Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Unforgettable Hen Night Ideas for Older Brides
By Courtenay Turner
From cocktail-making classes to flower-arranging workshops, discover the best hen night ideas for older brides. Celebrate in sophistication and style.
5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending
By ClassBento Team
Find out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend in 2026.
Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends
By ClassBento Team
While there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points with your special someone.
Personalised Gifts for Dad for Special Occasions
By Tiffany Fung
Discover personalised gifts for Dad that help create lasting memories for every type of special occasion, from whisky tasting experiences to terrarium workshops.
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 to Nail Your 10 Year Anniversary Gift
By ClassBento Team
From mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for your anniversary.
Personalised Gift Card Ideas for Fun Experiences
By Erica Genda
Give the perfect present with unique, personalised gift card ideas for unforgettable experiences. Find fun activities they'll actually love!
Last-Minute EOFY Team Celebration Ideas
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the best last-minute EOFY team celebration ideas to celebrate 2026 with your team, from paint and sip classes to cooking workshops and more.
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.
10 Feel-Good Stories from Our Community to Inspire You in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
Get inspired to try something new in 2026! From ring making with friends to solo sushi making, read these 10 feel-good stories from our communityGet inspired to try something new in 2026! From ring making with friends to solo sushi making, read these 10 feel-good stories from our community that prove anyone can make something they’ll be proud of. ...
The Ultimate Guide to Personalised Gift Ideas for Couples
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.
Holiday Favourites: Natasha Dsouza, Community Partnerships Manager
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!
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.
Choose Your Next Side Quest: A Guide to Trending Hobbies
By Erica Genda
Discover top trending hobbies and find your next passion project. Explore fun, unique side quests to level up your free time today!
How to Organise In-office Team Building Activities
By Tiffany Fung
Discover how to organise in-office team building activities your team will actually enjoy, from cocktail making and dumpling workshops to creative art classes.
Experience Gift Cards in Australia Foodies Will Love
By Katie Milton
Foodie gift cards to keep the food lovers in your life happy! Let them cook, eat and go behind the scenes with these food experiences.
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.
Crafty Gift Ideas for Couples with Unique Style
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover crafty gift ideas for stylish couples! Explore Kintsugi, textile classes, and artistic endeavours for creating unique home decor and lasting memories.
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.
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.
Gift Guide for Him for Every Occasion
By Jana Lepojevic
Stuck on what to buy? Our gift guide for him helps you find fun, thoughtful experience gifts for men, fit for every occasion.
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.
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!
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!
Feeling Holiday Fatigue? Do This Before the New Year
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.
Celebrate Relationship Milestones with an Anniversary Gift Card
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate your relationship milestones with an anniversary gift card. Find out how experience gift cards for couples deepen connections.
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.
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.
Is Creativity the Cure for Loneliness?
By Laine Fullerton
Discover the science behind the power of creativity and connection.
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.
Luxury Gifts for Her for Every Occasion
By Jana Lepojevic
Explore luxury gifts for her that combine creativity, pampering and unforgettable experiences she’ll love for every occasion.
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.
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.
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.
7 Fun Things to do as a Couple Today
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.
13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class
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.
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.
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.
Thoughtful Gardening Gifts for Dad to Brighten His Day
By Tiffany Fung
Surprise your father with thoughtful gardening gifts for Dad he'll love. From terrarium to pottery classes, explore creative experiences to brighten his day.
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.
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.
6 Creative Hen's Day Activities to Make Your Party Unforgettable
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.
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!
7 Best Experiences to Give as Gifts in 2026
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.
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.
Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert
By ClassBento Team
If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!
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.
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. ...
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!
Create Memories (Not Clutter) with These Unique Present Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Treat your loved ones to memories that will last a lifetime with our vast collection of unique experience gifts in Australia.
50 Epic Hen Party Games and Activities Across Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Discover 50 hen party games and activities to help you plan the best hens party in Australia in 2026.
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!
The Best Gift Cards for Every Type of Person
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.
13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry
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.
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.
8 Mood-Boosting Mental Health Hacks to Try Today
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.
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!
The Best Digital Gift Cards for Craft-Lovers, Cooks and Creatives
By ClassBento Team
From pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get hands on with crafts.
Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
13 Crafty Experiences That Make a Great Galentines Gift
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
4 Mother-Daughter Moments That Will Warm Your Heart
By Courtenay Turner
From Japanese ceramics to mosaic-making, these creative experiences will warm her heart!
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.
Anniversary Gifts for Your Boyfriend That He'll Actually Love
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.
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