulders and pebbles. Take home a low-maintenance, long-living plant to spruce up your home. Macaron Making In the neighboring suburb, Surry Hills, lies Sydney’s leading macaron makers: MakMak Macarons. Surpassing competitors such as Laduree and Zumbo, the company is known for their unique blending of texture and flavour. In a Macaron Making class, under the expertise of professional chefs, wield chocolate, slice fresh fruit and combine native Australian ingredients replicate the premium, handmade macarons delighting customers since 2010. Experiment with Maldon Sea Salt, Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon myrtle and strawberry gum. Walk away with a complimentary gift bag with ingredients to whip up your own batch at home. Ikebana Flower Arrangement Nestled in the eccentric suburb of Glebe, rest the tranquil confines of Sydney’s most renowned floristry boutique. Familiarise yourself with seasonal flowers in an Ikebana Flower Arranging workshop. Create stunning arrangements with Setsuko Yanagisawa, boasting no less than thirteen years of experience in floristry, specializing in the Ikebana technique. Fasten and secure stems whilst learning about the history of Ikebana. Combine textures, patterns and elements to create sophisticated and elegant arrangements to take home. Visit the Yuga café next door to regain your energy for a night out. North-Shore There is certainly no shortage of artistic talent, light projections and lasers in Sydney’s quieter suburbs during the Vivid Festival. Across the Harbour Bridge, the understated landscapes of the North Shore will embody futuristic artworks. By night, admire the mysteries of existence in a 360 degree light display projecting the stars and planets of the observable universe. Shodo Japanese Calligraphy In the heart of Chatswood, rejuvenate and improve your focus in a Shodo Japanese Calligraphy workshop. Learn how to make different types of sumi ink under the guidance of Ren, an artist recognised internationally. Learn Japanese characters and wield your calligraphy brush or 'fude' against a special type of Japanese paper called ‘hanshi’. Express emotion through brush stroke pressure, rhythm and tone. Following the creative class, meander the streets of Chatswood in a pop-up street market filled with recycled materials, lasers and scaffolding. Contemplate the meaning of the universe under the star-studded light display at the Concourse. … The Vivid Festival encourages visitors to engage in a hub of artistic expression and conversation of big ideas. By nightfall, the romantic harbour is specked with cruise ships and vessels contoured by a spectrum of saturated colour, and the magic of the city simply continues in different forms, with the rising of the sun. ...
Mindful Long Weekend Ideas for a Relaxing Staycation
By Tiffany Fung
Slow down this Easter with mindful staycation ideas in Australia, perfect for relaxing, reconnecting and creating together. Think pottery, candle making and more!
Quiz Time! What Kind of Gift Would Dad Really Love?
By Courtenay Turner
Take our quiz and get personalised Father’s Day gifts in minutes. The perfect present for Dad awaits…
Meet the Makers Sharing Culture Through Creativity
By Laine Fullerton
Join ClassBento’s First Nations artists this NAIDOC Week and discover creative workshops that celebrate culture, spark connection and honour tradition.
7 Creative Team Building Activities in Australia Your Team Will Love
By Tiffany Fung
Want to find a group activity your team will actually enjoy? Discover our team building activities in Australia to help inspire and motivate your team.
5 Craft Trends to Tap Into Your Inner Maximalist in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
This year’s craft trends are big, bright and bold—here are the top 5 you need to try!
9 Reasons to Sink Your Hands Into a Ceramics Class
By ClassBento Team
Curious about pottery classes? Here are 9 reasons to dive in and try this calming craft.
Birthday Party Ideas for Wellness Warriors
By Annie Symmonds
Discover brilliant birthday party ideas for wellness warriors across Australia and treat them to an unforgettable celebration in 2026!
Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience gifts in Australia!
Best Calligraphy Craft Kits for Beginners 2026
By Sam Bowden
Here's a quick rundown on the best calligraphy kits for beginners and why this mindful art is so good for you!
Learn How to Paint Abstract Art for Beginners
By Tiffany Fung
Curious about abstract painting? Join fun, beginner-friendly abstract art classes in Australia and discover how relaxing, creative, and joyfully messy it can be.
Best Embroidery Kits for Beginners 2026
By Sam Bowden
ClassBento has assembled the MVP's of embroidery kits for beginners for you to sink your teeth into at home, in 2020!
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.
Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life
By ClassBento Team
Help your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing this year.
Top Employee Engagement Ideas for 2026
By Erica Genda
Need some fresh ideas for employee engagement? Get creative with these 9 unique activities to help your team bond and have fun in the process.
5 Romantic Activities for Couples That Aren't Dinner and a Movie
By Jana Lepojevic
Transform date nights with romantic activities for couples! Try pottery classes, barista courses, cooking adventures and more for a fun and creative experience.
Gifts for Her Under $100 That Still Feel Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Spoil her without overspending. Explore unique, thoughtful experience gifts for her under $100 that feel personal and memorable.
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