Stories

13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class

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By ClassBento Team

Find out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressfulFind out the top, tasty reasons to try cooking classes in Australia, from growing your confidence in the kitchen to calming your mind after a stressful week. ...

Bring Her Pinterest Board to Life with These Crafty Hens Night Ideas

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By ClassBento Team

Calling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair inCalling all Pinterest enthusiasts! Uncover our selection of hens party ideas tailored for you and create a celebration that reflects your flair in 2025! ...

9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time

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By ClassBento Team

Discover experience gifts for an aunty that will have her smiling from ear to ear – making memories together beats a boring box of chocolates!

Relaxing Ways to Spend Special Time with Grandma

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By Jana Lepojevic

From sewing to soap making, these crafty things to do with your Grandma are the perfect way to spend time together this Christmas.

Birthday Presents for Dads Who Love to Cook

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By Annie Symmonds

Get Dad feeling empowered in the kitchen with these birthday gift for Dads in Australia, from Mexican cooking classes to pasta making workshops.

Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Celebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour conCelebrate the 10 year milestone with these anniversary gift ideas! Mark the momentous occasion with experience gifts for couples that honour connection. ...

Best Christmas Gift Experiences for Sydney Couples in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Embark on memorable Christmas gift experiences in 2023 for Sydney couples! From pottery to cocktail making, explore it all

Best DIY Wedding Anniversary Gifts in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Hunting down DIY wedding anniversary gifts for your partner or a couple you know? Sydney is brimming with quirky and unique anniversary gift ideHunting down DIY wedding anniversary gifts for your partner or a couple you know? Sydney is brimming with quirky and unique anniversary gift ideas! ...

Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Women in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Finding eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney for women is easy. With ClassBento's range of workshops you can go green with minimal effort, next timeFinding eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney for women is easy. With ClassBento's range of workshops you can go green with minimal effort, next time gift season comes around! ...

4 Creative Ways to Deepen Your Understanding of First Nations Culture

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By Laine Fullerton

Share and celebrate First Nations culture with these 4 creative experiences—from Dot art classes to bush tucker tastings—led by local IndigenousShare and celebrate First Nations culture with these 4 creative experiences—from Dot art classes to bush tucker tastings—led by local Indigenous makers, artists and guides. ...

5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together

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By Jana Lepojevic

Spice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect, laugh and make meaningfulSpice up your love life with our creative date ideas! From pottery to cooking, these fun activities will help you connect, laugh and make meaningful memories together. ...

Top Gift Voucher Ideas for Your Family This Christmas

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover the perfect Christmas gifts for your family with our top gift voucher ideas. You can help create memorable moments with these unique exDiscover the perfect Christmas gifts for your family with our top gift voucher ideas. You can help create memorable moments with these unique experiences! ...

3 Reasons Why Appreciation Gifts for Employees Are Important

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover the benefits of gifting company gift cards to your employees in 2023, and why you should do it too for your team!

6 Unique Presents for Dads Who Love DIY

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By Kellie Maloney

Find the best gifts for dads who love DIY! Explore classes in glassblowing, woodworking, knitting, and more. Perfect for Father's Day and specialFind the best gifts for dads who love DIY! Explore classes in glassblowing, woodworking, knitting, and more. Perfect for Father's Day and special occasions. ...

Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip

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By ClassBento Team

Invest in the wellness of your workplace and get your colleagues bonding and connecting with each other at paint and sip classes in Australia.

The Best Art Classes for Adults in Australia

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By ClassBento Team

Explore hands-on adult art classes in Australia. From acrylic pouring to resin art, find the perfect class to relax and unleash your creativity.

The Best Digital Gift Cards for Craft-Lovers, Cooks and Creatives

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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. ...

To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health

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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 with a focus on spicy cuiFind 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. ...

Crafty Gift Ideas for Couples with Unique Style

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover crafty gift ideas for stylish couples! Explore Kintsugi, textile classes, and artistic endeavours for creating unique home decor and lastingDiscover crafty gift ideas for stylish couples! Explore Kintsugi, textile classes, and artistic endeavours for creating unique home decor and lasting memories. ...

7 Unique Gifts for Women Who Have Everything

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover our amazing range of gift experiences for her in Australia and celebrate the special woman in your life with a present that is as uniqueDiscover our amazing range of gift experiences for her in Australia and celebrate the special woman in your life with a present that is as unique as she is! ...

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Dads Who Want Nothing

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By Tiffany Fung

Do you need the perfect gift for a dad who wants for nothing? Show your thoughtfulness with an experience gift that supports his hobbies and intDo you need the perfect gift for a dad who wants for nothing? Show your thoughtfulness with an experience gift that supports his hobbies and interests! ...

Why Plants Are Your Best Friend If You WFH

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By Charlotte McKewen

Discover how adding plants to your workspace can brighten up your mood and your day!

9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025

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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 andFind the best gifts for dad with our gift ideas! Celebrate Christmas, Father's Day and birthdays with arty experiences, crafts, cooking classes and more. ...

Best DIY Pottery Kits 2025

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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

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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. ...

Adapting the Workplace for Millennials

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Help the workplace adapt to millennials with our team building activities in Sydney! It's a great place to learn something new while connecting withHelp the workplace adapt to millennials with our team building activities in Sydney! It's a great place to learn something new while connecting with others. ...

Daughter-to-mum Gifts That Will Warm Her Heart

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By Courtenay Turner

Soak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen yourSoak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen your bond. ...

7 Creative Ways Our Team Keeps Their Brain Sharp

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By Laine Fullerton

From nature walks to knitting, the ClassBento team shares their favourite things they do to boost their brain health.

Need a Boost? This Creative Summer Checklist Can Help

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By Kellie Maloney

Did you know that creative activities are some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing? In fact, staying social, finding a routine and keeping activeDid you know that creative activities are some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing? In fact, staying social, finding a routine and keeping active come highly recommended by health experts. Start your year off right with our to-do list of summer workshops and experiences and you’ll see for yourself!  Mid-January: Stay social with cocktail classes After the adrenaline rush of Christmas and New Year’s, it’s only natural to start feeling a little social burnout by mid-January. You’re not alone! nf!The Black Dog Institute has some top tips for combating this, like focusing on what you enjoy, being in the moment and having fun. Luckily for you, we think we have a summertime experience that ticks all those boxes.  Literally shake it out and get reinvigorated in January with cocktail classes. From zesty margaritas to sweet Pina Coladas, learning how to make cocktails with the people you love is the perfect summer activity for keeping spirits high!   Late January: Get crafty with the whole family You might not expect that among all the excitement of the school holidays, this time of year can actually be quite challenging for young people.  According to nf!Headspace, kids and teens may be left feeling “bored, unsupported, upset and sometimes anxious” during this period, as they’re out of their usual routine and not seeing their friends as much.  As the school holidays come to a close, there’s no better time to get the kids (and bigger kids) together over a fun and crafty activity so they can keep exploring and stay socially active. The key is to find something simple that everyone can enjoy like a terrarium workshop or a polymer clay class.  These crafty experiences are a fantastic way to check in and bond with the family beyond Christmas Day and make everyone feel special and included.    Early February: Slow down with a mindful experience Make time in February to slow down, embrace the moment and check in with yourself as summer starts to wrap up. This is a great time to think about new habits you want to make for yourself, as nf!“the key to great health is in positive habit formation.” Why not try something different this year and pick up a new mindful hobby or skill? Unwind at the potter’s wheel and make ceramics, twist and tie cord into a macrame wall hanging or plant hanger or let loose with colourful fluid art.   Mid-February: Connect and save at a Valentine’s Day cooking class  We hear you, you want to do Valentine’s Day differently this year. As you recover from holiday spending, transform the usual dinner and movie combo into a date night activity with added value.  This is where cooking classes come in. Not only will you learn lifelong cooking skills with an experienced chef but you’ll also get to sit down and enjoy your handmade meal together—it’s like two presents for the price of one! Turn up the heat with a sizzling BBQ class or knead fresh dough together at a pasta making class. Late February: Prep for autumn with a new hobby We know what you’re thinking—how do I stop the post-summer blues from sinking in? Well, the answer is simple, be kinder to yourself and nf!adopt smaller, more achievable goals that will make you feel productive and accomplished. It’s actually very normal to feel a bit down after the holiday period and according to research from nf!Deakin University, it’s actually a sign of good health. To stay motivated, keep the warm and fuzzy feelings you associate with summer alive by trying your hand at a new hobby. Piece together mosaics, arrange flowers into bouquets or melt and pour fragrant candles. You might not find your creative calling right away, but you’ll be keeping your mind stimulated and fostering your creativity as the weather gets cooler. ...

Make Italian Meals with Cook with Luca

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By ClassBento Team

Make mouthwatering, rich and flavourful Italian meals at Cook with Luca's fun classes.

Creative Christmas Party Ideas to Spark Festive Spirit

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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. ...

Fun Corporate Team Building Activities That Promote Employee Wellbeing

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By Laine Fullerton

Spice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee welSpice up your team dynamics with these six engaging corporate team building activities in Melbourne. Foster collaboration and boost employee wellbeing! ...

Gift Ideas for All the Men in Your Life

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By Grace Smith

Find experience gifts for him in Sydney and treat every man in your life to more of his passions and interests. Make memories and celebrate him.

Christmas Party Ideas

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

Discover unique Christmas party ideas in Sydney your team will love – from cocktail-shaking to DIY wreath-making.

Aged Health Benefits and Recreational Classes

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

The weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter putThe 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   ...

Find the Perfect Christmas Gifts for Men in Minutes

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By Courtenay Turner

Looking for personalised presents for your dad, husband, BF or brother? Take our quiz and discover the best Christmas gifts for men Australia-wiLooking for personalised presents for your dad, husband, BF or brother? Take our quiz and discover the best Christmas gifts for men Australia-wide. ...

Creative Ways to Connect with a Loved One Living with Dementia

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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…

Save $5k and Throw Your Dream Wedding on a Budget

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By Tiffany Fung

Planning your wedding on a budget? We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite top tips to save money with DIY and make your special day even morePlanning your wedding on a budget? We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite top tips to save money with DIY and make your special day even more meaningful. ...

Why It's Best to Learn Painting from a Pro

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By ClassBento Team

If you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes inIf you've always wanted to learn how to paint, there's no better way to learn than by enlisting the help of a professional at painting classes in Australia. ...

Who Said Women Can't Make Sausages

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By Kellie Maloney

Discover how a sausage maker, a talented threader, a glass smith and a macramè master challenge gender stereotypes in their chosen craft.

Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Spoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas forSpoil Mum on her birthday with rejuvenating birthday party activities that she can to use to reset and celebrate! Perfect birthday party ideas for Mums. ...

One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss

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By Annie Symmonds

Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift eFind inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences. ...

5 Crafty Christmas Gifts for Mum

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By Annie Symmonds

Looking for crafty Christmas gifts for Mum? From DIY candle-making to pottery classes, she's sure to cherish these unforgettable experience giftLooking for crafty Christmas gifts for Mum? From DIY candle-making to pottery classes, she's sure to cherish these unforgettable experience gifts. ...

Best DIY Christmas Gifts 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover unique Christmas gift experiences in 2023 and make DIY presents for your loved ones. From pottery to photography, there's so much to chooseDiscover unique Christmas gift experiences in 2023 and make DIY presents for your loved ones. From pottery to photography, there's so much to choose from. ...

Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing

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By Jana Lepojevic

Need a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-toNeed a creative outlet that’s good for the soul? Dive into these mental-health boosting craft ideas and discover how crafting can be your new go-to for relaxation! ...

Unique Gifts for Women (Or Men) in Sydney

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By Susana Aguilera

Here's 9 gift experiences for her or him in Sydney that will make the next birthday, Mother's Day or any special occasion they won't forget...

Top Christmas Gifts for Couples in Sydney 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Transform your holiday shopping with the best Christmas gifts for couples in Sydney, guaranteed to sweeten their festive celebrations!

Top Barista Class Types

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By ClassBento Team

Explore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate andExplore the different types of coffee classes you can take in Sydney. From how to make an espresso at barista classes to learning to appreciate and taste coffee. ...