Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Why a Terrarium Workshop for Sydney Corporates Is a Good Idea
By ClassBento Team
On one fine Wednesday afternoon, we were contacted by the Sydney office of a prominent legal firm, hoping to do a creative terrarium workshopOn one fine Wednesday afternoon, we were contacted by the Sydney office of a prominent legal firm, hoping to do a creative terrarium workshop for their hardworking team of 40. We quickly got one of our favourite terrarium teachers to fit their budget, and the date was set! Everyone was eagerly anticipating the class. Our teacher, Pamela, has been giving informal arts and crafts classes over last few years on a variety of topics, ranging from terrarium making to Kokedama making, to jewelry making and even watercolour. She's a lady of many talents! The team was presented with a beautiful range of materials, including soil, moss, pebbles, mini figurines, and of course, some petite succulent plants and some glass jars to house them in. Everything was set up previously, so they could just show up and enjoy! With some guidance from Pamela, the team strapped on their gloves and dug into the task at hand, constructing their cute mini garden landscapes, layer by layer, some meticulously, others somewhat whimsically and chaotically. It was run at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for questions and curiousities to be satisfied, and for everyone there to bond and get to know each other better. The atmosphere was fun and buzzing. They were transported into another world, where they could really forget about their daily work, disconnect, and rejuvenate their minds for a few hours. Each team member brought their own unique style to the table, choosing the ingredients that caught their eye, and combining them in a way that spoke to them. With their little scissors and brushes, they trimmed and curated their little kingdoms to their heart's content. And the best part? Everyone got to keep their proud creations, a nice living reminder of the great time they spent together (and easy to take care of too!) Intrigued? Get in touch and we can set you up with a creative workshop for your next event, or, just fly solo (or with a partner) and join one of our public terrarium classes on the weekend or any other time that suits you. Be blown away by Australia's largest terrarium here. ...
Think Outside the Box in 2025 with Unique Experience Gifts
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’llLooking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’ll love. ...
I Learnt About Ngemba Culture Through Art – You Can Too
By Katie Milton
Artist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smileArtist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smiles. ...
How to Nail Your 10 Year Anniversary Gift
By ClassBento Team
From mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for yourFrom mosaic making to wine and cheese tasting, these experience gifts for couples will help you reconnect with your lover, right in time for your anniversary. ...
9 Best Gifts for Dad in Australia in 2025
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. ...
9 Reasons to Try Cooking Class in Sydney
By John Tabari
Need a little convincing to try cooking classes in Sydney? From exploring different cultures to building confidence, here are 9 reasons to try cookingNeed a little convincing to try cooking classes in Sydney? From exploring different cultures to building confidence, here are 9 reasons to try cooking courses. ...
13 Reasons You Should Learn to Cook at a Culinary Class
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. ...
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!
5 Reasons Wine and Paint Workshops Are Trending
By ClassBento Team
Find out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend inFind out why wine and paint workshops in Australia are having a moment right now and discover five reasons why you too should embrace the trend in 2025. ...
Why We Turn to Craft in Times of Crisis
By Courtenay Turner
From global pandemics to natural disasters, we explore the role of craft in helping humankind cope with crises.
6 Reasons Why Flower Arranging Classes Make the Best Gift Experiences for Mum
By Annie Symmonds
Discover why flower arranging classes make the best gift experiences for Mums this Christmas.
Creative After Work Activities in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
After work drinks at the pub are great, but in an exciting young city like Sydney, there's lots more to do and explore in the evening hours especiallyAfter work drinks at the pub are great, but in an exciting young city like Sydney, there's lots more to do and explore in the evening hours especially if you're in need of rainy day activities in Sydney. Thanks to our local artists, who are willing to share their passion and expertise, we've got a huge variety of secret and less known things to do in Sydney this weekend. Creative workshops are lots of fun, relaxing, and can help you take a real mental break from the stresses of work and beyond, as well as encouraging you to maintain a better balance against digital addictions (aka a great way to start/stay on digital detox). Do something social - go out with some friends or your other half, or take the opportunity to build relationships with some colleagues or clients. Why not meet some like-minded friends-to-be (and maybe even a potential special someone)? Avoid getting stuck and wasting time in peak hour traffic. Take some time for yourself and zen out, and by the time you're done, all those commuters will be gone and you'll have a much smoother and easier time home. #travelhacks Our teachers are flexible and love to teach, so you're welcome to Request an after-hours workshop. Whether you're in Redfern, Marrickville, Rozelle or elsewhere, we'll have a creative class close to you. And if you'd like to spend some time after your usual work hours teaching and getting some additional income, we'd love to hear from you. Here are some of our favourites: Make a Kokedama or terrarium, in a beautiful Redfern floristry Draw a portrait, perhaps of someone you know (or keep it safe and do something more neutral), under the guidance of a professional illustrator Indulge in cheese, wine... and art of course, in a cozy Rozelle studio. Laugh, chat and create, with a talented artist Learn to make proper coffee in a barista or espresso class, or even jazz it up with a latte art class, with a world champion barista. Get physical and learn to juggle in one of Sydney's beautiful parks (perfect for those longer summer evenings). Take a photography class and develop both your technical skills as well as your artistic approach, with an experienced photographer (smartphones or DSLRs both welcome), in the gorgeous surroundings of The Rocks. It's a perfect time to hone your low-light / night photography skills in particular. ...
Learn to Cook Traditional Japanese Food in Sydney
By Julia Carr-Catzel
‘We are truly happy. We would like to continue passing on Japanese food culture to the generations to come and work harder to let people overseas‘We are truly happy. We would like to continue passing on Japanese food culture to the generations to come and work harder to let people overseas appreciate the benefits of washoku’ revelled the Japanese President Shinzo Abe, in late 2013. Japanese cuisine or ‘washoku’ had just earned a place on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, seated between nations: France and Mexico, lauded for their culturally significant cuisines. In a country renowned for its harmonious relationship to food, the recognition arrived at a time when vast amounts of food waste suggested otherwise. Specifically, a whopping eight million tons of it. President of the National Assembly on the Preservation and Continuation of Washoku Culture, Isao Kumakura, attributed the waste to the seductive charm of convenience. The Japanese appeared to be swept up in soaring productivity of the 21st century, the fast-paced days saw the home delivery of noodle-dishes and bento box lunches, fad-food diets and restaurant distributed meals replacing home-cooked. This detachment from food, ruined the very foundation of washoku: valuing food and avoiding waste. The pace of progress has not slowed for anyone, least of all Japan, since 2013, though the movements of bodies such as the National Assembly, alongside grassroots action, have certainly helped revive the endangered washoku. Implementation of parent-child classes in diverse dietary education, provision of local dishes in school lunches and community events and the establishment of symposiums on Japan’s dietary culture, have encouraged locals to rediscover their identity. Rediscovering Washoku Over the course of history, the cultural influence of nations embarking upon Japanese shores has resulted in numerous culinary transformations. The arrival of European missionaries during the 16th century saw locals combine Spanish and Portuguese frying techniques. An experimentation with Chinese methods of cooking during this time resulted in tempura: a deep-fried dish typically focused on seafood and vegetables, popular in modern Japan. Japanese chefs incorporated increasingly more meat into their dishes, reflective of Western-style cooking during the 19th century. Soon enough, beef, deep-fried pork cutlets and curry dominated the food scene. Underlying it all: the traditional Japanese cuisine: washoku, valuing simplicity and health. Surrounded by seas where warm and cold currents converge, Japan is home to four thousand species of fish, including squid, octopus, and eel. Sea vegetables line the shores and well developed rice fields saw the birth of a culture of cultivation, dating two thousand years. A combination of Japan’s natural elements, constitute the basis of washoku. Sitting down for a traditional meal typically resembles: a bowl of rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, fish or meat. Noodles often replace rice as a staple food, including udon, soba and ramen. Only the freshest and seasonal ingredients are served, in minimalist presentation. Japanese chefs aim to harness the natural flavour and texture of each ingredient, most commonly fish, requiring knife mastery specific to Japanese culinary arts. As children, locals are taught to balance plain-tasting rice with stronger side-tasting dishes, consuming a morsel of rice after each bite of side dish, savouring the taste and texture of every ingredient and achieve a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Umami is the core, essential element in washoku, translated from Japanese to ‘pleasant savoury taste’ coined by chemist: Kikunae Ikeda, back in 1908. Japanese cooking uses minimal ingredients, umami provides the flavour base for most dishes. The flavour is richest in fermented condiments such as ‘dashi’, a rich stock made from kelp, miso (fermented soybean paste) and soy sauce. Of the numerous styles of Japanese cooking, chakaiseki (also spelt as kaiseki): cuisine of the tea ceremony meal, honzen ryori: elaborate style of banquet cooking and kaiseki ryori: traditional multi-course dinner, Shojin ryori: the temple food of Zen Buddhists, values traditional cuisine in a deeply introspective approach, reflective of the Buddhist gratitude to nature, promoting harmony of mind, body and soul. Temple Food of Zen Buddhists Dating back to prehistoric times, the Japanese’ indigenous worldview has found profound religious meaning in its surrounding natural environment. Founder of Soto Zen, Japanese monk: Dogen Zenshi, asserted the belief that non-sentient beings shared the human ability to engage in discourse with the Buddhist Dharma, and were therefore not exempt from enlightenment. Dogen’s philosophical values extend to shojin ryori, one of many Japanese cuisines, though maintains the largest influence on food in the country. A common mantra of Zen Buddhism, spreading through 13th century Japan, was the belief in foods to provide balance, alignment to body, mind and spirit. Buddhist monks indulged in soybean-based foods, seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants. Forbidden to slaughter animals for consumption, monks abstained from meat, fish or any animal product, believed to cloud the spirit and interfere with meditation. The ‘rule of five’ underlies shojin ryori meals, based on achieving nutritional balance and placing the body in balance with the seasons, by incorporating five colours and flavours into each meal. Common seasonal vegetables include: cucumber and tomato for refreshment in Summertime and root vegetables to warm the body in Winter. Buddhist monks preserve all components of local vegetables, including the tops and skins off carrots, radish leaves, out of respect for the natural environment. Knife Mastery Unique to Japanese cuisine is its cultural eating rituals and habits. Japanese chefs, who train for years, wield their artistic hands to create vigilantly prepared dishes, appealing to the senses as well as palate. Perhaps more reflective of an art form, than cooking, highly-skilled Japanese chefs dedicate laborious hours to rolling sushi with a bamboo rolling mats, grating daikon, grinding fresh sesame seeds, wielding clay cooking pots and simmering delicate fish with a wooden-drop lid (otoshi-buta). Mastering multiple knife techniques, chefs choose from an array of knives and cut entirely by hand: delicate slices of sashimi, wispy strands of daikon, flowers out of carrots and fish, beef and chicken into bite-sized pieces to be handled by chopsticks. Raw, simmered, fried, steamed, roasted or grilled, Japanese cuisine is presented on the plate with the utmost precision, the result of strenuous dedication, echoing a philosophy gratitudinous of the environment. Japanese Cuisine in Sydney Over the past few decades, Japanese cuisine has found a face in the international market. A boom in Japanese restaurants overseas, has attracting diverse audiences to sushi and noodle bars, to reap the benefits of the natural, nutritional dishes. Unfortunately, however, some of its authenticity has been lost along the journey. At the helm of Japanese eateries both small and large, chefs are often not of Japanese descent or properly trained in Japanese cuisine, and lean towards dishes that more closely resemble Chinese food, or take shortcuts and simply serve MSG-filled food. For an authentic Japanese culinary experience, Sydney-siders can opt for a professional-led class with ClassBento. Embark upon an appreciation of Japanese culture, begin a journey of health improvement, and choose from a range of classes with Yoshiko Takeuchi, who boasts over ten years cooking experience. Yoshiko has frequented some of Sydney’s top kitchens, specialising in Japanese vegetarian and vegan recipes, in a mission to promote a healthy and enriching lifestyle. Start with a beginner's course, or jump straight into in a Superfood Gyoza or Power of Miso cooking class. Learn how to make healthy alternatives to gyoza, miso and sushi minus the msg and deep-frying practices found in some restaurants. Form mounds of sushi rice, create nigiri and nori rolls whilst sipping on Japanese tea with other Japanese-food enthusiasts. Make tofu from soybeans, tempura or matcha green tea salt. Embrace the Buddhist lifestyle in a Shojin Ryori Vegetarian cooking class by Setsuko Yanagisawa and make mushroom tempura, lotus roots dishes, and much more, while relaxing your mind and spirit with tea and sake. Introduce yourself to a diverse range of Japanese ingredients, refine your skills and cleanse your body. Interested in making traditional Japanese sweets? Learn to make Japanese sweets in Sydney! ...
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. ...
How 8 Global Makers Are Using Workshops to Change the World
By ClassBento Team
What do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are householdWhat do you think when you hear the names Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama and Gloria Steinem? Strong, trailblazing icons. These women are household names for a reason, but in the words of author Kate Hodges, “Behind every great woman… is another great woman”. While their names might not be as widely known, ClassBento’s global community is overflowing with innovative women working to promote equality by sharing knowledge and creativity. Some have picked up their crafts from mothers and grandmothers, while others have determinedly taught themselves, or been mentored by fellow makers. The special thing about them, however, is their shared mission, one that allows you to tap into your creativity and experience the wellbeing benefits that come with it. So here are 8 voices from our uplifting community of women-identifying makers. Authentic, inspirational and crafting change—one stitch at a time. Makers turning the tables on gender stereotypes Monique and Reneé Hunte, East London England Sisters and co-founders of nf!Dai-KOR “For us, we’re breaking gender stereotypes by showing everyone that women are out here winning in business. We share our story during workshops in the hope to inspire and motivate others to follow their passion and dreams.” Janine Hendry, Melbourne Australia Founder of nf!Guild of Objects and the March4Justice Movement “For the first time in a decade, the gender pay gap is getting worse and not better. Workshops at Guild of Objects are all about empowering women to take control of their own income.” Nadia Abbas, London England Founder of nf!House of Stööki “Women can do the heavy side of jewellery making too. The jewellery making practice has a lot of different methods of making and some are more brutal than others. Our workshops show students that the finished Stööki products have been made using all the different methods of production.” Kelly Ortega, San Francisco United States Founder of nf!Artillery AG: Mindful Ceramics “So often to win success in business looks like being co-opted into the systems of oppression all around us. As a woman of colour, who is also a business owner, I hope to disrupt these harmful practices. At Artillery Ceramics we are slowing down, caring for each other, reconnecting to ancestral Indigenous roots and creating with intention.” Sara Knights, Steyning England Founder of perfumery nf!Sara Lucia “As a perfumer, I set out to challenge the stereotype that women should smell a certain way or ‘like’ certain aromas. Smell is not gender specific, in fact, men can love lavender and geranium and women can love leathery, tar smells.” Makers uniting to empower one another Cara Bevilacqua, St Augustine Florida United States Founder of nf!Coastal Design Workshops “The support creative women give each other is unmatched. I hire and train female artists to learn how to teach others their creative skills and to see how rewarding it is for them is something that makes me feel extremely fulfilled.” Nadia Abbas “The women that I met when I got my jewellery degree at university have become part of a friendship group that has shaped my career today. We all share a love of jewellery design and have continued to thrive in the industry with each of our businesses that encompass very different styles.” Kelly Ortega “Through my workshops, I was lucky enough to meet a woman who I now consider a dear friend and is now the second instructor for my mindful ceramics curriculum!” Amy Beggs-French, Canberra Australia Founder of nf!Deep Blue Ceramics “Years ago I bought a handmade mug at a market. I caught a cold shortly after and ended up having about a million lemon, honey and ginger teas. I fell completely in love with my new mug—it was so nurturing. I enrolled in my first pottery class as soon as I was better. The maker I bought my life-changing mug from was Tina. Connecting with her through appreciation of her art as well as a bunch of other mutually adored hobbies, we are now great friends!” Sampada Gurung, London England Founder of nf!The Slightly Curious Studio “One of the most impactful connections I've made was with a fellow potter who runs a sustainable pottery studio. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone in my struggles as a business owner, and it's inspiring to see how another woman has been able to create a successful and sustainable business that aligns with her values.” Makers inspiring creativity from all walks of life Cara Bevilacqua “As someone who grew up feeling a bit like an outsider, I relied heavily on my passion for creativity as an outlet for my feelings and emotions. I feel it is my duty to use my platform as a business owner and creative instructor to include those who may need to feel the embrace of inclusion.” Kelly Ortega “Equity needs to be spread throughout the way we do business, the way we interact with each other, and even the way we think about what we should expect from one another. Through equity, we are moving forward towards liberation for all.” Amy Beggs-French “Appreciating where people are at and supporting my students to play with their creativity produces some really incredible, diverse results! What people can produce and create when they are feeling safe, equitably supported and encouraged is awe-inspiring.” Sampada Gurung “Everyone should have equal opportunities to pursue their passions and to access resources that can help them grow and develop. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable learning experiences that empower our students to discover their creativity and pursue their goals.” ...
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 ...
Try Out a Photography Class in Sydney (2025)
By John Tabari
Try out a photography class in Sydney and learn how to take photos on manual mode or your smartphone while exploring Sydney.
Best Candle Making Aromatherapy Classes in Sydney
By Julia Carr-Catzel
Experience the art of aromatherapy at the best candle making classes in Sydney! Create your own fragrant candles and discover their benefits withExperience the art of aromatherapy at the best candle making classes in Sydney! Create your own fragrant candles and discover their benefits with experienced local artisans. ...
I Did a Workshop with My Family. Here's What Happened Next
By Kellie Maloney
And why you should try it this Christmas.
How to Create a Beautiful but Easy Watercolour Painting
By ClassBento Team
Master the art of watercolours with these fun-filled painting classes in Australia and create your own unique masterpiece today!
Fun DIY Crafts You Should Learn from an Expert
By ClassBento Team
If you’re keen to give crafting a go, check out these fun-filled DIY craft workshops in Australia for some creative inspiration!
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!
Fingerlicking Foodie Gifts for Ladies Who Love to Lunch
By ClassBento Team
From cake decorating classes to food and drink tastings, discover the top creative gifts for foodies to add to the top of their present list in 2025.
Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife
By ClassBento Team
Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile toTransform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face. ...
Why DIY Soy Candle Making Kits Will Transform Your Home
By Sam Bowden
Needing a bit of a change around the house? Soy candle making kits can help transform the vibe of your living space.
To Spice or Not to Spice: Can Chilli Improve Your Health
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. ...
Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Give your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their faGive your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. ...
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. ...
Best Crafts for Kids to Improve Their Focus
By Sam Bowden
Searching for kids activities in Melbourne that can help improve their concentration and focus? Here's a good place to start.
Best Eco Friendly Candle Making Kits
By Sam Bowden
As we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essentialAs we all become more aware of the ethics behind the way we consume, candle making kits have a few question marks over it. Here's some essential info to help you choose. ...
Top Ten Experience Gifts for Him
By John Tabari
Make this the best Christmas ever and surprise the men in your life with the best gifts for him in Sydney, from wine tasting experiences to potteryMake this the best Christmas ever and surprise the men in your life with the best gifts for him in Sydney, from wine tasting experiences to pottery workshops. ...
Digital Detox Ideas in Sydney
By ClassBento Team
Our digital devices are taking over our lives. Our phones have transformed from being a device that could only help us talk to people, to becomingOur digital devices are taking over our lives. Our phones have transformed from being a device that could only help us talk to people, to becoming an endless source of entertainment and engagement. And it's the first place we turn if we're looking for things to do this weekend. It’s no surprise that our devices are so hard to switch off, since they’re designed to be addictive. When we see an email, a comment or a ‘like’, we feel cared about, we feel important – it’s the pleasure of basic social recognition. When we see some news or updates, we feel a rush from our brain’s hit of dopamine. It’s a big problem. Big enough that companies like Google, Apple and Facebook are getting in on the act, providing apps and tweaking their products to help us control our cravings. And it's a problem worth solving. A more balanced life, with more mindfulness, has huge benefits. Studies have shown a correlation between digital addiction and depression/anxiety. Intuitively, you’ll of course have a lot more time to build and develop personal relationships, and relax as you take a break from chasing digital pats on your back, and enjoy the simpler things in life. If you live in Sydney, digital detox is arguably easier than elsewhere. Let’s take Singapore as a comparison. Instead of facing stifling tropical heat and humidity (or torrential downpours) when you step out the door, Sydney actually has pretty nice weather most of the year. Instead of a tiny island where going to malls is the main respite, Sydney has a huge number of activities and natural beauty to enjoy. Here are some of our favourite tips for Sydney-siders (or tourists here for a stay) undertaking digital detox. Get in the water. Swimming, kayaking, or any physical water sport. It’s pretty hard to check your emails while doing any of these activities (even if you have a waterproof device – if you’re anything like me (unfit), you’ll be too busy struggling to stay alive). Be inspired by the beauty of Sydney’s pristine beaches while you’re out there, and remind yourself of the beauty that just can’t be wholly captured in an Instagram photo. Team sports. We Aussies love our sports. Get some friends and go on your detox journey together – it’s harder to quit halfway when you’ve already made promises to your friends. The adrenaline rush you get from sports also keeps you buzzing immediately afterwards (negating the need for electronic stimulants), and also helps you sleep later that night - you'll be too tired to even bother checking your phone. Creative classes. Keep both your mind and your hands occupied as you decide exactly how you want to design a mini garden landscape in a bowl. Mentally travel back to earlier days without the need for scrolling back through your social media, by playing with nostalgic scents in a fragrance-making or candle-making workshop. Or pick up some practical skills like cooking, that you can use over and over again. ClassBento has a range of workshops held in-person by passionate local experts. Meet some new people and form some meaningful and real social connections. Have other tips that are specific to Sydney? Do let us know. Otherwise, we hope you've found these tips useful! ...
Learn Acrylic Painting for Beginners and Make a Masterpiece
By ClassBento Team
Shake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, dateShake up your routine and discover a new hobby with acrylic painting classes in Australia, perfect for birthdays, team building activities, date nights and more. ...
Express Your Gratitude with These Thoughtful Gifts for Her
By ClassBento Team
From cooking workshops to floristry classes, show the special lady in your life just how much you care with these thoughtful gifts for her!
Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore – and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!
13 Thoughtful Wedding Gifts for Couples Without a Registry
By ClassBento Team
Discover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay orDiscover thoughtful gift experiences for couples who don’t have a registry and get your favourite duo cooking up a storm, playing with clay or getting crafty. ...
Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends
By ClassBento Team
While there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points withWhile there’s definitely a place for romantic date nights for two, these cute girlfriend gifts for her will win you serious brownie points with your special someone. ...
5 Evening Hens Party Ideas to Wrap Up the Perfect Day
By Annie Symmonds
Spoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaSpoil the bride-to-be with an unforgettable evening—explore hens' party ideas featuring professional makeup, arty experiences and cocktail shaking! ...
Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2025
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. ...
Different Ways to Celebrate the Leap Year in 2025
By Sam Bowden
With February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on FebruaryWith February 29 2020 being the first leap year day in four years, celebrate it in style with these fantastic workshops and classes running on February 29th! ...
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. ...
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.
Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Channel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experienceChannel your inner Picasso and sample some delicious wine at the same time with paint and sip classes in Australia! You don't need any experience to join! ...
Birthday Presents for Dads Who Love to Cook
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.
Birthday Party Ideas for Wellness Warriors
By Annie Symmonds
Discover brilliant birthday party ideas for wellness warriors across Australia and treat them to an unforgettable celebration in 2025!
Self-care Gift Cards for Men in Your Life
By ClassBento Team
Help your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing thisHelp your loved ones rejuvenate with experience gift cards for men that will encourage them to set time aside to take care of their wellbeing this year. ...
Actually Good Zoom Date Ideas
By Sam Bowden
Looking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we'veLooking for zoom date ideas that don't suck? Whether you're long-distance dating or you're seeking out first date ideas during quarantine, we've got some ingenious ideas for you... ...
Best Rainy Day Activities for Kids
By Sam Bowden
In need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiledIn need of rainy day activities for kids? Keeping kids busy when the weather conflicts with your plans is no easy task. So ClassBento has compiled a list of workshops perfect for little ones! ...
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