By Erica GendaIn this story:
With busy schedules, packed calendars and the relentless parade of special occasions, finding presents that feel genuine and heartfelt can end up feeling like a chore. But it doesn’t have to be that way! We’re here to bring back the joy of gift-giving. Experience gifts are our secret to giving better gifts without adding extra chaos to your life.
If you want to know how to give better gifts, here are some simple tips that’ll make gift-giving less of a burden and more of an exciting project you’re proud to be part of.
1. Observe and reflect on their lifestyle
Instead of trying to guess what someone might want, look closely at their daily routine and where they need a little extra comfort or relief.
If one of your friends has been venting about their stressful job, maybe they need a relaxing break this weekend. Or if your wife has been feeling overwhelmed with the mental load, take some things off her plate and give her some dedicated time to herself.
Here are our creative recommendations for loved ones who need some extra TLC:
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Thoughtful gift idea |
Great for giftees who… |
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A soy candle making workshop in Melbourne |
Need some personal downtime or self-care |
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This clay and sip hand-building class on the Gold Coast |
Want to get back in touch with their creativity and self |
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A neon paint and sip session in Sydney |
Need some fun and excitement in life |
2. Focus on making memories, not adding clutter
Collecting trinkets is sweet, but if you’ve known your giftee for a while, you've probably gotten them a few of their favourite things over the years. Luckily, sentimentality isn’t isolated to physical gifting.
Collecting memories and building life experiences for your loved ones is, perhaps, the best way to gift intentionally. In a world where most people spend their time working and managing busy lives, new, fun and joyful moments are a treat everyone yearns for.
Creative activities (often shared) can make us feel content and fulfilled, and they’re the perfect reminder of what life’s all about: being present.
Some perfect memory-making workshops:
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Thoughtful gift idea |
Great for… |
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Anyone needing a break from screen time to zone into something creative and whimsical |
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A fun, out-of-the-norm adventure, perfect for friends and family to try something new together |
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For those who value self-care and love a custom, luxurious experience |
3. Prioritise connection and quality time
On that note, the best experiences are shared. The perfect gifts are the ones that make someone feel loved, seen and appreciated. Sharing creative experiences creates an opportunity to feel connected and strengthen relationships, but above all, it will often make someone feel special.
When you put in the effort to plan a workshop experience, you’re creating space to share a laugh, catch up properly and spend uninterrupted time together. You may learn some new skills and find a hobby out of a floristry workshop or baking class, but even if you don’t, you’ll have the joy of a quality bonding experience that’ll stay with you both long after the experience is over.
Fru P. had a charming time making memories with her daughter at this bonsai class for beginners in Melbourne:
“I went to a beginner bonsai class with my daughter on Sunday, and we had such a lovely time! The teacher was patient and explained every step clearly, so we felt comfortable even though it was our first time. It was relaxing, creative, and so much fun to do together. We both left with our own little bonsai trees and a beautiful memory. I’d highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to try something new!”
4. Find one (or two) easy places to source the magic
Being the best gift-giver doesn’t mean complicating matters for yourself. You don’t need to manage multiple delivery schedules or have 50 obscure bookmarked tabs of stores that may or may not deliver your gift on time.
Make things easier for yourself, without skimping on quality, by finding one or two reliable places where you can find an array of meaningful gifts.
As an example, if you keep ClassBento as a go-to gifting source, you’ll be able to choose from hundreds of local artisan workshops across pottery, painting, cooking, floristry, and craft. This way, you can find the perfect experience for just about anyone. Whether it’s a surprise gift for your partner, a team celebration or a last-minute Secret Santa gift, you’ll be able to find something for their unique interests and personality (no matter where they are in Australia!).
The go-to checklist for how to give better gifts
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Tip |
Why it works |
What to do |
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Solve a pain point |
Offers meaningful comfort and relief |
Look for ways to actually give them the break they need |
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Activities over objects |
Creates lasting memories over clutter or repeated gifts |
Opt for creative workshops, cooking classes, or craft sessions that suit their interests |
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Share the experience |
Strengthens personal connections |
Book a two-person or group workshop to turn the occasion into a shared memory |
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Simplify your shopping |
Saves time and guarantees quality |
Find one or two trusted sources that offer quality and vast gifting options |
Next time a special occasion arises, skip the stress and opt for an experience that’ll make your giftee feel seen and cherished—because they are!
Now that you've mastered the art, dive into what to gift with these unique experience gifts in Australia.
