Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Affordable Team Building Ideas Under $75 Per Person
By Tiffany Fung
Skip the awkward icebreakers and overpriced events. Discover affordable team building ideas, from cocktail making and dumpling classes across Australia.
Cosy Indoor Date Ideas You'll Love
By Tiffany Fung
Stay warm with cosy indoor winter date ideas, from creative pottery workshops to relaxed candle making experiences. PerfectStay warm with cosy indoor winter date ideas, from creative pottery workshops to relaxed candle making experiences. Perfect for memorable date nights in. ...
A Beginner's Guide to Learning Knitting and Crochet
By Jana Lepojevic
Learn how to start knitting or crochet with this beginner-friendly guide, including tips, resources and the best crochet and knitting classes.
The Craft Trends Everyone's Trying in 2026 (And Why You Should Too!)
By Tiffany Fung
Want to try the craft trends everyone’s obsessed with in 2026? Discover bespoke perfume making, polymer clay, paper crafts,Want to try the craft trends everyone’s obsessed with in 2026? Discover bespoke perfume making, polymer clay, paper crafts, matcha and more across Australia. ...
Last-Minute Presents for Mum That Are Actually Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover unique last-minute gifts for Mum—from sensory experiences to artsy workshops, you’ll find thoughtful presents to delight her instantly.
Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find theWhether 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! ...
9 Presents Your Sister Will Love No Matter Her Niche
By Tiffany Fung
Surprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes,Surprise your sister with these thoughtful gifts for her! Dive into a world of creativity with arts, crafts and cooking classes, tailored to every unique taste. ...
Memorable Mother-Daughter Experiences That You Can Do Together
By ClassBento Team
Treat Mum to meaningful experiences! From art to cooking and more, these mother-daughter activities make perfect gifts for Mum.
Spring Has Sprung! Here's How to Make the Most of It
By Tiffany Fung
Soak up the sunshine with fun spring activities across Australia, from creative workshops and market strolls to picnics, brunches and more.
Grown-up Gifts for Adult Daughters
By ClassBento Team
Searching for gifts for daughters that you can enjoy together? From rejuvenating flower arranging classes to a relaxing potterySearching for gifts for daughters that you can enjoy together? From rejuvenating flower arranging classes to a relaxing pottery course, we have you covered. ...
The Ultimate Guide to Picking a 20 Year Anniversary Gift
By Tiffany Fung
Wondering what to get for your 20 year anniversary gift? Discover our selection of creative experiences to mark this incredible milestone in your marriage.
7 Creative Ways to Reveal a Surprise Gift
By Erica Genda
Discover heartwarming and playful ways to reveal a surprise gift! Turn simple moments into unforgettable memories for someone you love.
Top 11 Memorable Birthday Ideas for Adults
By Courtenay Turner
Celebrate in style with adult birthday party ideas! From cocktail shaking to clay and sip, discover creative activities perfect for any milestone celebration.
6 Culture and Craft Trends We're Loving in 2026
By Courtenay Turner
From nostalgic crafts to edible art, we uncover six must-try culture and craft trends in 2026.
14 Unique Experience Presents for Creative Souls
By Jana Lepojevic
Looking for unique experience presents for the creative soul in your life? Explore these 14 creative experiences that makeLooking for unique experience presents for the creative soul in your life? Explore these 14 creative experiences that make for the perfect present in 2026. ...
20 Fun Things to Do on a Date When Dinner Just Won't Cut It
By Tiffany Fung
Discover 20 fun things to do on a date beyond dinner and drinks, from creative and adventurous to delicious experiences toDiscover 20 fun things to do on a date beyond dinner and drinks, from creative and adventurous to delicious experiences to make your next date night more memorable. ...
Make Memories with These Fun Friendsmas Ideas
By Jana Lepojevic
Host a Friendsmas your friends will love with Christmas party ideas that bring creativity, fun and plenty of laughs to your festive celebrations in 2026.
The Best Craft Ideas for Adults Australia-Wide
By ClassBento Team
Discover some of the most popular craft ideas for adults in Australia, from mindful pottery workshops to fiery glass blowing classes!
Discover the Best Perfumery Courses Australia Has to Offer
By Tiffany Fung
Find some of the best perfumery courses in Australia, whether you want to learn perfume making for the first time or discoverFind some of the best perfumery courses in Australia, whether you want to learn perfume making for the first time or discover a new activity to do with friends. ...
The Best Team Bonding Activities for Work Celebrations
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate success with the best team bonding activities for work celebrations! Explore a range of fun experiences that promote collaboration and well-being.
7 Birthday Ideas for People Who Don't Like Parties
By Courtenay Turner
Say goodbye to noisy parties! Explore low-key birthday ideas for intimate celebrations and create unforgettable memories.
Eat Your Way Through These Foodie Experiences
By Tiffany Fung
Ready to eat, sip and get hands-on? Discover foodie experiences across Australia, from cooking and baking classes to wine tastings and foodie tours.
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!
Everything You Need to Know About Pottery
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Discover everything you need to know before trying pottery classes in Sydney, from ancient techniques to beginner-friendly tips and creative inspiration.
Friendsmas Food Ideas That Pair Perfectly with Creative Experiences
By Erica Genda
Elevate your Friendsmas with delicious bites paired with festive activities. From pottery dates to pasta classes, find the ultimate holiday menu.
What Kintsugi Taught Me About Life, Love and Healing
By Laine Fullerton
Our Editorial Manager Laine tries the art of Kintsugi and discovers what it can teach you about life, love and relationships.
Top 9 Hen's Party Ideas for Non-drinkers
By Courtenay Turner
From pottery workshops to cooking classes, discover the best classy hen’s party ideas for non-drinkers in 2026.
The History of Kintsugi: The Art of Japanese Pottery Repair
By ClassBento Team
Kintsugi, which means golden joinery, is a Japanese method of ceramic repair that celebrates the beauty of imperfection.Kintsugi, which means golden joinery, is a Japanese method of ceramic repair that celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Discover more about this age-old craft – and try it for yourself! ...
Alternative Corporate Team Activities for Every Type of Work Event
By Laine Fullerton
Looking for the best team building activities for the best corporate event you're planning? Check out these fun classes for team building ideas.
Top 25 Things to Do for Team Building
By Tiffany Fung
Discover 25 things to do for team building your employees will actually enjoy, from paint and sip classes and pottery workshopsDiscover 25 things to do for team building your employees will actually enjoy, from paint and sip classes and pottery workshops to tufting experiences and more. ...
9 Top Hens Party Ideas to Relax the Bride-to-be in 2026
By Kellie Maloney
Wedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2026 to help her easeWedding planning can be stressful, indulge your bride-to-be with these relaxing hens party ideas in 2026 to help her ease some worries and have fun! ...
Empowering Artists to Earn More, Doing What They Love
By Iain Wang
It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared toIt can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000 for everyone else. This massively impacts their lifestyles – some artists even forgo having children because of their financial constraints. It isn’t a tiny problem. There are over 15,000 artists in NSW, and that’s just counting individual visual artists and musicians (e.g. not food artists like chefs or baristas, or garden artists like florists, or those who are unemployed). It's tough making a living, hustling to get money from grants, prizes, and unpredictably selling the occasional artwork. Many artists turn to casual work to make ends meet. Many consider participating in the gig economy. But the biggest Australian marketplaces out there, like Uber and Airtasker, aren’t great for artists. Being creative people, the idea of being stuck in a car, repeating the same task of taking people from point A to point B or delivering food, while earning minimum wage (or less), can be rather demotivating. Assembling IKEA furniture or moving boxes on Airtasker arouses similar feelings, in some ways it goes against the very essence of what it means to be an artist. Not exactly ideal jobs. At the same time, there’s strong (and in many cases, growing) interest in what these artists do – namely, arts and crafts. People (Australians in particular) are often looking for an artisan and unique experience, not something mass-produced and commoditised – the personal and creative touch that artists can provide is exactly what’s being sought after. This is why international brands, pushing their one-size-fits-all products, like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans, struggle so much in Australia – locals often prefer the brews made by their neighbourhood baristas, with the special twists they provide to make that experience just a bit more special and relevant. So why the disconnect? How can we connect this interest with the huge pool of talented artists in our cities, who walk our streets and maybe even live next door? Wouldn’t it be great if artists could do what they love, while earning more? Can’t the gig economy deliver our communities more meaningful and exciting jobs? This is a huge opportunity and forms an important part of our mission at ClassBento. We empower creative teachers to earn hundreds of dollars per hour while indulging in and sharing their passion. They don’t need to spend time on admin or on learning how to do marketing or website building, all of which can be hard for novices to learn and do well – ClassBento takes care of all of that. As many teachers would know, teaching is an incredibly rewarding experience. To be able to grant someone else the gift of skills and knowledge, to broaden their perspectives and to bring a smile to their face, is incredibly gratifying and even therapeutic. Teachers can do it to their schedule, only teaching when they want to, at places convenient to them, whether that’s at their home, their shop or studio, or at the student’s location. Thanks to the ubiquity of services like Airbnb and Uber, most Australians are now comfortable with the idea of letting a complete stranger they’ve never met before providing them with a personal service. With this additional income stream, we hope that teachers can improve their quality of life, and to keep doing what they do best. Through this, they’ll be preserving our culture and traditions while also taking art to new levels, helping us to question our thinking and how we view the world around us. With more creative teachers and classes available locally, we hope that everyone will reconnect with their communities, and keep themselves socially and mentally active, thus keeping problems like burnout and dementia at bay. What’s next? ClassBento will continue to grow its presence to spread the love, and will keep investing into ensuring that the ClassBento platform is the world’s best for discovering and booking fun workshops, and also for teachers to easily earn and manage their classes. It’s a long and exciting ride ahead and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. If you’re a teacher, we can’t wait to see what you can do – sign up today and start doing more of what you love. For everyone else, check out our wide range of workshops, and give back to your community. ...
Same-Day Gift Cards You Can Get Last Minute
By Erica Genda
Need a gift fast? Discover the best same-day gift cards you can buy last-minute. Instant email delivery makes gifting easy,Need a gift fast? Discover the best same-day gift cards you can buy last-minute. Instant email delivery makes gifting easy, even at the last second! ...
Top Experiences to Give as Gifts for Any Special Occasion
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 Most Affordable Dad Gifts That Still Feel Thoughtful
By Jana Lepojevic
Find affordable dad gifts for birthdays, Christmas or Father’s Day. Give unique experiences he’ll love, from art classes to foodie adventures.
7 Unique Gifts for Women Who Have Everything
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for the perfect gift for the woman who has it all? Discover 7 unique, thoughtful present ideas she doesn't alreadyLooking for the perfect gift for the woman who has it all? Discover 7 unique, thoughtful present ideas she doesn't already own and will truly love. ...
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 forLooking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved ones feel special. ...
Date Night Gift Ideas to Double the Fun
By Jana Lepojevic
Surprise your partner with creative date night gift ideas. Fun, hands-on experiences make perfect gifts for couples to enjoy together.
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 shouldFrom minimising your environmental footprint to reconnecting with the community, read on for our top reasons why you should give experience gifts this Christmas. ...
9 Best Company Gift Cards for Team Building
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for unique team building activities? Discover our range of company gift cards in Australia, from fun pottery classes to cosy tufting workshops.
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 Gifts the Woman Who Has Everything Will Appreciate
By Jana Lepojevic
She has it all—except these! Discover 10 unique gifts for the woman who has everything, from pottery to cocktails.
Daughter-to-Mum Gifts That Will Warm Her Heart
By Courtenay Turner
Soak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, sparkSoak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen your bond. ...
Hard to Buy for Women's Gifts That Will Surprise and Delight
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for hard to buy for women’s gifts? Save the stress of searching, discover our guide to the best gifts for her thatLooking for hard to buy for women’s gifts? Save the stress of searching, discover our guide to the best gifts for her that will bring a smile to her face. ...
Unforgettable Birthday Gift Experiences in Australia – for Him, Her & Everyone
By Courtenay Turner
Discover the best birthday gift experiences for every age and interest! Uncover unique, memorable ideas to make their big day unforgettable.
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 2026 to helpNot sure what to get for your Mum, best friend or partner? Look no further than our experience gift cards in 2026 to help make their day extra special. ...
Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Give your loved ones out-of-the-box presents they'll remember with these unique experience gifts in Australia, guaranteedGive your loved ones out-of-the-box presents they'll remember with these unique experience gifts in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. ...
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.
Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing
By ClassBento Team
Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering!
Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing
By Laine Fullerton
Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaborationSpice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing in 2026! ...
Understanding the Psychology of Gift-Giving
By Erica Genda
Discover the psychology of gift-giving. Learn why thoughtful presents release dopamine, deepen social bonds, and boost happiness for everyone.
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.
To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health
By Susana Aguilera
Find out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you withFind out how to add more chilli to your food and what the benefits of chilli are at a Melbourne cooking class near you with a focus on spicy cuisine. ...
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 workshopsBoost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshops to Turkish mosaic lamp classes. ...
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.
Is Creativity the Cure for Loneliness?
By Laine Fullerton
Discover the science behind the power of creativity and connection.
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.
Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH
By Charlotte McKewen
Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!
How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH
By Courtenay Turner
Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
Be Kind to Your Mind
By ClassBento Team
Increasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creativeIncreasing isolation and burnout means it's more important than ever to be kind to your mind. Getting involved in fun creative workshops can help to improve your mental wellbeing ...
Best Matcha Recipe Ideas to Improve Your Health
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Matcha, which directly translates to ‘powdered tea’ in Japanese, found its roots over one thousand years ago,Matcha, which directly translates to ‘powdered tea’ in Japanese, found its roots over one thousand years ago, when Japanese monks would consume the beverage, to maintain calm during meditation practice. In modern Japan, matcha, at the center tea ceremonies, continues to reflect Zen culture. It's also an incredibly popular ingredient in Japanese cooking classes in Sydney. Its signature green colour is the result of the slow growth of the leaves under shade, thus obtaining a greater chlorophyll density. Once harvested, the leaves are ground into fine powder, combined with hot water and whisked with a bamboo brush or ‘chasen’ to make tea. Garnering the attention of superfood lovers and others alike, matcha can be found in a slew of sweet and savoury dishes, from muffins to guacamole, the green powder is known to boost mental wellbeing, weight loss and even fight cancer, Alzheimers and dementia. Facts about matcha When consumed daily, matcha supports the immune system, sustaining your body’s antioxidant levels. Its unique class of antioxidants ‘catechins’, specifically ‘epigallocatechin’ (EGC), can ward off agents which damage cell DNA, and thus reduce chance of cancer, and help fend of the signs of ageing. According to a study conducted by Tufts University, its high antioxidant level of 1573 units is far above food such as blueberries (93) and broccoli (31). Matcha promotes longer-term, sustainable energy. The drink lets you skip past coffee jitters, delivering natural caffeine throughout the body over a 6-8-hour period. L-Theanine amino acid found in matcha increases dopamine levels and boosts serotonin, enhances focus, balances your mood and reduces stress. Alongside detoxifying and rebooting internal processes, matcha improves your outer appearance. One spoon of Matcha tea powder is equal to 10 cups of green tea per day, vastly lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and boosting weightloss. The powder inhibits cell degeneration responsible for wrinkles, skin cancer, loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Matcha meals to try Topping countless meal variations, matcha lattes are likely the most common and popular form. In a fresh, yet complex process, lattes comprise of matcha powder, milk and sometimes a sweetener. Added to smoothies, ice-creams and pancakes – its natural bright green aesthetic is favoured among chefs and health-enthusiasts alike. The green hues are refined on social media where one can scroll through hundreds of photos featuring innovative matcha recipes under the hashtag #matcha; crepes, fudge and green granola included. Japanese foods including rice, green-tea ice-cream or mochi also incorporate matcha. To harness the best quality of matcha, the degree of grade, from cooking to ceremonial must be taken into consideration. Ceremonial graded matcha is usually representative of the region it came from, the amount of time the tea spent in shade before harvest, among other factors. Alternatively, cooking grade matcha is commonly used to produce sweeter cafe drinks. Indicators of ceremonial grade are colour: fluorescent as opposed to moss green and flavouring: slightly bitter with a refreshing grassy taste. When not prepared with care, matcha can lose its nutritional properties. And to maximise and neutralise matcha’s antioxidants, various ingredient pairings help to increase its properties such as citrus from lemon, promoting absorption. Vitamin C perfectly compliments matcha’s grassy notes. Typical Japanese desserts such as yoghurt: to balancing out bitter flavours or chewy, sweet mochi: to add a layer of texture to compliment matcha. Discover more traditional Japanese cooking classes here. Learn to use matcha Learn how to harness matcha’s best qualities under the expertise of a professional chef. Cook delectable matcha dishes in Matcha Lovers High Tea workshop alongside chef Yoshiko Takeuchi. Dip your fingers in coconut fudge, make two-colour mocha balls with yuzu and matcha an-paste and cold soba with matcha broth. Yoshiko holds over ten years to her name as a qualified chef, frequenting Sydney’s top kitchens and working alongside professionals including Tetsuya Wakuda. Dedicated to cooking healthily, she states: “I want all my students glow with confidence, energy and healthy beauty.” Yoshiko’s Japanese influenced vegetarian and vegan meals, aim to do just that. Observe Yoshiko’s detailed and easy-to-follow demonstrations, following hands-on practice. Sip on a yuzu matcha mocktail and organic matcha green tea. Take home practical and appetising recipes to replicate at home and incorporate into future meals. Take control of your relationship to food and echo Yoshiko’s philosophy of taking onboard a healthy and enriching lifestyle. ...
Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia
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…
Why So Serious? Hobbies Vs. Burnout
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.
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 daughterThe 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 ...
Meet Zara Avila
By Laine Fullerton
Colourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshopsColourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in the fun! ...
Make Turkish Mosaic Lamps with Art Masterclass
By Laine Fullerton
From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-makingFrom Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of cultural connection. ...
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 storiesGet 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. ...
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.
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.
Make Churros with Tere and Colin Experiences
By ClassBento Team
Unwind with experienced artists Tere and Colin at their inspiring and creative experiences in London!
Holiday Favourites: Gina Mason, Growth Partner
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!
Make Chocolate Truffles with R&M Fine Chocolate
By ClassBento Team
Meet head chocolatier, Raanan Malkin, founder of R&M Fine Chocolates!
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.
Meet the Real House Dogs of ClassBento
By Katie Milton
You’ll never guess what they get up to…
Learn Calligraphy with Pascribe
By ClassBento Team
Masterful calligrapher Paul Antonio has a penchant for sharing his passion with like-minded creatives... find out why!
Make Chocolate with Z.Cioccolato
By Jane Gauger
It’s hard to resist chocolate – just ask Mike Zwiefelhofer, who’s been making customers happy with his sweets and hands-on virtual classes.
10 Ways to Unwind with the ClassBento Crew
By Courtenay Turner
Despite what the $1.5 trillion global wellness industry would have you believe, taking care of your physical, social andDespite what the $1.5 trillion global wellness industry would have you believe, taking care of your physical, social and emotional wellbeing doesn’t require fancy French candles, powdered mushroom supplements or cryotherapy – unless you want it to. That's right, self-care doesn’t need to be shoppable, Instagrammable or endorsed by the beauty editor of the weekend paper – and we're here to prove it! To celebrate the many wonderful ways we can look after our health and wellbeing, we called on the ClassBento crew to share their favourite ways to relax and unwind. From nostalgic 90s re-runs and rock climbing to private dance parties, it’s safe to say there really is no “right” way to practice self-care… 1. Cook slowly, eat mindfully “My favourite way to unwind is by cooking. Making pasta from scratch, experimenting with stir-frys and curries and making apple pies are just some of the recipes I've been trying out. The most important aspect of cooking is to have a good few hours on hand and to simply enjoy the process. The key is good tunes, patience and plenty of taste-testing throughout.” – Kellie, Content Writer “Nothing beats sitting on the beach with a good book and some healthy dinner while watching the sunset!” – Adelaide, Social Media Manager 2. Travel back in time “Sometimes, I just like to watch re-runs of nostalgic shows I grew up with or look at old photos and videos. I like to take a trip down memory lane by looking at old keepsakes like drawings I did as a kid, magazines I used to read or toys I loved.” – Veronica, Designer 3. Wash the day away “On these hot summer afternoons, I jump into the ocean at the end of each day which has been sublime.” – Natasha, Community Partnerships Manager 4. Dance, cos this time, there’s really no one watching “My favourite way to unwind or get myself into a better mood instantly is to have a mini dance party by myself. No one’s there but me, and I just dance with (and for) myself. I groove depending on what my mood is… sometimes, you’ll find me jumping around with my hair out twirling and singing, sometimes I have a little slow dance with myself and give myself an embrace, other times I'll be discovering a completely new move.” – Rez, Customer Service Hero 5. Spend time with yourself “I love taking a bath and doing a ridiculously long skincare routine.” – Phoebe, Content Writer “I find taking long baths particularly relaxing because I'm forced to not use any electronic devices for a while. And I know I won't be picking any phone calls or getting any other distractions in there! There's also no pressure to do anything and it's a nice sensory experience to be surrounded by warm water!” – Iain, Co-Founder & CEO 6. Relax into your favourite reads “I like to read The Happy Newspaper. It's full of really cute, funny, happy and heartwarming stories and is a nice break from the mainstream news which can be overwhelming at times.” – Laura, Head of Editorial “More often than not it’s reading a book. Hard copy books make it all the better but a Kindle Unlimited book is my guilty pleasure. If I’m not reading a book at the time (which is rare) I’m usually watching a French TV show to keep up my language skills or scouring the internet for new true crime podcasts.” – Charlotte, Content Writer 7. Do a little DIY “I knit and listen to podcasts, I'm one of those people who likes to keep my hands busy, even when I need downtime. If I could find a way to read a book while knitting and not messing up my project, that would be amazing!” – Jane, Content Writer 8. Skip the gym for the great outdoors “I like active relaxation, like going on a trek in the nearby mountains or getting up and confronting my fear of the ocean by paddleboarding or kayaking out in the sea. I also encourage my kids to do active relaxation activities after school, rather than extracurricular classes that they really don’t like. They go out rollerblading, swimming or rock climbing (the best activity out there!).” – Luis, UK Country Manager 9. Get crafty with the kids “Going for a walk, taking my kids to the park, doing a jigsaw or colouring-in books with the kids.” – Ryan, Community Partnerships Manager 10. Tend to your plant pals “Before 2020, my downtime didn’t expand much beyond binge-watching reality TV shows like Love Island and scrolling on Instagram for hours. Fast forward two years and I’m now a proud plant parent with over 30 green friends. I even have an app called PictureThis to keep up with my ever-growing garden, which helps me make sure I’m meeting all their watering, fertilising and sun needs. Between Henry the aloe vera, Olive the olive tree and Hazel the sansevieria, my hands are well and truly full. Nothing feels more rewarding and relaxing than tending to my beloved plants and watching them grow and thrive!” – Laine, Editorial Manager Regardless of whether you're an avid reader, a weekend hiker or a nightly bubble-bath-taker, it pays to remember that self-care is not synonymous with self-improvement. In fact, it can be totally private, unapologetically personal and utterly un-Instagrammable. So go on, treat yourself to some true "me-time" and fill your cup! ...
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