Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
20 Chilled Out Hens Party Ideas
By Annie Symmonds
Explore serene hens party ideas tailored for the low-key bride-to-be of 2026! Find hens party activities to suit every member of the bridal crew.
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!
Engagement Gift Ideas That Celebrate Love
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover thoughtful engagement gift ideas for couples. Fun workshops, creative experiences and sweet indulgences to celebrate their love story.
Meet Wild Blooms & Co
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the magic of textured art with Jessica Nelson of Wild Blooms & Co. Join her hands-on workshops and create beautiful canvases in a fun, inspiring setting.
7 Mother Son Gifts for Spending Quality Time
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for thoughtful mother son gifts? Explore fun, hands-on experience gifts to do together, from pottery and cooking to candles, terrariums and art.
Customised Gifts for Her She'll Actually Use
By Tiffany Fung
Discover customised gifts for her she’ll actually use, from candle and pasta making classes to mindful art workshops. Thoughtful, creative and truly personal.
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.
Top Ten Experience Gifts for Him
By John Tabari
Make this the best Christmas 2026 ever and surprise the men in your life with the best gifts for him, from wine tasting experiences to pottery workshops.
Inviting Creativity, Connection and Change at Our International Women's Day Event
By Jana Lepojevic
From resin trays to real talk, this International Women’s Day, we gathered for crafts, meaningful conversations, and support for UN Women.
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.
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.
Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas to Try Together
By Tiffany Fung
If you’re wondering what to get for your loved ones in 2026, try our thoughtful experience gift ideas in Australia—guaranteed to put a smile on their face.
Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities
By Sam Bowden
If you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building.
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.
Finding the Perfect Gift for a 25th Marriage Anniversary
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the perfect gift for a 25th marriage anniversary to help bring couples even closer, from cooking classes to silver jewellery making courses.
7 Unique Gifts for Women Who Have Everything
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our amazing range of gift experiences for her in Australia and celebrate the special woman in your life with a present that is as unique as she is!
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!
Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore, and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!
How to Find Happy Birthday Flowers They'll Love
By Annie Symmonds
Instead of sending Happy Birthday flowers this year, hit up our handy guide and discover the best birthday gifts ideas.
Luxury Gifts for Mum to Make Her Feel Special
By Jana Lepojevic
Spoil her with luxury gifts for mum, from perfume making to chocolate crafting. Give her a pampering experience she’ll treasure.
Gifts for Her Guide to Picking the Perfect Present
By Tiffany Fung
Discover thoughtful, hands-on gifts for her—from sculpting clay and arranging blooms to pouring dreamy candles—and find an experience she'll truly cherish.
7 Personalised Gifts for Dad from Daughter He'll Love
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our favourite personalised gifts for Dad from daughter in 2026. Think painting classes, cooking workshops, wine tasting experiences and so much more!
Top Life Drawing Classes in Australia (2026 Guide)
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our top life drawing classes in Australia, where you can get out of your comfort zone, draw a live model and connect with other like-minded people!
How to Pick Personalised Gifts for Your Dad
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for the best gifts for Dad in 2026? Read on to discover our guide to making it personalised just for him—think pottery, cooking and more!
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!
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.
7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150
By Jana Lepojevic
Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for Mum that are under $150, from floristry courses to candle making classes.
11 Gifts for Guys Who Have Everything
By Jana Lepojevic
Stuck on gifts for guys who have everything? Discover 11 creative, fun experiences across Australia that make unforgettable presents.
Re-energise Against Burnout
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Boost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshops to Turkish mosaic lamp classes.
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!
Hard to Buy for Women's Gifts That Will Surprise and Delight
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for hard to buy for women’s gifts? Save the stress of searching, discover our guide to the best gifts for her that will bring a smile to her face.
Creative Things to Do in Australia Next Month to Fill Your Cup
By Jana Lepojevic
Need a boost? Fill your cup with creative things to do in Australia next month! Try pottery, painting, candle making and more hands-on creative experiences.
Unique Gift Ideas for Men He Won't Expect
By Tiffany Fung
Wondering what to get for the men in your life? Discover the best gift ideas for men they’ll never see coming, from cooking classes to terrarium workshops.
Why Experience Gifts Are My Favourite Holiday Tradition
By Laine Fullerton
Skip the wrapping paper this year! ClassBento Australia's Head of Content shares why experience gifts are the best way to create lasting memories.
What to Expect from Experience Gifts in Canberra
By Tiffany Fung
Discover what you can expect with experience gifts in Canberra thanks to our helpful, how-to guide and find the perfect creative present to wow someone special!
13 Personalised Gifts for Mums Who Live Far Away
By ClassBento Team
Looking for personalised gifts for Mum? These handpicked gift experiences are the perfect way to show you care, no matter how far apart you are.
7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2026)
By Kellie Maloney
Indulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2026! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoilt for choice.
Meaningful Gifts for Dad from Son That Inspire Quality Time
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for the best gifts for Dad from son? Pick fun experiences that help you spend quality time together, from cooking classes to paint and sip sessions.
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!)
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.
7 Gift Cards for Him He Will Love
By Tiffany Fung
Discover seven best experience gift cards for him, from hands-on blacksmithing to cocktail making classes. Give the gift of fun memories that men will love!
Sentimental Gifts for Dad He'll Actually Use
By Jana Lepojevic
Make Dad feel special with sentimental gifts he can use. Explore unique experience ideas like cooking, knife making, art classes and whisky tasting.
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.
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.
Our Top Picks for a Meaningful First Wedding Anniversary Gift
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for an amazing first wedding anniversary gift? Check out our guide to unique anniversary gifts in Australia we know you and your partner will love!
Nail Your 5-Year Anniversary Gift with These Modern Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Skip the cliché and gift something meaningful! These 5 year anniversary gift ideas include woodworking, candles, terrariums and more.
Unique Gifts for Him in Australia to Show Your Love
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover unique gifts for him in Australia! Choose unforgettable experience gifts for dads, partners and brothers to show your love and create lasting memories.
5 Unique Present Ideas for Dad
By Tiffany Fung
From shaking up classic cocktails to getting messy with clay, find the perfect experience gift to get for Dad for his next special occasion.
Actually Good Zoom Date Ideas
By Sam Bowden
Looking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we'veLooking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we've got some ingenious ideas for you... ...
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.
5 Best Date Ideas to Help Spark the Romance
By Tiffany Fung
Ignite the romance in your relationship with one of our unique date night ideas in Australia, from spinning clay on a wheel to making custom DIY jewellery.
Save $5k and Throw Your Dream Wedding on a Budget
By Tiffany Fung
Planning your wedding on a budget? We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite top tips to save money with DIY and make your special day even more meaningful.
How to Make Reusable Face Masks from Fabric
By Sam Bowden
Want to make reusable DIY face masks that are also sustainable? Check out these craft classes and become a certified sewing sensation!
Gift Ideas for Her to Suit Every Special Occasion
By Tiffany Fung
Explore unique and thoughtful gift ideas for her. From romantic jewellery classes to relaxing perfumery courses, find the perfect present she'll adore.
Birthday Presents for Dads Who Love to Cook
By Annie Symmonds
Get Dad feeling empowered in the kitchen with these birthday gift for Dads in Australia, from Mexican cooking classes to pasta making workshops.
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.
Glow Up Marriage Anniversary Traditional Gifts with Unforgettable Experiences
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our modern take on marriage anniversary traditional gifts that actually speak from the heart. Think jewellery classes, floristry courses and more!
Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH
By Charlotte McKewen
Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!
Why It's Best to Learn Painting from a Pro
By ClassBento Team
If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes in Australia.
The Best Art Classes for Adults in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Explore hands-on adult art classes in Australia. From acrylic pouring to resin art, find the perfect class to relax and unleash your creativity.
Make Bath Bombs with Craft + Light
By Jane Gauger
Long Beach craft teacher, Shelley Williams, believes that everyone needs a space to cultivate their creativity, so she opened a place to welcome everyone.
Aged Health Benefits and Recreational Classes
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
The weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter putThe weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter put up a fuss, claiming that it was too hot outside, and that she should rest instead. She just waved a hand and motioned for me to help her stand up. “I’m going to teach my great-granddaughter how to garden,” she said. I think we were all a little bit surprised. In her old age, Nora wasn’t usually so lucid. It was hot that day (the sunflowers wouldn’t survive the sweltering heat waves of the next few months,) but my great-grandmother didn’t seem to mind. Under her sun visor, she was all smiles. As she walked me through the steps of preparing the flowerbed and spreading the seeds in the fresh soil, my great-grandmother was radiating joy. Of course, she was always excited to spend time with family, but this was something different. This energy and warmth had something to do with gardening. In the years since her passing, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for the chance to share that afternoon with her. I was able to see first-hand how a simple task, like caring for a garden, could have such a powerful impact on a woman who had lived for a century. The fact that something as small as planting a seed could still put such a radiant smile on her face astounded me and pushed me to find more information on the power of leisure activities on the elderly. As it turns out, the benefits of leisure activities for everyone are vast, but they can have a particularly powerful effect on the mental health of middle-aged and advanced-aged citizens. Why should we focus on older individuals? As middle age passes into advanced years, our senior citizens have a difficult transition. The things they took for granted in youth, such as mobility and memory, have become less accessible in older age. Even the most joyful and lighthearted of people have to admit that this loss of function can be frustrating, scary, and depressing. The awareness of this slowing down can be especially accentuated in retired individuals, who can no longer focus on a career or feel a sense of fulfillment in their jobs. Luckily, there are ways to ease the transition. Researchers across the world have been searching for solutions to the problems associated exclusively with the experience of aging, and what they found was something that community centers and elderly facilities have been saying all along: creative hobbies are good for our mental state and physical health. Multi-cultural methods: what are they doing in Japan? A 2015 study (1) from the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine in Japan sought to put previous claims of the effectiveness of certain leisure activities to the test. Though they disproved earlier beliefs that participating in social activities could improve mental health in middle-aged and elderly individuals, they did find some overall uplifting benefits to other leisure activities. Their findings found, for instance, that hobbies, cultural activities, physical exercise, and sports all improved the mental health of elderly Japanese citizens. The effect was compounded when such activities were shared with a companion or group. What about Australians? A similar study (2) was conducted by three scholars in 2013 exploring the effect of hobbies on the mental health of elderly women living in Australia. Their impetus for conducting the study was a body of precedent publications that, although dealing with the benefits of creative activities on mental wellbeing, had largely excluded the effects of such hobbies on the older generation. Their definition of creative hobby was expansive: everything from needlework to photography to china painting was included in study. And their findings were incredible: Women involved in such activities were more likely to be socially engaged and showed a lower tendency toward “osteoarthritis, stroke, depression or anxiety/nervous disorder compared with women not involved in those hobbies” (2, page 7). These women were also more likely to be in physically good shape in terms of functionality and enjoy an overall higher quality of life. The reasoning for these benefits is still somewhat unclear. Experts believe that these types of hobbies probably improve mental health by lowering stress, sparking cognitive activity, and producing feelings of fulfillment and pride in participants. How can we use this information? We can all agree that investing our elderly population is a valuable use of effort and resources. After all, they are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They are future versions of ourselves, as we navigate our own aging process. We certainly wouldn’t be here without them. And in this vulnerable time in their lives, we should put this scientific knowledge to good use. There are lots of possible workshops that retirees and try out or even start themselves such as paint-and-sip classes, stand up paddle boarding, water aerobics, yarn bombing (the rebellious act of covering public spaces with crocheted or knitted works of art). These are just a few examples of the plethora of wacky, fun, unique hobbies out there. This is one of the reasons why ClassBento was started, to make it easier for retirees to try out new hobbies and also allow them to teach their passions and get paid, giving them purpose back in their lives. Our elders deserve it Based on my personal experience with my great-grandmother, I cannot understate the effect of leisure activities on elderly individuals. Seeing the smile light up her face when her advanced years had caused her so much strain and exhaustion was truly a gift that I would encourage every young person to be a part of. So get the older people in your lives involved in a creative pursuit. It will benefit you both! (1) journals.plos.org (2) tandfonline.com ...
Dragon Boat Racing Origins
By ClassBento Team
Imagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentleImagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentle breeze whispering through the grass. You are relaxed. Now, imagine you begin to hear some distant sounds of movement coming from up river. Maybe you hear splashing, maybe faint yelling, as if a group of people is chanting. You can hear them only shortly before their figures start to become visible in the distance. Before you can believe it, they are upon your stretch of tranquility. The first thing you notice in detail is the giant carved head of a dragon, painted in vibrant colors, its lips peeled back in an intimidating smile. Sitting directly behind the beast’s white horns, a man straddling a giant drum is facing a crew of what looks like two dozen rowers sitting side by side in the narrow hull of the boat. Each is paddling in time with the drum, each blade slicing into the water at exactly the same time. You cannot believe how quickly and technical their movements are. At the back of the boat sits a woman, shouting orders and counting along with the drum. Directly behind her, the graceful tail of the dragon sweeps up out of the water, leaving a sizable wake behind the boat. Then, they are gone. In just a few seconds, the boat traversed a space you would previously have thought impossible. The water is still churning behind their frenzied motion. In the sudden silence, your heart is beating. Your adrenaline is pumping. You don’t want your tranquil setting back; you want to get onboard. The best place to start is to join a dragon boat racing introductory class. Luckily, Naga Spirit Dragon boating in Pyrmont, Sydney offers a beginner’s course that is the perfect way to ease into the complex sport. Before you begin, you may want to review the historical context of dragon boat racing, so that you can impress your new teammates and gain an appreciation for the sport. Let’s start with the most important aspect of dragon boat racing, the boat. According to Chinese tradition (1), the ornate design of the boat is very specific: an ox-like head, deer’s antlers, a stallion’s mane, reptilian scales, and the tail of a fish. The paddles in between are reminiscent of the animal’s many claws, moving in time while the dragon flies through clouds. The boats are thought to have ancient religious origins, with some believing their role to be appeasement of the rain god. The Dragon Boat Festival, recorded over 2,000 years ago, boasts of several origin stories, varying by region. A popular one (2) tells the story of Qu Yuan, a beloved advisor to the king turned exiled poet whose suicide by drowning in the river sparked widespread grief. In looking for the deceased hero, his followers rowed into the river and threw rice into the water to distract the fish. Subsequently, the festival has become a large cultural tradition, and people from all over the world have adopted the invigorating sport. In accordance with racing rules, there is always a drummer (sitting at the front) and a steer (at the rear.) Traditional festivals can boast of crews of up to 50 rowers, but standard rules allow for 18 to 20 in the large boats, and 8 to 10 in the smaller versions. So, now that you’re equipped with a foundational knowledge of the sport’s cultural roots, what does an introductory class look like? Well, you’ll probably spend a lot of a time on land. As a technical sport with some risks, there are a few things to learn before getting into the water, like safety procedures, basic paddle technique, and how to get in and out of the boat (it may sound silly, but that is one squirrely vessel when you’re stepping onto it from dry land.) This class is also good time to go over the rhythm and timing that are so crucial to a cohesive crew. Speaking of the crew, the initial class, while informative, is a great opportunity for the crew to start bonding. As an inherently social sport, the integration of individual members into a team is an incredibly important element to successful dragon boat racing. In other words, don’t be shy! Get to know your team! Each subsequent class will incorporate more water time, but be prepared to start most sessions with dry land training. After all, dragon boat racing is an athletically demanding sport, so be prepared to put in that physical training! During your first few sessions, you will probably experience some of the obvious joys of dragon boat racing. The teamwork. The beautiful setting. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work. Yet, there are a few hidden benefits to dragon boat racing that you may not even realize. For instance, did you know that dragon boat racing can positively affect your mental state and have long-term effects on your physical health? It’s true: dragon boat racing is shown (3) to decrease stress levels, improve self-esteem and increase energy levels while creating an overall sense of accomplishment and confidence in rowers of all ages. Many agree (4) that that teamwork can have a positive effect on mental health, as well. Without a doubt, the physical advantages of dragon boat racing are also well worth the effort. Rowing requires the toning of several muscle groups in the body: neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdominals, obliques, hips, and thighs, to name a few. Within a few weeks of intense training, you’ll start to notice the results (try not to break too many fragile objects with your new strength in the process.) Your practices will increase your overall cardiovascular health as well as heighten your coordination as a result of working so closely with your fellow rowers. Of course, we all know the vast benefits of being physically fit, from reduced risk of heart disease to improved stamina. So, if you’re looking for adventure, community, and fun, dragon boat racing might just be the sport for you. Look into classes in your area to get training today! References: 1.idbf.org 2.chinahighlights.com 3.dragonboatco.com 4.journals.lww.com ...
2026 Guide to DIY Anniversary Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
Find thoughtful DIY anniversary gifts in 2026 with hands-on creative classes. Make meaningful keepsakes or share the experience as a romantic date idea.
Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia
By Kellie Maloney
We’ve put together a list of heartwarming ideas designed to help you reconnect with your loved one this Dementia Action Week and beyond…
Learn Acrylic Painting for Beginners and Make a Masterpiece
By ClassBento Team
Shake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more.
Tried-And-Tested Gift Ideas for Mums Without a Wishlist
By ClassBento Team
Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mum without a wishlist? Explore our curated selection of thoughtful gift ideas for Mum!
Holiday Favourites: Katie Jeanes, Head of Marketing
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Untraditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts They'll Love
By Annie Symmonds
Defy convention with these untraditional wedding anniversary gift ideas and shine a spotlight on quality time and romance.
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.
Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Channel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experience to join!
Holiday Favourites: Jane Gauger, Content Writer
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
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