Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
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!
Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer
By Courtenay Turner
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
Holiday Favourites: Natasha Dsouza, Community Partnerships Manager
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!
The Best Digital Gift Cards for Craft-Lovers, Cooks and Creatives
By ClassBento Team
From pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get handsFrom pottery making to tossing pizza dough, find the ultimate digital experience gift cards for the person in your life that just loves to get hands on with crafts. ...
Top 7 Hens Party Ideas for Eco-conscious Brides (2025)
By Kellie Maloney
Opt for eco-friendly hens party ideas! Share laughter and joy with your leading ladies while being kind to the planet.
Top Eco-friendly Experience Gifts This Christmas
By Annie Symmonds
Delight the eco-conscious soul in your life with one of our top eco-friendly gift experiences this Christmas, from gardening workshops to potteryDelight the eco-conscious soul in your life with one of our top eco-friendly gift experiences this Christmas, from gardening workshops to pottery classes! ...
Best DIY Pottery Kits 2025
By Sam Bowden
You don't need a studio to master pottery! With these incredibly crafty DIY pottery kits, you can play with clay your own home!
9 Photography Styles to Master in 2025
By Grace Smith
Elevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in MeElevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in Melbourne. ...
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.
The Best Christmas Presents for Mum in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Find the perfect Christmas presents for Mum with our unique 2025 gift guide. Make her holiday extra special with these charming gift ideas for hFind the perfect Christmas presents for Mum with our unique 2025 gift guide. Make her holiday extra special with these charming gift ideas for her! ...
Drool-worthy Sour Cocktail Recipe
By Katie Milton
How the founder of Drool found love (and gin) in Melbourne lockdown.
9 Simple Swaps to Make Your Hens Party More Sustainable
By ClassBento Team
Celebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendlyCelebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendly event. ...
Creative Christmas Party Ideas to Spark Festive Spirit
By Annie Symmonds
Whether you’re planning a family gathering or brainstorming work Christmas party ideas, these group activities are guaranteed to get you feelingWhether you’re planning a family gathering or brainstorming work Christmas party ideas, these group activities are guaranteed to get you feeling festive in 2025. ...
Amazing Father's Day Presents for Grandad in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
From hands-on cooking classes to mindful pottery workshops, these are the most epic Father’s Day presents for Grandad in Australia.
What to Get a Guy for Valentine's Day in 2025
By Laine Fullerton
Celebrate love with these unique Valentines experience gifts for him in 2025.
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 teamIf you're looking for team building activities in Australia that go beyond the pub drinks try these reinvigorating corporate activities for team building. ...
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. ...
Thoughtful Christmas Gift Ideas for Her in 2025
By Courtenay Turner
Shopping for your wife, GF or mum? No matter her hobbies or interests, these thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for her will bring a smile to her fShopping for your wife, GF or mum? No matter her hobbies or interests, these thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for her will bring a smile to her face. ...
11 Couple Christmas Gifts Every Dynamic Duo Will Love
By Courtenay Turner
Discover hand-picked couple Christmas gifts and spoil your favourite pair with an unforgettable experience – from pottery classes to pasta-maDiscover hand-picked couple Christmas gifts and spoil your favourite pair with an unforgettable experience – from pottery classes to pasta-making. ...
Celebrate Relationship Milestones with an Anniversary Gift Card
By Jana Lepojevic
Celebrate your relationship milestones with an anniversary gift card. Find out how experience gift cards for couples deepen connections.
Discover Australia's Top Painting Classes for Adults
By ClassBento Team
Unwind as you learn painting and dive into a world of colour at some of our best painting classes in Australia.
Why a Paint 'n Sip Party Is the Ultimate Way to Celebrate
By ClassBento Team
If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party inIf you’ve got a special occasion coming up, gather your loved ones for an evening of unforgettable entertainment at a paint ‘n sip party in Australia. ...
Birthday Ideas for First Time Party Planners
By Annie Symmonds
If it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight yourIf it's your first time planning a party and you need some birthday ideas, try a creative workshop for a birthday activity that will delight your party guests. ...
The Most Unforgettable Christmas Gifts for Couples in 2025
By Annie Symmonds
Find unforgettable Christmas gifts for couples in 2022 they'll absolutely love! From barista courses to terrarium making classes and cocktail maFind unforgettable Christmas gifts for couples in 2022 they'll absolutely love! From barista courses to terrarium making classes and cocktail making. ...
Terrarium Making Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Terrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favouriteTerrariums are a great outlet for your creativity - there are just so many different ways you can put them together. Here are some of our favourite designs. Wall-mounted terrariums Use magnetic metal containers, and stick your terrariums to your walls. Free up your desk space and build your vertical gardens. Pair your terrariums with some funky wall hangings or other home decor. Terrariums in light bulbs How's that for a light bulb moment? (Sorry, that was too easy!). Instead of throwing your burnt out light bulbs, why not give them a new life? Food-inspired terrariums A perfect way to add some chic earthiness to your table. Beyond tea cups and cake stands, you can easily extend on this concept by doing terrariums in glass water jugs, cookie jars, soft drink bottles, spice containers, glass teapots, old coffee plungers - sky's the limit. Recycle those beautiful old containers and don't let them go to waste! Hanging terrariums Perfect for your veranda or balcony, or even as a room's centrepiece, as a modern version of a chandelier. Coastal terrariums There are lots of themes you can explore with terrariums, but a classic is the coastal theme. Succulents are the star, and you can add seaside pebbles, sand and little shells to complete the look. If you you're a bit far from the coast, this is a great way to bring a taste of the ocean to your home or workplace. Feminine terrariums Terrariums are great no matter your gender, age or background, but certainly if you want to amp up the femininity, try adding some flowers and perhaps some marble. Focus your plant selection for an amber-pink hue, and you'll have a pretty terrarium any lady would be proud of. That's it for now! Join a terrarium class Excited? If you're in Sydney, you're in luck. Jump into our beginner's terrarium workshop, or if you're already comfortable with the basics, try a more advanced terrarium class. Want a customised terrarium workshop to try one of the designs we've mentioned? Just contact our terrarium master Chris Saban and you'll be on your way. Know of any other interesting terrarium designs that you want to see on this list? Let us know! Happy terrarium making! ...
Top Craft Ideas to Try in 2025
By ClassBento Team
Getting crafty is fun and good for us! Reap all the benefits of getting hands-on and creative at a craft workshop. Start with these craft ideas forGetting crafty is fun and good for us! Reap all the benefits of getting hands-on and creative at a craft workshop. Start with these craft ideas for inspiration! ...
How Paint Pouring Helped Me Embrace My Individuality
By Kellie Maloney
Beyond mesmerising swirls and splashes of colour, I discovered that there’s a lot more to paint pouring than making pretty pictures.
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!
7 Experience Gifts for Grandparents This Christmas 2025
By Annie Symmonds
Spoil your grandparents this Christmas 2025 with experience gift cards! From flower arranging to pottery classes, they're guaranteed to feel theSpoil your grandparents this Christmas 2025 with experience gift cards! From flower arranging to pottery classes, they're guaranteed to feel the love this year. ...
Top Valentine's Gifts for Every Kind of Couple
By Tiffany Fung
Unwrap these top Valentine’s gifts for every kind of love story, whether you’re looking for something traditional, adventurous or romanticallyUnwrap these top Valentine’s gifts for every kind of love story, whether you’re looking for something traditional, adventurous or romantically sweet! ...
Creative Guide to Christmas Gifts for Women: 2025 Edition
By Courtenay Turner
Surprise and delight her with our creative collection of Christmas gifts for women – hand-picked to bring more fun and joy into her life.
9 Foolproof Christmas Presents for Couples Who Have It All
By Courtenay Turner
From pottery workshops to cooking classes, discover one-of-a-kind Christmas presents for couples who have everything. Gift cards available.
5 Creative Activities to Enrich Your Senses
By Laine Fullerton
That are just as fun as they are beneficial.
Check Out Australia's Most Popular Cooking Lessons
By ClassBento Team
From spicy Thai curries to rainbow-coloured macarons, we’ve got the lowdown on the best cooking classes in Australia.
Tried-And-Tested Gift Ideas for Mums Without a Wishlist
By ClassBento Team
Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mum without a wishlist? Explore our curated selection of thoughtful gift ideas for Mum!
Like Mother, Like Daughter
By Laine Fullerton
What lessons have you learned from the women in your life? Here’s four makers whose mothers and grandmothers inspired them to pursue a creativeWhat lessons have you learned from the women in your life? Here’s four makers whose mothers and grandmothers inspired them to pursue a creative career. ...
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 classesIt’s hard to resist chocolate – just ask Mike Zwiefelhofer, who’s been making customers happy with his sweets and hands-on virtual classes. ...
Outdoor Christmas Party Ideas for the Festive Season
By Katie Milton
Reconnect with your loved ones and embrace the warmer weather with these outdoor Christmas party ideas.
Personalised Presents for Couples Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Think outside the box with these presents for couples who have everything and get them involved in cooking, glassblowing, latte art and more!
Best Valentines Gift Experiences in Australia
By Annie Symmonds
Find the best Valentine’s gift experiences in Australia this Valentine’s Day 2025 and treat your significant other to a memorable experienceFind the best Valentine’s gift experiences in Australia this Valentine’s Day 2025 and treat your significant other to a memorable experience! ...
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 creative workshops can helpIncreasing 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 ...
Fun Activities to Fit Your Busy Schedule
By ClassBento Team
In this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us areIn this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us are working long hours, often with overtime. Some of us work weekends. With our portable devices, it’s so much easier to stay glued to work, and it’s so much more convenient to be a workaholic. And beyond work, we often have lots of commitments. We need time for ourselves and to find fun activities to make the most of a day at home. Time to just be in the moment, without worrying about what’s ahead and behind us. Time to unleash the creative sparks we all have inside. Time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy the simpler pleasures in life. Every moment we invest into leisure, pays off handsomely. Studies have shown that activities like recreational classes can help to prevent workplace stress and burnout, and improve workplace performance. So it’s not just about indulgence, it’s also good sense for your career. Our workshops are perfect for the busy professional. ClassBento has a wide variety of fun workshops in the evenings, on Saturdays and Sundays, and even during lunch breaks during weekdays. Forget about your worries, as you concentrate on making some chocolate, or arranging some flowers. Form some meaningful social connections, as you draw a portrait or play a ukulele. Broaden your perspectives, as you learn a different language, or learn about philosophy. And it would be a minor crime for you to not invite your friends too. Put a smile on their face, by inviting them to a class with you, or say ‘take a well deserved break’, by sending them a gift card. Check out our classes, listed on a nifty calendar. Add more life to your work-life balance. Discover fun new ways to experience VIVID here. ...
How to Get the Perfect Gift for Your Father
By Tiffany Fung
When it comes to getting the perfect gift for Dad, we’ve got you covered. Take a squiz at our beginner guide to know exactly what to get for DadWhen it comes to getting the perfect gift for Dad, we’ve got you covered. Take a squiz at our beginner guide to know exactly what to get for Dad in 2025. ...
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 sharp and your mind malleable.
Top Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia
By ClassBento Team
Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.
You'll Love Learning to Draw at These Easy Art Classes
By ClassBento Team
Rediscover the joy of drawing or experience it for the first time at art classes in Australia. See your vision come to life as your art skills iRediscover the joy of drawing or experience it for the first time at art classes in Australia. See your vision come to life as your art skills improve. ...
Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet
By Kellie Maloney
Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!
Make Healthy Christmas Cocktails with the Cocktail Camp
By Jane Gauger
The founder of San Francisco’s Cocktail Camp is a health-conscious mixologist helping everyday Americans feel lighter and brighter with just oneThe founder of San Francisco’s Cocktail Camp is a health-conscious mixologist helping everyday Americans feel lighter and brighter with just one drink. ...
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