By Laine Fullerton
In this story:
I used to think the best gifts were the ones wrapped in pretty paper but I couldn’t have been more wrong! As the Head of Content at ClassBento in Australia, I spend my days immersed in a world of creative experiences, from quirky craft classes to mouth-watering foodie workshops. It wasn’t until I started gifting these experiences to my own loved ones that I really found the best gift ideas. Experiences have transformed the way I approach gift-giving—buckle in to find out why!
It all started with a flower arranging class
A few years ago, I gifted my mum and sister a flower wreath class for Christmas. We didn’t expect much more than a fun afternoon learning how to arrange some pretty blooms—turns out it was so much more.
What stuck with us the most wasn’t our floral arrangements (which were all amazing by the way!) but the joy of trying something new together and those subtle moments of connection that happen when you're creating side by side. We left with our wreaths, yes, but it was the shared experience that left the biggest impression.
Since then, every December, we’ve excitedly discussed what activity we’ll try next. It’s become less about the material gifts and more about creating memories that we can look back on together. That flower arranging class didn’t just spark a tradition—it gave us a whole new way of celebrating Christmas.
How experience gifts spark new traditions
Turns out my story is just one of many. At ClassBento, I get to see this magic happen all the time. Here are some of my favourite stories within our community…
From birthday gift to go-to activity
Carly S. tried this cut and paste collage workshop and learnt lifelong skills.
“I took my sister for her 30th birthday and wasn’t sure what to expect, so went in with an open mind and had an absolute blast! Max and Zoe (and Franky of course!) created such an amazing, safe and inviting environment, coming around every now and then to offer guidance and encouragement. The workshop has really sparked my passion for collage making and now everyone will be getting a collage for Christmas! Thanks again Max and Zoe! I can’t wait to re-book and bring more friends and family!"
First-time jewellery makers to DIY enthusiasts
Nicholas W. gifted his wife this jewellery-making class and the rest is history.
“My wife and I did this course together as a birthday gift for her. We both had a great time, the instructor was fantastic; she was enthusiastic and very informative. We both made lots of earrings that look impressively professional despite us being total beginners. We loved it and have now bought more materials so we can keep doing this great hobby together.”
Diving into pottery (and inviting everyone to join!)
Saskia W. gave wheel throwing a whirl and hasn’t looked back since.
“It was such a great experience and ignited a new hobby I never thought I would want to invest more time in. I’m going to book the four-week course and have my husband join with my girlfriends because it was so great. Thank you so much for a great experience. We had a blast! Plus we had a wine to make it even more fun.”
How to make experiences the ultimate gift this Christmas
Ready to take the plunge and gift an experience this year? Here’s how I make sure it’s the best gift ever:
- Know their vibe: Got a foodie in your crew? Treat them to a cooking class that’ll spice up their culinary skills. A nature enthusiast? A flower arranging workshop will have them blooming with joy. It's all about giving them something they’ll truly love!
- Make it something shareable: The best experiences are the ones you get to share. Whether you're throwing clay in a pottery class, sipping wine at a tasting, or diving into another crafty adventure, gifting something you can enjoy together creates memories that last way beyond the day.
- Choose local: The beauty of our gift experiences is that they’re led by talented local artists, makers and foodies. By choosing these experiences, you're not only giving a thoughtful gift but also supporting small businesses and giving back to your community in a meaningful way.
So, what are you waiting for? This Christmas, I encourage you to ditch the wrapping paper and give the gift of shared moments. Whether it's pottery painting, glass blowing or sushi making, remember the best gifts are the ones that create lasting memories.
Not sure which experience present to choose? Take our Christmas gifting quiz to find the perfect present matched to their personality!
