Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
Alternative Corporate Team Activities for Every Type of Work Event
By Laine Fullerton
Looking for the best team building activities for the best corporate event you're planning? Check out these fun classes for team building ideas.
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. ...
4 Creative Ways to Deepen Your Understanding of First Nations Culture
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. ...
Discover the Benefits of Adult Art Classes in Sydney for Yourself
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover the benefits of Sydney adult art classes for personal growth. Tap into your artistic potentional as you explore different mediums and tDiscover the benefits of Sydney adult art classes for personal growth. Tap into your artistic potentional as you explore different mediums and techniques. ...
Save $5k and Throw Your Dream Wedding on a Budget
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. ...
Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip
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.
Help the Planet with Our Eco Friendly Gift Ideas in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
Hunting down eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney shouldn't be difficult. ClassBento is here to offer you a few tips, tricks and suggestions to makeHunting down eco friendly gift ideas in Sydney shouldn't be difficult. ClassBento is here to offer you a few tips, tricks and suggestions to make your birthday as environmentally friendly as possible! ...
Best 30th Birthday Ideas in Sydney
By Sam Bowden
With ClassBento's 30th birthday ideas in Sydney, you can ensure that the milestone is celebrated in style! Whether it's shaking a cocktail or jumpingWith ClassBento's 30th birthday ideas in Sydney, you can ensure that the milestone is celebrated in style! Whether it's shaking a cocktail or jumping on a skateboard, we've got the workshops to make your party pop! ...
5 Creative Activities to Enrich Your Senses
By Laine Fullerton
That are just as fun as they are beneficial.
The Best Art Classes for Adults in Australia
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.
7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150
By Jana Lepojevic
Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for mum that are under $150.
Why a Wine Tasting Voucher Is the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion
By Tiffany Fung
Celebrating a special occasion? Wine tasting experiences are the perfect choice when it comes to memorable moments and quality time with loved ones.
Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Discover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2023, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate theirDiscover why experience gift cards are the next best thing in 2023, where you can help them book into their favourite workshop and celebrate their big day in style. ...
7 Employee Gift Ideas That Your Team Will Really Want in 2025
By Tiffany Fung
Discover some of the best company gift cards in Australia that your team is guaranteed to love, from unwinding with clay to shaking up deliciousDiscover some of the best company gift cards in Australia that your team is guaranteed to love, from unwinding with clay to shaking up delicious cocktails. ...
Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia
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. ...
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 5 Baking Classes for the Weekend
By John Tabari
Many pastries may have originated, or gained fame in France, but they’re enjoyed around the world. There are many reasons to take a pastryMany pastries may have originated, or gained fame in France, but they’re enjoyed around the world. There are many reasons to take a pastry class; to enjoy your favourite treats at home, to entertain friends or simply hone your baking skills. Check out these five classes that will teach you how to make your favourite patisseries. 1. Macaron Making You may think that you wouldn’t need to attend a class to make macarons, but they are notoriously difficult to get right. At a macaron class, you will learn the ‘macaronage’ technique. This involves folding the mixture that will make your macaron biscuits. Most bakers agree that getting the correct consistency at this stage will determine whether your macarons turn out well. A good macaron class should put emphasis on this step. You will also learn the piping technique, which is used to produce the biscuit shape and administer the filling. Some macaron classes stick to the French method and advertise as ‘French’ or ‘Parisian’ macarons. Other classes get a little more experimental and you may use different ingredients or make different shapes. In any case, you will get to take your creations home in the form of a box of delicious treats. 2. Croissants As with the macaron, it may not seem difficult to make croissants but you should take a class if you want to make the best croissants. Freshly made pastries beat packaged ones any day, so add them to your repertoire with this course. You’ll learn about the secret ingredient, about yeast and proofing. Once you’ve made the dough, you learn how to roll and fold it to keep the classic crescent moon shape. If the teacher is prepared to get experimental, they may teach you how to make an almond or chocolate-filled croissant. Since proofing takes around 2 hours, you may not get to eat your croissants on the day, but you will be able to take your dough home to cook later. Plus, you're likely to get freshly-prepared croissants during the class, just to give you an idea of what you’re aiming for. These classes are not as common as macaron courses and as such will set you back a little more. 3. Choux Pastries Another classic French staple is the choux pastry. Choux pastry forms the base of many favourite desserts such as eclairs, profiteroles, chouquettes and gougères. The defining characteristic of choux pastry is that it looks like it’s going to be dense, but when you bite into it, it’s light and thin. It takes a special technique to get pastry this way, which involves using steam instead of a raising agent. You’ll learn how to do this at one of these classes. Since choux pastry is easier to make than it seems, some classes will involve trying your hand at both sweet and savoury pastries. A choux pastry class costs similar to a macaron classes and they take less time to make than croissants. 4. Danish Pastries & Pain au Chocolat You will find these desserts offered with croissants as well or as part of a general pastry-baking class. As these sweets are made from puff pastry, they are often covered together. While croissants are also puff pastry based, they use yeast and milk in the dough to create a different effect. In a puff pastry class, you will learn how to make the pastry, how to proof and then cook it. Proofing can be a delicate process and the baker must ensure that the pastry is proofed at the correct temperature. This class will also arm you with the necessary cutting and folding techniques for the dough. Plus, for Danish pastries, you will learn about the different types of filling. Since these classes usually encompass several different type of pastry, the cost is usually a little higher at $200. They’re less likely to be offered as experience classes, so you will be enrolling in a baking school; hence the higher cost. 5. Cinnamon Bun Moving away from France to this North American favourite, you can take a class to learn how to bake the perfect cinnamon bun. You will learn how to make the dough base, the delicious frosting and the sumptuous filling. The class will teach you about the best ingredients and baking method to make cinnamon buns. Not to mention the extra skills you need to produce bakery-standard buns, in the perfect shape. ...
Experience Gifts for Every Type of Sydneysider
By Jana Lepojevic
Discover experience gifts in Sydney for every type of person. From paint and sip classes to cooking courses, these present ideas are sure to makeDiscover experience gifts in Sydney for every type of person. From paint and sip classes to cooking courses, these present ideas are sure to make them smile. ...
Make Turkish Mosaic Lamps with Art Masterclass
By Laine Fullerton
From Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of culturalFrom Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to their colourful and cosy studios across Australia, meet the business using Turkish mosaic-making as a form of cultural connection. ...
Nourishing Experience Gifts for Women Who Need a Little Me Time
By ClassBento Team
If you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experienceIf you have a special lady in your life who’s looking for some TLC, now is the time to treat her to a little “me time” with these experience gifts for women. ...
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. ...
Experience Gift Cards in Australia Foodies Will Love
By Katie Milton
Treat the foodies in your life with unforgettable experience gift cards in Australia that will let them go behind the scenes and learn from culinaryTreat the foodies in your life with unforgettable experience gift cards in Australia that will let them go behind the scenes and learn from culinary pros. ...
Cultural Cooking Classes in Sydney You Need to Know About
By Grace Smith
Dish up overflowing bowls of rustic Italian pasta or roll delicious sushi at cooking classes in Sydney, and learn about their different culturesDish up overflowing bowls of rustic Italian pasta or roll delicious sushi at cooking classes in Sydney, and learn about their different cultures through food. ...
Craft Gift Experiences for Dad in Sydney
By Iain Wang
Our co-founder, Iain, shares his favourite crafty gift experiences for dads in Sydney!
Unforgettable Hen Night Ideas for Older Brides
By Courtenay Turner
From cocktail-making classes to flower-arranging workshops, discover the best hen night ideas for older brides. Celebrate in sophistication andFrom cocktail-making classes to flower-arranging workshops, discover the best hen night ideas for older brides. Celebrate in sophistication and style. ...
5 Creative Date Activities to Bring Couples Closer Together
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. ...
Budget-Friendly Gifts for Mum from Daughter
By Jana Lepojevic
From cooking to art classes, find budget-friendly gifts for Mum from a daughter across Australia, and strengthen your bond without breaking the bankFrom cooking to art classes, find budget-friendly gifts for Mum from a daughter across Australia, and strengthen your bond without breaking the bank in 2023. ...
7 Art Workshops Where You'll Learn Something New
By ClassBento Team
Ready to dive into the vibrant world of art classes across Australia? From resin art to acrylic pouring, learn new creative skills in an excitingReady to dive into the vibrant world of art classes across Australia? From resin art to acrylic pouring, learn new creative skills in an exciting environment! ...
9 Brain Stimulating Gift Vouchers for Kids
By ClassBento Team
From jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained thisFrom jewellery making and painting workshops to kids cooking classes, discover our top 9 gift vouchers for kids that will keep them entertained this year. ...
Best Embroidery Kits for Beginners 2025
By Sam Bowden
ClassBento has assembled the MVP's of embroidery kits for beginners for you to sink your teeth into at home, in 2020!
How to Create the Most Effective Work Culture Environment in Sydney
By Kellie Maloney
From paint and sip to pottery making—boost your workplace culture with these fun and creative team building activities in Sydney!
I Learned About the Gadigal People on a Dreaming Tour—and You Can Too
By Kellie Maloney
Curious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime SouthernCurious to know more? Find out everything Content Lead Kellie Maloney and the ClassBento team learned at a walking tour with Dreamtime Southern X. ...
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 to Find the Best Practical Gifts for a Dad-to-be
By Annie Symmonds
After practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee makingAfter practical gifts for a dad-to-be? Help him become the best first-time Dad ever with these fun creative experiences, from cooking to coffee making and more! ...
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!
Best Experience Gifts for Her (Or Him) in Sydney
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
Throw clay, spice rum, pipe macarons and so much more with these creative experience gifts for her in Sydney and give her a unique present she’llThrow clay, spice rum, pipe macarons and so much more with these creative experience gifts for her in Sydney and give her a unique present she’ll really love! ...
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!
How to Find Happy Birthday Flowers They'll Love
By Annie Symmonds
Instead of sending Happy Birthday flowers this year, hit up our handy guide and discover the best birthday gifts ideas.
Why I'm Gifting Mum Quality Time in 2025
By Laine Fullerton
Want to give Mum the ultimate gift this Christmas? Our Australian Head of Content Laine lets you in on her top tip. (Hint: it’s all about makingWant to give Mum the ultimate gift this Christmas? Our Australian Head of Content Laine lets you in on her top tip. (Hint: it’s all about making memories!) ...
Unleash Your Creativity with the Best Painting Classes in Sydney
By Tiffany Fung
Discover your inner artist with our guide to the best painting classes in Sydney. Ideal for beginners or seasoned painters seeking inspiration!
Sustainable Stocking Filler Alternatives
By Tiffany Fung
Looking for something a little less wasteful to stuff in your stockings this Christmas day? Read on for our guide to the best experience gifts inLooking for something a little less wasteful to stuff in your stockings this Christmas day? Read on for our guide to the best experience gifts in Australia. ...
Fabulous Hens Party Ideas Every Bride Will Love (2025)
By Annie Symmonds
Find the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities aroundFind the perfect hens party ideas for any type of bride! From pottery workshops to cocktail classes, there are so many fun hens activities around Australia. ...
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. ...
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. ...
Meet Zara Avila
By Laine Fullerton
Colourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in theColourful and cute polymer clay creations help jewellery maker Zara Avila see the bright side of life. At her virtual workshops you can join in the fun! ...
Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Women in Sydney
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! ...
Stop Buying Things and Start Giving Experiences for Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
Stop buying things and give experiences for gifts! Discover how to make 2025 memorable with thoughtful, fun and eco-friendly experience gift ideStop buying things and give experiences for gifts! Discover how to make 2025 memorable with thoughtful, fun and eco-friendly experience gift ideas. ...
4 Mother-Daughter Moments That Will Warm Your Heart
By Courtenay Turner
From Japanese ceramics to mosaic-making, these creative experiences will warm her heart!
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