Stories

How to Plan a Team Building Event Your Team Won't Hate

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By Erica Genda

Want a team building event they'll actually love? Discover stress-free planning tips to boost morale, spark laughs and create unforgettable memories!

Budget-Friendly Gifts for Mum from Daughter

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By Jana Lepojevic

From cooking to art classes, find budget-friendly gifts for Mum from a daughter across Australia, and strengthen your bond without breaking the bank.

13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class

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By ClassBento Team

Find out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressful week.

5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending

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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.

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!

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.

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.

Nourishing Experience Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Me Time

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By Tiffany Fung

If you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experience gifts for women.

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.

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.

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!)

Top Experiences to Give as Gifts for Any Special Occasion

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover unique experiences to give as gifts in Australia for any occasion, from creative birthday ideas to festive Christmas activities everyone will love.

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.

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.

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.

Quiz Time! Which DIY Craft Should You Try This Winter

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By Kellie Maloney

Warm up your home this winter, take our quiz and find out which DIY item you should make to add to your space!

Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip

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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.

Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything

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By ClassBento Team

Give your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face.

50 Epic Hen Party Games and Activities Across Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover 50 hen party games and activities to help you plan the best hens party in Australia in 2026.

Free Tips to Make Your Coffee Taste Better

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By Sam Bowden

If you want to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee, check out coffee classes in Sydney. In the meantime, explore free coffee making tips.

12 One-of-a-Kind Gifts for Mum That Support Local Makers

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By ClassBento Team

Looking for gifts that do good? We’ve wrapped up 11 gift experiences for Mum that support local makers in Australia.

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!

5 Reasons Why Appreciation Gifts for Employees Are Important

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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!

Gifts for Her Under $100 That Still Feel Thoughtful

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By Jana Lepojevic

Spoil her without overspending. Explore unique, thoughtful experience gifts for her under $100 that feel personal and memorable.

Our Top Picks for a Meaningful First Wedding Anniversary Gift

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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!

Luxury Gifts for Her for Every Occasion

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By Jana Lepojevic

Explore luxury gifts for her that combine creativity, pampering and unforgettable experiences she’ll love for every occasion.

5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together

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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.

A Guide to Things to Get Your Mum for Her Birthday

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover the best things to get your mum for her birthday with experiences, workshops and creative gifts she’ll actually love.

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.

Re-energise Against Burnout

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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.

Why So Serious? Hobbies Vs. Burnout

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Discover fun team building activities in Australia to enhance workplace motivation and avoid burnout in 2026 by finding hobbies that you'll love.

Best Gifts for Newly Married Couples in 2026

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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.

9 Team Development Activities to Build Relationships

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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.

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.

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.

Gift Ideas for Her to Suit Every Special Occasion

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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.

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.

Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas

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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!

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.

Gifting Sorted with These E Gift Card Ideas

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By Jana Lepojevic

Make gift-giving easy with these e-gift card ideas. Fun, creative and memorable experiences for birthdays, Christmas, or just because.

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.

Holiday Favourites: Natasha Dsouza, Community Partnerships Manager

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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!

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!

Your Guide to the Best Earring Making Kit for Beginners

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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.

7 Best Experiences to Give as Gifts in 2026

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved ones feel special.

Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia

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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…

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!

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!

Finding the Perfect Gift for a 25th Marriage Anniversary

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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.

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.

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!

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.

Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life

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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.

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 ...

Great Gifts for Your Wife That Make Any Day Special

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By Tiffany Fung

Make her day special with these great gifts for your wife, from pottery and cooking classes to romantic date ideas she'll truly love.

8 Mood-Boosting Mental Health Hacks to Try Today

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By Courtenay Turner

From creative hobbies to daily habits, find easy ways to feel calmer and happier. Here are 8 proven ways to refresh your mind and your mood.

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.

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.

Untraditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts They'll Love

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By Annie Symmonds

Defy convention with these untraditional wedding anniversary gift ideas and shine a spotlight on quality time and romance.

Candle Making Classes Are for Everyone

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By John Tabari

Join our candle making classes in Sydney for a fun, relaxing craft experience. Perfect for everyone to join, it's a therapeutic experience you'll love!

Why You Should Try Paint Your Pet Classes

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By Tiffany Fung

Head to paint your pet workshops in Australia and learn painting techniques, meet fellow pet lovers and make beautiful portraits of your furry friends.

Creative Things to Do in Australia Next Month to Fill Your Cup

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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.

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.

11 Pamper Gifts for Her to Make Her Feel Spoiled

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By Tiffany Fung

Spoil your loved ones with these 11 pamper gifts for her in 2026, from relaxing candle making classes to mindful terrarium building sessions.

Guys Gifts Ideas for Every Type of Guy

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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 Craft Trends to Tap Into Your Inner Maximalist in 2026

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By Laine Fullerton

This year’s craft trends are big, bright and bold—here are the top 5 you need to try!

5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety

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By Charlotte McKewen

Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!

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!

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.

7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2026)

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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

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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 Experience Gifts Are My Favourite Holiday Tradition

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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.