Stories

5 Team Building Exercises to Help Bond Your Team

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By Annie Symmonds

Stop searching for cliche team building activities and instead, find thousands of incredible team building exercises in Australia to help build stronger relationships!

Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities

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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.

Personalised Gift Card Ideas for Fun Experiences

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By Erica Genda

Give the perfect present with unique, personalised gift card ideas for unforgettable experiences. Find fun activities they'll actually love!

Team Building Activities for Work That Build Stronger Teams

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By Jana Lepojevic

Build stronger teams with creative team building activities for work. Fun workshops, shared experiences, and skills your team will love.

Why I'm Gifting Mum Quality Time in 2026

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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!)

The Ultimate Guide to Personalised Gift Ideas for Couples

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By Tiffany Fung

Explore our 2026 guide to the most thoughtful and personalised gift ideas for couples. No matter what kind of couple they are, find the perfect present here.

Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2026

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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.

Glow Up Marriage Anniversary Traditional Gifts with Unforgettable Experiences

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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!

The Best Gift Cards for Every Type of Person

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By Tiffany Fung

Not sure what to get for your Mum, best friend or partner? Look no further than our experience gift cards in 2023 to help make their day extra special.

Show Your Love with DIY Birthday Gifts

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for meaningful birthday gifts? Discover creative DIY experiences that help you show your love and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Inviting Creativity, Connection and Change at Our International Women's Day Event

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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.

Couple Gift Ideas to Make Their Anniversary Extra Special

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By Tiffany Fung

Make it an anniversary one to remember with our heartwarming experience gifts for couples in Australia, from twisting and soldering silver to unwinding with clay.

Who Said Women Can't Make Sausages

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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.

Nourish, Spoil and Support Her with These New Mum Gifts

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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 Gift Cards for Him He Will Love

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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!

15 Gifts for Husband to Show Your Love

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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.

The Best Gifts Under $100 in 2026

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By Jana Lepojevic

Skip the discount-bin gifts! Find presents that wow with our best gifts under $100, from painting to cocktails to flamenco.

6 Creative Hen's Day Activities to Make Your Party Unforgettable

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By Jana Lepojevic

Make your hen’s day unforgettable with creative hens party activities. Try pottery, collage and more for a memorable celebration with friends.

Why You Should Try Mug Making in 2026

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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!

7 Unique Date Ideas in Canberra

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover some of the best date ideas in Canberra to spend a romantic evening with your partner this weekend, perfect for helping you create special memories.

How to Keep Your Brain Young

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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.

Personalised Presents for Couples Who Have Everything

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By ClassBento Team

Stuck on what to buy a couple who have everything? These personalised experience gifts help them reconnect, create memories and try something new.

Smash Gift-Giving Stereotypes with These Unique Presents for Her

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By ClassBento Team

On the hunt for unique presents for her? Discover a whole host of gift experiences for women who like to challenge themselves and get creative!

11 Reasons to Gift an Experience This Holiday Season

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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.

Personalised 50th Birthday Gifts to Get Your Parents

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By Erica Genda

Looking for 50th birthday gift ideas for your parents? Discover 8 personal gift experiences that are sure to be remembered long after the celebrations are done.

Bring Back Dad-Time This Father's Day

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By Tiffany Fung

No matter where he’s at in fatherhood, our five-minute quiz will help you bring back Dad-time. Read on to find out what experience gift is best for him!

Best Paint and Sip Experiences to Try in 2026

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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!

Engagement Gift Ideas That Celebrate Love

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover thoughtful engagement gift ideas for couples. Fun workshops, creative experiences and sweet indulgences to celebrate their love story.

Thoughtful Gifts for Men He'll Actually Want

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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.

Find Your Calm with These 5 Spring Craft Ideas

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By Tiffany Fung

Craving a slower pace? Embrace simple living with these fun, mindful spring craft ideas, from soap making to pickling and beyond.

What to Expect at Your First Pottery Classes in Canberra

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By Jana Lepojevic

Want to take pottery classes in Canberra but aren't sure how it works? No need to worry! Learn what to expect at your first pottery class in this quick guide.

Affordable Gifts for Him That Still Feel Special

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By Jana Lepojevic

Skip boring presents. Find affordable gifts for him under $100, from whisky tastings to creative classes he’ll actually love.

7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150

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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.

Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia

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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!

Cooking Classes Are Now Being Prescribed as Therapy

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Interested in relaxation and mindfulness? Culinary therapy may be just the thing! Give it a try at local Melbourne cooking classes.

Meet the Makers Sharing Culture Through Creativity

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By Laine Fullerton

Join ClassBento’s First Nations artists this NAIDOC Week and discover creative workshops that celebrate culture, spark connection and honour tradition.

Learn How to Paint Abstract Art for Beginners

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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.

Unique Gifts for Him in Australia to Show Your Love

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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.

Fun Galentine's Day Ideas That Celebrate Friendship

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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!

Customised Gifts for Her She'll Actually Use

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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.

Why Pottery Classes Top the List of Cute Date Ideas in Canberra

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By ClassBento Team

From taking a pottery wheel class to learning how to hand build with clay, these Canberra ceramics classes make perfect date ideas for you and your partner.

Sustainable Stocking Filler Alternatives

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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.

Anniversary Gifts for Your Boyfriend That He'll Actually Love

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By Jana Lepojevic

Ditch the cliché presents. Explore anniversary gifts for your boyfriend that are fun, crafty and totally unforgettable—perfect for every kind of couple.

Stop Buying Things and Start Giving Experiences for Gifts

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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.

Uncover Your Unique Artistic Style at Art Classes Canberra

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By Charlotte McKewen

From making a masterpiece in a few simple steps to learning new photo skills, art classes in Canberra are the perfect place to reconnect with your creativity.

Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts

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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!

13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry

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By ClassBento Team

Discover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay or getting crafty.

Gifts for Her Guide to Picking the Perfect Present

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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.

11 Gifts for Guys Who Have Everything

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By Jana Lepojevic

Stuck on gifts for guys who have everything? Discover 11 creative, fun experiences across Australia that make unforgettable presents.

5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia

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By Kellie Maloney

And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.

Save $5k and Throw Your Dream Wedding on a Budget

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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.

Sentimental Gifts for Dad He'll Actually Use

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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.

Express Your Gratitude with These Thoughtful Gifts for Her

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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!

How to Find Happy Birthday Flowers They'll Love

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By Annie Symmonds

Instead of sending Happy Birthday flowers this year, hit up our handy guide and discover the best birthday gifts ideas.

7 Crafty After School Activities for Kids

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By Sam Bowden

Chasing down quirky and creative after school activities for kids? Here are some of our best offerings from two of our best kids providers!

Top Ten Experience Gifts for Him

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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.

7 Personalised Gifts for Dad from Daughter He'll Love

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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!

The Best Cheese Making Lessons for Cheese Lovers

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By Jana Lepojevic

Love cheese? From creamy ricotta to gourmet brie, cheese making lessons offer flavour, fun and handy new skills. Ideal for date nights, birthdays or a fun weekend.

5 Romantic Activities for Couples That Aren't Dinner and a Movie

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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.

Holiday Favourites: Katie Jeanes, Head of Marketing

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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!

Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2026

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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

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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!

A Guide to Making Your Own Pottery

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By John Tabari

Delve into the origins of pottery and learn how to begin your DIY ceramics journey at pottery classes in Sydney!

How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back

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By ClassBento Team

Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!

7 Fun Things to do as a Couple Today

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By Tiffany Fung

Searching for fun date night ideas in Australia? Read our guide to finding the perfect date night you and your loved one will absolutely adore in 2023.

Find Balance with Ikebana Flower Arranging

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By ClassBento Team

To the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaningTo the untrained eye, ikebana may seem like just a few flowers in a bowl. The translation of the name doesn’t shed much light, with ike meaning “arrange” or “alive” and bana meaning “flower (1).” Ikebana is also sometimes referred to in relation to kado or “the way of the flower (2).” But this etymology doesn’t get us any closer to understanding what ikebana is, where it came from and why Ikebana classes in Sydney are so popular. So to paint the picture, let’s consider the following scene:   Image that the year is 1403 and you are in Kyoto, Japan. You are approaching a Zen Buddhist temple, which is perched on the edge of a tranquil lake. Everywhere you look, you see twisting pines and thick green foliage. Pink and white cherry blossoms seem to be falling delicately from the sky. This is a sacred place, and as such it is quiet and calm.   The square building in front of you is three stories tall, each level separated by an ornate, sweeping roof and wrap-around walkway. The siding is yellowish-gold color which sets the temple in stark contrast with the soft greenery surrounding it. As you walk closer, you notice there is a doorway on the side of the temple facing the water, and you enter with bated breath.   Inside, simplicity governs the space. Natural light filters through panes of thin-paper windows and the wood flooring is bright and open. The room is free of all furniture, except for an altar at the center, directly in front of you.   The mantle is arranged on three tiers: at the top is an ornate carving of the Buddha in black stone. The two lower levels house four different floral arrangements, each seeming to defy gravity with their sprawling stems and drooping flowers.   You are surprised by the array of colors: deep violet tulips are placed with bright red buds and wide pink water lilies. Interspersed with the flowers are precariously arranged leafless sticks and pine tree branches, which reach up and lean gracefully over to the side or curl around the outside of the arrangement as if holding everything in.   Each ikebana is its own world of balance, playfulness, and tranquility. You could look at each one for hours, focusing on each individual blade of grass, stem, stick, or flower petal, and never tire of its design. Incredibly, each ikebana also adds to the balance of the altar as a whole. The effect is a kind of visual relaxation that is at once satisfying and mystifying.   You realize, as you continue to appreciate the earthly beauty in front of you, that you are unconsciously practicing a fundamental Zen Buddhist tradition: the practice of mindfulness, of allowing the mind to exist in the present moment, and to bask in the calmness and serenity of the body (3). Put simply, ikebana is not just a few flowers in a bowl. It is an art form. A spiritual journey. An integral piece of Japanese tradition.   Even to the untrained eye, this is something sacred and special.   And now, it is open to individuals all over the world. Classes range from beginner’s design to advanced floral arrangement. ClassBento’s Setsuko Yanagisawa leads an exciting introductory course which covers the basics of ikebana like layering flowers and building up an arrangement from the base.  You will even learn the different types of Japanese flora and fauna in order to make a beautiful and authentic work of art.   As with any creative pursuit, ikebana also offers a range of mental health benefits as well. The most, obvious benefit, probably is the meditative element of Japanese flower arrangement.   The benefits of meditation are well-documented (4), and have been shown to have a positive impact on people dealing with anxiety, depression and even physical pain. Ikebana can invite you to meditate by focusing your awareness on the technical and creative task at hand. You’ll find yourself so immersed in the beauty of your work, that you may not even realize that you’re meditating until you leave the session relaxed and serene.   Another advantage of practicing ikebana: self-expression. According to the Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission (6), self-expression is a key factor in improving mental health and wellbeing. Luckily, ikebana is fundamentally a practice of self-expression, in which each arrangement speaks to the emotions and visual aesthetic of the individual creator. Furthermore, it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, and because there are more than 3,000 schools of ikebana today(5), you will never run out of ways to express your creativity.   If you’re interested in incorporating your newfound skills in Japanese flower arrangements into your home, here’s some more great news for you. Ikebana can greatly improve your everyday mood by changing the ambiance of your living space. At its core, ikebana is about simplicity, balance, and an appreciation for the imperfect beauty of the natural world. These elements create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, which will naturally lower stress and rejuvenate you.   In addition to tranquility, the emphasis on appreciation offers its own set of advantages for those looking to take care of their mental wellbeing. According to prominent voices in the field of gratitude like Hugh van Cuylenburg (7), research clearly indicates that showing gratitude, for something as small as a glass of water to something as meaningful as a loving family, can greatly increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Ikebana teaches this practice of gratitude powerfully by asking its students to appreciate and be thankful for everything from the beautiful glazed vase to the fragile stems to the striking blooms of color and fragrance.   Overall, ikebana is not simply the act of arranging flowers. It goes far beyond its vague etymology into the realm of art, spirituality, and mental wellbeing. By signing up for a beginner’s class in ikebana, you are embarking on a meaningful and beautiful cultural journey.   Enjoy.               References:   (1)  ftd.com (2)  livingnow.com.au (3)  zen-buddhism.net (4)  mindaustralia.org.au (5)  ikebanabyjunko.com (6)  mentalhealth.wa.gov.au (7)  smh.com.au ...

Feeling Holiday Fatigue? Do This Before the New Year

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By Laine Fullerton

The holidays can leave your brain and body feeling a little *fried*. Instead of rushing into January, try these few simple, science-backed ways to reset.

5 Best Date Ideas to Help Spark the Romance

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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.

4 Mother-Daughter Moments That Will Warm Your Heart

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By Courtenay Turner

From Japanese ceramics to mosaic-making, these creative experiences will warm her heart!

Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia

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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!

20 Chilled Out Hens Party Ideas

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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.

13 Crafty Experiences That Make a Great Galentines Gift

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By Tiffany Fung

Gather all the girls together and celebrate friendship with our Galentine’s gift experiences! Learn wheel throwing, perfume making, flower arranging and more.