Why I'm Gifting Mum Quality Time in 2026

Hi there, thoughtful gift-giver! I’m Laine, Head of Content at ClassBento in Australia. I like to call myself a gift-giving fiend. Finding the perfect present is truly one of my favourite things about the holidays and after working at ClassBento for five years, I think I can safely say I know my stuff. Whether it’s scouring the shops for the most unique finds or adding a sprinkle of personalisation to make someone’s day, I live for that "wow, you really know me!" reaction.

This Christmas, I’ve decided to shift my focus from things to time. The festive season is overloaded with gift ideas that lose their lustre before the New Year rolls around and I’m committed to breaking that stereotype in 2026. At the end of the day, what truly sticks—long after the wrapping paper’s been recycled—are the moments and memories we share with our family and friends. So, that’s why I’m giving my mum the most valuable gift of all this year: quality time together!

If you’re reading this, you might be feeling a little uninspired when it comes to finding presents for Mum this Christmas. But don’t worry, I’m not here to keep secrets! Here’s exactly what I’ve discovered about giving the perfect gifts for Mum and why I think you might want to try it too.

She doesn’t need another store-bought candle

As much as I adore browsing boutique gift shops, I’ve learned that my mum doesn’t need another fancy candle or luxury hand cream. She’ll love them for a moment, but they eventually stack up. Before you know it, she’s got a tower of candles and creams that’ll take years to churn through. What Mum most likely needs is a chance to slow down and spend time with you—and let’s be real, I need that too.

Why experiences are a game-changer

Experience gifts are all about creating memories, not clutter. They’re an opportunity to share a laugh, learn something new and simply enjoy being present together. Whether it’s a messy wheel throwing pottery class, a calming flower arranging workshop, or even a day spent baking traditional Italian desserts, these moments become the stories we tell over and over.

My mum loves trying new things but rarely carves out time for herself, so gifting an experience feels extra special. It’s a way to remind her to pause, enjoy life and explore something creative, with me right by her side!

My favourite ways to spend quality time with Mum

If you’re considering giving the gift of time to your mum (or any of your loved ones), here are a few of my tried-and-tested picks I’ll be turning to this year.

A kintsugi workshop

My mum loves the idea of upcycling and finding homewares that have a unique story behind them, so kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold—feels like the perfect blend of both. She’ll be breathing new life into a broken ceramic and and creating a decorative homeware with its own story to tell!

A flower arranging class

Mum has always adored flowers and an experience like this is a chance for her to channel her inner florist. Plus, I love that it’s something we can both take home and enjoy after the experience is over.

A hand-painted mug workshop

We both start our mornings with a good cup of tea. In fact, our most meaningful conversations take place over the family dining table with a cuppa in hand. Designing our own mugs feels deeply personal and an ode to those important moments—plus, it’s a fun keepsake we’ll use every day!

Remember, personalisation is key!

For me, it’s not just about booking any experience, it’s about finding something that really resonates with the giftee. So while these experience gifts work perfectly for my mum, you might be looking for something a little different for yours. If your mum loves cooking, consider a pasta making class. If she’s always been a creative spirit, a painting or pottery workshop might be more her style. The goal is to show her that you’ve thought about her passions, her personality and what makes her smile. With over 11,000 experiences across Australia, you’re guaranteed to find a gift experience that was made just for her!

It all comes down to creating memories

At the heart of all this is a simple truth: gifts fade, but memories last forever. When I think back on Christmases past, the moments I cherish most aren’t the presents under the tree—it’s decorating cookies together, laughing at terrible Christmas cracker jokes and watching our favourite festive flicks. Experience gifts take that sentiment and turn it into something tangible and meaningful, plus they’re a great way to make new traditions and memories around the holidays.

So, here’s to making this holiday season one full of love, laughter and the kind of memories you’ll want to revisit for years to come. Good luck and happy gifting!