Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Meet Blair Zhang
By Courtenay Turner
After picking up a kid’s watercolour kit on a whim Blair Zhang became a full-time illustrator – join her Sydney workshops and start your painting journey!
DIY Hot Cross Bun Chocolate Bars
By Courtenay Turner
The ultimate combination of two top-notch sweets, this DIY chocolate recipe is fun to make and a serious step up from store-bought Easter eggs.
Learn Photography in Sydney at 7 These Local Neighbourhoods (2026)
By Kellie Maloney
See the suburbs of Sydney like never before with photography courses in Sydney where you can explore your local neighbourhood as well as hidden gems.
Try a Superfood Cocktail Making Class in Sydney This Weekend
By Tiffany Fung
Master the art of mixology at cocktail making classes in Sydney and pick up the confidence and know-how to add a healthy superfood twist to your cocktails.
Show Your Love with DIY Birthday Gifts
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.
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!
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.
Everything You Can Make at a Flower Arranging Course in Sydney
By Jana Lepojevic
Learn all the wonderful arrangements you can make at a flower arranging course in Sydney. Design beautiful blooms, from beautiful bouquets to flower crowns.
5 Romantic Activities for Couples That Aren't Dinner and a Movie
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.
Meet the Classic Cupcake Co
By Laine Fullerton
From baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cake decorating secrets!
How a Couple Working 9-5 Found Joy in Candle Making
By Kellie Maloney
Combining their love of science with a desire to be more creative, Jig and Meera from This Candle discovered the winning formula for living their best life!
Expand Your Creativity with Australia's Top Craft Classes
By ClassBento Team
Unlock your creativity in 2026 with the top craft classes in Australia! From pottery to bullet journaling, discover mindful hobbies for a vibrant, focused year.
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 Presents for Couples Who Have Everything
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.
How to Create the Most Effective Work Culture Environment in Sydney
By Kellie Maloney
From paint and sip to pottery making—boost your workplace culture with these fun and creative team building activities in Sydney!
Reinvigorate Your Workplace with These Corporate Team Activities
By Sam Bowden
If you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building.
Minimise Your Food Waste with Pickling Cooking Class in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Discover how salt, vinegar and spices can be used to cut down food waste at pickling cooking classes in Sydney!
Glow Up Marriage Anniversary Traditional Gifts with Unforgettable Experiences
By Tiffany Fung
Discover our modern take on marriage anniversary traditional gifts that actually speak from the heart. Think jewellery classes, floristry courses and more!
Why 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!
Our Top Picks for a Meaningful First Wedding Anniversary Gift
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for an amazing first wedding anniversary gift? Check out our guide to unique anniversary gifts in Australia we know you and your partner will love!
Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2026
By Sam Bowden
With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th!
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!
Cocktail Classes in Sydney for Every Special Occasion
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to celebrate a special event? Cocktail classes in Sydney create the perfect atmosphere for you to shake classic cocktails and bond with your loved ones.
Feed Your Romance with Culinary-Inspired Date Ideas in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Spoil your partner with culinary-inspired date night ideas in Sydney. At aphrodisiac-filled cooking classes, you can feed your love with delicious cuisine!
Smash Gift-Giving Stereotypes with These Unique Presents for Her
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!
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.
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.
Luxury Gifts for Mum to Make Her Feel Special
By Jana Lepojevic
Spoil her with luxury gifts for mum, from perfume making to chocolate crafting. Give her a pampering experience she’ll treasure.
15 Gifts for Husband to Show Your Love
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet Glaze Galleria
By Tiffany Fung
Step inside Glaze Galleria’s cosy studio in Drummoyne and experience the mindful joys of sinking your hands into clay.
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.
Sydney's Best Bucks Night Ideas for the Discerning Buck
By Sam Bowden
A stag do can be a difficult thing to plan. With these unique bucks night ideas, you'll get the evening just right to ensure you send the soon-to-beA stag do can be a difficult thing to plan. With these unique bucks night ideas, you'll get the evening just right to ensure you send the soon-to-be groom off to married life in style. ...
11 Best Team Cooking Classes in Sydney Your Office Will Love
By Sam Bowden
Create the perfect recipe for team success with cooking classes in Sydney!
Hens Party Ideas in Sydney for Every Type of Bride
By Susana Aguilera
From cocktail making classes to flower crown workshops, here are 13 hens party workshops in Sydney that will make your bachelorette party one to remember.
Knife Painting Is Just Like Decorating a Cake
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Discover this fun medium at painting classes in Sydney and create a textured art masterpiece!
Discover a New Hobby with Ceramic Painting Classes in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
If you’ve been wanting to try ceramic painting classes in Sydney, here’s your chance to. Step inside your pottery studio, pick up a paintbrush and get creative!
5 Art Classes in Sydney to Help Spark Creativity
By Tiffany Fung
Let your imagination run wild at art classes in Sydney. Whether you're a complete beginner or a keen painter, get ready to discover your inner creativity.
Meet Vanessa Opazo
By Kellie Maloney
From full-time architect to calligraphy artist, Vanessa Opazo of Bondi Letters wants to share the art of calligraphy and empower you through creativity.
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.
3 Cute at Home Date Ideas
By Sam Bowden
Cook up a storm, make resin art or learn couples massage with these cute date ideas in Sydney, no matter what type of budget you have!
Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing
By Jana Lepojevic
Need a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-to for relaxation!
Want to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint? Try Veganism
By Cassandra Hawkings
Thinking about adopting a vegan diet? These vegan cooking classes in Sydney will teach you how to make easy vegan recipes at home!
11 Pamper Gifts for Her to Make Her Feel Spoiled
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.
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.
How to Keep Your Brain Young
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.
Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet
By Kellie Maloney
Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!
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.
30 Best Local Experiences in Sydney This Month
By Sam Bowden
With so many things to do in Sydney, here's some of the best local experiences for you to enjoy during this month.
Killer Bucks Party Ideas in Sydney to Help You Be the Best Best Man
By Sam Bowden
Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes,Just been appointed the role of Best Man at your mate's impending nuptials? With these unique bucks party ideas in Sydney you can avoid the tropes, cliches, and dodgy traditions of the stag do... ...
Learn to Make Japanese Sweets in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
A typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sizedA typical Japanese bakery will have wagashi. In fact, they won’t just have wagashi. Most likely, they will have many, many types of the bite-sized sweet Japanese treats. As you peruse your options, it will be difficult to pinpoint just one tantalizing option: there are small, soft green balls, dense, chocolate-like squares, intricately molded hard candies, and more, all delicious and delicate and exciting. Learn how to make them from scratch at Japanese cooking classes in Sydney. After deliberating for a long time between the wide selection, you may just have to sample more than one. Don’t worry if you don’t find your favourite treat on your first pass. Japanese sweets are available at virtually every Japanese establishment in Australia, including restaurants, department stores, food carts, and convenience stores (1). Make sure that you have an open mind and a cup of green tea with you as you begin your wagashi journey. To understand wagashi, you must first learn the ancient art of tea ceremony. You’ve probably heard of Japanese Tea Ceremony, a practice that automatically conjures up images of delicate tea sets, the precise and talented movements of a tea master, and the serene greenery of a tea garden. Historians have written a great deal about this highly structured and difficult-to-learn cultural practice, from its introduction to Japan in the 700’s to today’s tea ceremony revival in younger generations. Everyone can agree that tea ceremony holds a special place in Japan’s national identity, invoking pride in citizens and absolute awe in tourists. What you may not have heard, but will be excited to learn, is that tea ceremony has a sweet secret: Wagashi, or Japanese sweets. This facet of tea culture deals specifically with the sweet accompaniments to green tea, made up mostly of sweet bean pastes and rice flour. They come in an endless variety of colors, shapes, tastes and textures, and have become a cultural staple in their own right. Dessert-lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike are anxious to sign up for Japanese confectionery classes, in which students learn the preparation method and serving technique of the tasty morsels. Try making your own sweet treats with ClassBento's friendly and expert teachers, or dive deeper into a workshop that focuses on Japanese arts and culture. Once you’ve signed up for your beginner’s course, you may want to brush up on your Japanese tea history before your first class. Here are a few key things to remember about this special practice: • In the 14th century, tea ceremony was created by Zen Buddhists as a religious practice emphasizing the four integral notions of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility (2). Because of this, tea ceremony is a fundamentally spiritual practice and has retained sacred status for seven centuries. • The most important name associated with tea ceremony is Sen Rikyu (3), a tea master who set the standard for tea ceremony by codifying the entire process, from the technical process, to the utensils, to the setting. He is credited with developing the notions of wabi (a commitment to simple, everyday living) and sabi (an aesthetic tendency towards the old and worn.) The overall intention is to find beauty in ordinary objects. • Tea masters dedicate their entire lives to perfecting their craft, and a full tea ceremony can last up for four hours, with multiple renditions of green tea, a meal, sake tasting, and wagashi (4). Now that you have a foundational knowledge of the main show, let’s pivot to one of the key players of the ceremony: wagashi. Wagashi can be broken down into three separate categories - togashi, tenjin and nanban-gashi - each with its own taste and cultural history(5). • Togashi is the rarest form of Japanese confectionery and is made from the kneading of wheat flour or bean paste into various shapes. It is then deep-fried and has a long tradition of being served at aristocratic banquets. • Tenjin is the type most closely associated with tea ceremony as it was introduced with by the zen buddhists who popularized the custom. It is characterized by jellied and bun-like sweets, although traditional versions were more savory than sweet. • Nanban-gashi was radically different from other forms of wagashi when it was introduced by Portuguese immigrants in 1543. Unlike its savory relatives, this unique form utilized sweet ingredients and eggs, which were previously uncommon on the islands. If such distinctions are not enough, wagashi gets more complicated - and more exciting! For, the creation of Japanese sweets are not simply shaping sweetened bean paste into random shapes. Instead, each wagashi creates a balance of the senses which enhances its role as part of the Zen Buddhist’s tea ceremony(6): • Sight - each wagashi is perfectly crafted to be aesthetically pleasing and thought provoking • Taste - wagashi is a showcase of its natural ingredients, allowing the person tasting the treat to admire traditional Japanese crops such as beans and grains • Texture – the sweets come in a vast variety of textures, from soft to crispy to light to dense • Scent - a key aspect is subtlety - in fragrance, especially. Each morsel compliments the other scents of the ceremony, like the all-important green tea • Sound - wagashi invoke an auditory response as a result of its unique and significant labels. Many refer to natural elements or traditional poetic works When sifting through all of the information, you may feel a little bit overwhelmed. This is normal; tea ceremony and Japanese sweets boast of long and meaningful histories that are difficult for foreigners to understand. But wagashi can be a beautiful and accessible hobby, in which students learn about and gain an appreciation for an incredibly complex culture while also exploring the creative process of wagashi-making. As a student of wagashi, you can benefit just by learning the basics, or you can fully lean into the practice, tapping into an extensive and well-established tradition of sweet-making. Learn about the amazing health benefits of matcha here. References: (1) japan-guide.com (2) mightyleaf.com (3) britannica.com (4) shibuiswords.com (5) kikkoman.com (6) toraya-group.co.jp ...
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.
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.
Try Out a Photography Class in Sydney (2026)
By John Tabari
Try out a photography class in Sydney and learn how to take photos on manual mode or your smartphone while exploring Sydney.
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.
Gardening Gifts for Her That Bring Joy to Her Home
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover gardening gifts for her that bring joy! From terrariums to floristry, these creative experiences brighten her home and her day.
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!
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.
Meet Omnom Cheese
By Tiffany Fung
Marly Bardia from Omnom Cheese takes the mystery out of cheesemaking and shows you just how easy it is to make yourself—plus how fun it is too!
Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Women in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
Finding eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney for women is easy. With ClassBento's range of workshops you can go green with minimal effort, next time gift season comes around!
Why Experience Gifts Are My Favourite Holiday Tradition
By Laine Fullerton
Skip the wrapping paper this year! ClassBento Australia's Head of Content shares why experience gifts are the best way to create lasting memories.
Best Candle Making Aromatherapy Classes in Sydney
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Experience the art of aromatherapy at the best candle making classes in Sydney! Create your own fragrant candles and discover their benefits with experienced local artisans.
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. ...
Finding the Perfect Gift for a 25th Marriage Anniversary
By Tiffany Fung
Discover the perfect gift for a 25th marriage anniversary to help bring couples even closer, from cooking classes to silver jewellery making courses.
Meet Klaypots
By Jana Lepojevic
Join Karina Goudie at Klaypots, her cosy pottery studio in Crows Nest, and find a supportive space to unwind, create with clay and connect with others.
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.
9 Reasons to Sink Your Hands Into a Ceramics Class
By ClassBento Team
Curious about pottery classes? Here are 9 reasons to dive in and try this calming craft.
Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life
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.
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