Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
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 ...
Personalised 50th Birthday Gifts to Get Your Parents
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.
Best Paint and Sip Experiences to Try in 2026
By Erica Genda
Find the perfect paint and sip experiences near you with these top 11 painting classes! Enjoy a drink, grab a brush, and dive in!
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!
Find Your Calm with These 5 Spring Craft Ideas
By Tiffany Fung
Craving a slower pace? Embrace simple living with these fun, mindful spring craft ideas, from soap making to pickling and beyond.
Best Gifts for New Mums Who Need a Bit of Me-Time
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the perfect Mother's Day gifts for new parents! Treat new Mums to relaxing experiences like floristry and pottery for some well-deserved me-time.
Brand Activation for Fashion Company
By ClassBento Team
A popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singerA popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singer and performer. To bring the campaign to life in Sydney, the brand designed an offline activation, inviting brand VIPs, influencers and press to Pitt Street Mall. A highlight of the event was ClassBento’s custom jewelry stand, where guests could custom order personalized earrings that fit in with the Cuban feel. There was a wide variety of beads and bangles to choose from, so the guests had plenty to spark their imagination – it was a nice avenue for them to indulge in their creativity. ClassBento’s teachers whipped up the earrings from their base components on the spot, and the guests could participate in the jewelry making if they liked. Our teachers know how to work a crowd, and kept the group engaged and buzzing. The jewelry was unique, authentic, designed specifically for this event, and of course, lots of fun to wear and share-worthy, and a nice way to remember the night by. Looking for an idea for your next marketing activation? Get in touch, and we’ll help find the right teachers to help you stand out and make it memorable. ...
DIY Christmas Gifts
By Kellie Maloney
Make Christmas 2026 extra special with these DIY experience gift cards! Choose from chocolate classes, painting workshops or festive cocktail parties.
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.
Can't Celebrate Together? Send Love with the Best Digital Gift Cards in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Can’t be with someone you love on their special day? Discover a range of digital gift cards which you can present to your not-so-nearest and dearest.
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.
Best Crafts for Kids to Improve Their Focus
By Sam Bowden
Searching for kids activities in Melbourne that can help improve their concentration and focus? Here's a good place to start.
How to Host the Ideal Hens Party for an Introvert
By ClassBento Team
Create a memorable hens party for the bride-to-be who enjoys time with her nearest and dearest with these nine unique ideas!
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.
5 Feel-Good Reasons to Gift Experiences This Christmas
By Laine Fullerton
And give yourself a pat on the back.
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.
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.
Want to Know Which Workshops Are on Our Christmas Wishlist
By Tiffany Fung
Hint: There’s something in here for everyone.
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.
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.
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.
At the End of This Quiz You'll Know Exactly What to Gift Your Partner
By Laine Fullerton
Searching for gifts for couples? Take our quiz to unlock meaningful experiences, from crafting to cooking, designed for quality time together!
Why Craft Workshops Are the Perfect Way to Unwind
By ClassBento Team
Soothe your senses with relaxing craft classes in Australia. Whether it's pottery painting or mosaic making, these workshops are the perfect way to unwind.
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.
Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife
By ClassBento Team
Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face.
Top Eco-friendly Experience Gifts This Christmas
By Annie Symmonds
Delight the eco-conscious soul in your life with one of our top eco-friendly gift experiences this Christmas, from gardening workshops to pottery classes!
Candle Making Classes Are for Everyone
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!
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.
4 Feel-good Ways to Save Money on Groceries
By Laine Fullerton
From buying with your eyes to channelling the calm of cooking, our teacher community of foodies share four feel-good ways to save money on groceries in 2022.
Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip
By Tiffany Fung
Invest in the wellness of your workplace and get your colleagues bonding and connecting with each other at paint and sip classes in Australia.
7 Productive Fun Things to do in Self Isolation
By Sam Bowden
Fighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to helpFighting the tedium is crucial when looking for things to do during self isolation, so we've compiled a couple of pro-tips and suggestions to help you push through quarantine season! ...
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.
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.
9 Crafty Experience Gift Cards for Teens
By Kellie Maloney
Check out our round-up of crafty experience gift cards for teens across Australia. From flower arranging to jewellery making, there's something for everyone!
8 Birthday Gifts to Give Your Best Friend
By Erica Genda
Need some birthday gift ideas for your best friend? Here are 8 amazing birthday gift experiences your best friend will never forget!
7 Dad and Son Gifts That Create Lasting Memories
By Jana Lepojevic
Make lasting memories with Dad! Discover 7 fun Dad and Son gifts across Australia, from tufting to BBQ, photography and more.
A Guide to Unique Anniversary Gifts by Years Married
By Tiffany Fung
Hot take: Traditional gifts are out and modern anniversary gift experiences are in! Take a look at our unique anniversary gifts for every milestone.
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.
11 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2026
By Annie Symmonds
Find the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more.
11 Reasons to Gift an Experience This Holiday Season
By ClassBento Team
From minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience gifts this Christmas.
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!
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.
9 Best Gifts for Dad from His Daughter
By Tiffany Fung
Make Dad's day special with unique gifts from his daughter. From dumpling making to watercolour painting, explore meaningful experiences in Australia.
Terrarium Making Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Terrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favouriteTerrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favourite designs. Wall-mounted terrariums Use magnetic metal containers, and stick your terrariums to your walls. Free up your desk space and build your vertical gardens. Pair your terrariums with some funky wall hangings or other home decor. Terrariums in light bulbs How's that for a light bulb moment? (Sorry, that was too easy!). Instead of throwing your burnt out light bulbs, why not give them a new life? Food-inspired terrariums A perfect way to add some chic earthiness to your table. Beyond tea cups and cake stands, you can easily extend on this concept by doing terrariums in glass water jugs, cookie jars, soft drink bottles, spice containers, glass teapots, old coffee plungers - sky's the limit. Recycle those beautiful old containers and don't let them go to waste! Hanging terrariums Perfect for your veranda or balcony, or even as a room's centrepiece, as a modern version of a chandelier. Coastal terrariums There are lots of themes you can explore with terrariums, but a classic is the coastal theme. Succulents are the star, and you can add seaside pebbles, sand and little shells to complete the look. If you you're a bit far from the coast, this is a great way to bring a taste of the ocean to your home or workplace. Feminine terrariums Terrariums are great no matter your gender, age or background, but certainly if you want to amp up the femininity, try adding some flowers and perhaps some marble. Focus your plant selection for an amber-pink hue, and you'll have a pretty terrarium any lady would be proud of. That's it for now! Join a terrarium class Excited? If you're in Sydney, you're in luck. Jump into our beginner's terrarium workshop, or if you're already comfortable with the basics, try a more advanced terrarium class. Want a customised terrarium workshop to try one of the designs we've mentioned? Just contact our terrarium master Chris Saban and you'll be on your way. Know of any other interesting terrarium designs that you want to see on this list? Let us know! Happy terrarium making! ...
Save Money and Become Your Own Barista
By Kellie Maloney
Learn how to make barista style coffee at home with a barista class in Sydney and save money on takeaway coffee without compromising on taste.
Fun Galentine's Day Ideas That Celebrate Friendship
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate friendship this February with fun Galentine’s Day ideas. From flowers to cocktails, chocolate to pottery, there’s something for every girl gang!
Discover Australia's Top Painting Classes for Adults
By ClassBento Team
Unwind as you learn painting and dive into a world of colour at some of our best painting classes in Australia.
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!
Top 10 Experience Gifts for Men in 2026
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Celebrate a special occasion with these top 10 experience gifts for men in Sydney and give him the best present based on his interests and passions in 2026.
7 Creative Ways Our Team Keeps Their Brain Sharp
By Laine Fullerton
From nature walks to knitting, the ClassBento team shares their favourite things they do to boost their brain health.
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: 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!
Father-Son Presents That Turn Into New Traditions
By Erica Genda
Discover meaningful father-son presents that spark lifelong traditions. From shared hobbies to annual rituals, find gifts that build lasting bonds.
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. ...
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.
How to Gift with Heart and Save Money This Christmas 2026
By Kellie Maloney
With just three, versatile materials you can DIY your entire holiday shopping list with love and save money this Christmas 2022.
Feel-Good Gifts for Her to Boost Health and Happiness
By Tiffany Fung
Whether you’re after a bridal shower treat or a thoughtful birthday gift, these feel-good gifts for her are sure to leave your special lady smiling.
How Japanese Calligraphy Helps You Get Your Focus Back
By ClassBento Team
Discover more about the age-old art of shodo, Japan's traditional calligraphy practice, and learn to put pen to paper!
Mid-year Team Reset Ideas to Boost Motivation
By Erica Genda
Need a mid-year motivation boost? Here are 7 unique team reset ideas to help your team feel refreshed and motivated to keep up the good work!
Great Gifts for Your Wife That Make Any Day Special
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.
9 Custom Dad Gifts You Can Create Just for Him
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover 9 custom dad gifts you can make yourself. From mugs to wallets, create unique presents that show Dad how much you care.
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.
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.
The Best Cooking Classes in Australia for Travel Lovers
By ClassBento Team
Enjoy international cuisine from the comfort of your home city with these cultural cooking classes in Australia. The perfect way to scratch that travel itch!
Best Eco Friendly Candle Making Kits
By Sam Bowden
As we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essentialAs we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essential info to help you choose. ...
Why You Need to Cook with Your Kids Every Single Day
By Natalie Kemp
Get your child feeling confident in the kitchen with these cooking classes in Melbourne, from hands-on pizza making to washing and cutting vegetables.
Find Inspiration with These Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Boyfriend
By Tiffany Fung
Find the perfect birthday gift ideas for your boyfriend that he will actually love, from hands-on cooking workshops to fun pottery date experiences.
5 Craft Trends to Tap Into Your Inner Maximalist in 2026
By Laine Fullerton
This year’s craft trends are big, bright and bold—here are the top 5 you need to try!
Couple Gift Ideas to Make Their Anniversary Extra Special
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.
Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer
By Courtenay Turner
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Gourmet Gift Experiences for Couples Who Love to Cook
By ClassBento Team
Looking for gifts for people who like to cook? Check out these gourmet cooking classes for couples run by passionate local chefs.
3 Best Macrame Kits for Beginners
By Sam Bowden
Does all this buzz about macrame kits have you intrigued? Macrame is the unsung hero of the fabric world, but ClassBento is here to give it the credit it deserves.
Book a fun experience
Get an experience gift card
Gift a specific experience, or let your recipient choose from
our 16,000+
creative classes and kits.
star
You can gift with confidence: ClassBento is rated 4.9 stars, from 160k+ reviews.
