Stories

How to Create a Beautiful but Easy Watercolour Painting

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By ClassBento Team

Master the art of watercolours with these fun-filled painting classes in Australia and create your own unique masterpiece today!

Tried-And-Tested Gift Ideas for Mums Without a Wishlist

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By ClassBento Team

Struggling to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift for a mum without a wishlist? Explore our curated selection of thoughtful gift ideas for Mum!

Nourish, Spoil and Support Her with These New Mum Gifts

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By ClassBento Team

Want to spoil the new Mum in your life? From Melbourne to Perth, our relaxing classes make the best new Mum gifts for those who need some nourishment.

Best Interstate Hens Party Ideas in Australia (2025)

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By Annie Symmonds

Looking for getaway destinations for an epic hens party? Uncover the best interstate hens party ideas around Australia to celebrate love in 2025Looking for getaway destinations for an epic hens party? Uncover the best interstate hens party ideas around Australia to celebrate love in 2025! ...

Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Him in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Searching for sustainable presents for the special man in your life? ClassBento has an array of eco friendly gifts for him in Sydney that are perfectSearching for sustainable presents for the special man in your life? ClassBento has an array of eco friendly gifts for him in Sydney that are perfect for birthday experience gifts. ...

Free Tips to Make Your Coffee Taste Better

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By Sam Bowden

If you want to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee, check out coffee classes in Sydney. In the meantime, explore free coffee making tipsIf you want to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee, check out coffee classes in Sydney. In the meantime, explore free coffee making tips. ...

Top Experiences to Give as Gifts for Any Special Occasion

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By Tiffany Fung

Read our beginner guide to unique experience gifts in Australia that will suit every special occasion, from creative birthday presents to fun ChristmasRead our beginner guide to unique experience gifts in Australia that will suit every special occasion, from creative birthday presents to fun Christmas activities. ...

7 Best Company Gift Cards for Team Building

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for unique team building activities? Discover our range of company gift cards in Australia, from fun pottery classes to cosy tufting workshops.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

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By Laine Fullerton

What lessons have you learned from the women in your life? Here’s four makers whose mothers and grandmothers inspired them to pursue a creativeWhat lessons have you learned from the women in your life? Here’s four makers whose mothers and grandmothers inspired them to pursue a creative career. ...

Make Your Own DIY Garden Bouquet

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By Kellie Maloney

Surprise your special someone with a heartfelt bouquet using flowers from your very own backyard!

3 Best Macrame Kits for Beginners

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By Sam Bowden

Does all this buzz about macrame kits have you intrigued? Macrame is the unsung hero of the fabric world, but ClassBento is here to give it the creditDoes all this buzz about macrame kits have you intrigued? Macrame is the unsung hero of the fabric world, but ClassBento is here to give it the credit it deserves. ...

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 Beginner Pottery Classes Around Australia

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By ClassBento Team

Meet like-minded people and get your hands dirty with pottery classes in Australia.

How Paint Pouring Helped Me Embrace My Individuality

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By Kellie Maloney

Beyond mesmerising swirls and splashes of colour, I discovered that there’s a lot more to paint pouring than making pretty pictures.

Cute Gifts for Your Girlfriend She Can Share with Friends

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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. ...

Best Calligraphy Craft Kits for Beginners 2025

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By Sam Bowden

Here's a quick rundown on the best calligraphy kits for beginners and why this mindful art is so good for you!

5 Romantic Activities for Couples That Aren't Dinner and a Movie

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By Jana Lepojevic

Transform date nights with romantic activities for couples! Try pottery classes, barista courses, cooking adventures and more for a fun and creativeTransform date nights with romantic activities for couples! Try pottery classes, barista courses, cooking adventures and more for a fun and creative experience. ...

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…

At the End of This Quiz You'll Know Exactly What to Gift Your Partner

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By Laine Fullerton

Searching for gifts for couples? Take our quiz to unlock meaningful experiences, from crafting to cooking, designed for quality time together!

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. ...

Explore Your Inner Artist with Paint and Sip Classes in Australia

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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! ...

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. ...

Stop Searching and Discover the Perfect Gift for Your Father-in-law in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Nail the perfect present for your father-in law with these creative gifts for Dad in Australia, from cocktail making workshops to cooking classeNail the perfect present for your father-in law with these creative gifts for Dad in Australia, from cocktail making workshops to cooking classes. ...

Save Money and Become Your Own Barista

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By ClassBento Team

Learn how to make barista style coffee at home with a barista class in Sydney and save money on takeaway coffee without compromising on taste.

Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas to Try Together

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By Tiffany Fung

If you’re wondering what to get for your loved ones in 2025, try our thoughtful experience gifts in Australia—guaranteed to put a smile on theirIf you’re wondering what to get for your loved ones in 2025, try our thoughtful experience gifts in Australia—guaranteed to put a smile on their face. ...

Make Chocolate Truffles with R&M Fine Chocolate

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By ClassBento Team

Meet head chocolatier, Raanan Malkin, founder of R&M Fine Chocolates!

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.

Why So Serious? Hobbies Vs. Burnout

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Discover fun team building activities in Australia to enhance workplace motivation and avoid burnout in 2025 by finding hobbies that you'll loveDiscover fun team building activities in Australia to enhance workplace motivation and avoid burnout in 2025 by finding hobbies that you'll love. ...

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.

Celebrate Relationship Milestones with an Anniversary Gift Card

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By Jana Lepojevic

Celebrate your relationship milestones with an anniversary gift card. Find out how experience gift cards for couples deepen connections.

The Ultimate Guide to Personalised Gift Ideas for Couples

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By Tiffany Fung

Explore our 2025 guide to the most thoughtful and personalised gift ideas for couples. No matter what kind of couple they are, find the perfect presentExplore our 2025 guide to the most thoughtful and personalised gift ideas for couples. No matter what kind of couple they are, find the perfect present here. ...

5 Must-Visit Creative Neighbourhoods in Australia

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By Kellie Maloney

And your guide to the craftiest things to do when you’re there.

Hands-on Birthday Party Ideas and Gifts for Gardeners

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By Annie Symmonds

If you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes inIf you’re struggling to find birthday party ideas and gifts for gardeners, expect to find inspiration right here among our gardening classes in Australia! ...

Best Unique Experience Gifts in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Whether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience giftsWhether you’re looking for DIY birthday gift ideas or Christmas presents for Mum, there’s no better time to find the best unique experience gifts in Australia! ...

Top Baby Shower Ideas

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

An afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the roomAn afternoon of tummy-rubs from enthused relatives, tiny gender neutral socks and disgruntled eternally-single friends beaming from across the room in a feigned act of felicitations - all gather in honour of the greatly anticipated newborn. The baby shower in Sydney. Overwhelmed with the ceaseless stream of advice from tired mothers and unwrapping gift after gift straight out of the first four pages of the ‘Baby Kingdom’ catalogue, you wonder if there’s an alternative to the predictable baby shower schedule. ClassBento have just the afternoon for you, with plenty workshops replacing small talk with environments promoting learning, creativity or simply meditative or therapeutic rest during the testing pregnancy months.   Zen and the Art of Block Printing Join Rowan Sivyer, watercolour artist and printmaker, in carving your way to peace in her Block Printing workshop. Rowan, who carves as a form of meditation, encourages students to reignite their creative streak with the simple act of wielding tools to cut rubber. The art is a powerful de-stressor, inexpensive and doesn’t require a lot of space. In Rowan’s workshop, you will learn the process of designing, carving and printing, as well as techniques and tips for creating simple blocks, layering stamps and repeating tile stamps. In the workshop, parents-to-be, friends and family can enjoy one another’s company whilst designing and carving a small rubber block to create beautiful stationery with.  Chocolate Making Aspiring chocolatier? Gather the Birthday Shower party and try a Chocolate Making workshop with 'Adora Handmade Chocolates', a company who have won numerous gold and silver awards and whose unique chocolates have earnt the respect of establishments among the likes of the Sydney Opera House who, in response to great demand, Adora supply to regularly. Learn about the history and benefits of great quality chocolate, made with the freshest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut chocolate and espresso coffee, minus the added preservatives or artificial flavours. Walk away with a knowledge of how to make signature butter truffles and temper chocolate in the two hour workshop. Succulent Garden Workshop Thick and fleshy, succulents are low-maintenance plants that come in variety of colours, shapes and sizes and have the potential to add a smidgen of personality to the no doubt highly debated nursery in months pre-birth. Follow Christopher Saban’s step-by-step guide to building your own terrarium garden in his ‘Succulent Terrarium’ workshop. Christopher, creative decorator of ‘Merchant and Green’ has over fifteen years’ experience as a floral decorator and stylist and will provide you with all materials required. Choose from a Pyramid or Quad glass container, layer with vase river stones, moss, soil and mini succulents to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Cake Decorating Between fiercely jotting down the titles of baby books from enthusiastic relatives and unwrapping of baby bottles, there is time for cake. And whilst the thought of simply sitting back and indulging in rich chocolate cake may sound appealing to the lethargic mother-to-be, a group task which encourages the entire family to get involved, such as cake decorating, may just spice up the afternoon in a way which does not deprive anyone of cake, but merely forces them to appreciate it. Jo, from ‘Wendy Jo Baking’, who is known for her creative cakes and beautiful and elegant design, will see you and the baby shower party licking your fingers, layer and stack double barrel cakes, spread swiss meringue buttercream, experiment with watercolour effects, apply gold leaf, prepare and arrange flower decoration and temper chocolate in her finger-licking workshop.   Celebrate the mother or father to be by helping them share a passion or learn a new skill with a ClassBento workshop. We have a great variety of classes to suit a diverse range of tastes, budgets and group sizes, and our experienced teachers are here to help make your baby shower that little bit more special. With a new bub on the way, the baby shower is the perfect time to take a minute to remember the joy of making, and our ClassBento workshops ensure all your guests will leave with a great new skill. They also help to get everyone involved in the fun, making them a great way to share the occasion with friends and family. ...

Dragon Boat Racing Origins

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By ClassBento Team

Imagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentleImagine the perfect morning on the bank of a tranquil river. The water is slow-moving and glassy. The only sounds are birds chirping and a gentle breeze whispering through the grass. You are relaxed.   Now, imagine you begin to hear some distant sounds of movement coming from up river. Maybe you hear splashing, maybe faint yelling, as if a group of people is chanting. You can hear them only shortly before their figures start to become visible in the distance.   Before you can believe it, they are upon your stretch of tranquility. The first thing you notice in detail is the giant carved head of a dragon, painted in vibrant colors, its lips peeled back in an intimidating smile. Sitting directly behind the beast’s white horns, a man straddling a giant drum is facing a crew of what looks like two dozen rowers sitting side by side in the narrow hull of the boat. Each is paddling in time with the drum, each blade slicing into the water at exactly the same time. You cannot believe how quickly and technical their movements are. At the back of the boat sits a woman, shouting orders and counting along with the drum. Directly behind her, the graceful tail of the dragon sweeps up out of the water, leaving a sizable wake behind the boat.   Then, they are gone. In just a few seconds, the boat traversed a space you would previously have thought impossible. The water is still churning behind their frenzied motion.   In the sudden silence, your heart is beating. Your adrenaline is pumping. You don’t want your tranquil setting back; you want to get onboard. The best place to start is to join a dragon boat racing introductory class. Luckily, Naga Spirit Dragon boating in Pyrmont, Sydney offers a beginner’s course that is the perfect way to ease into the complex sport. Before you begin, you may want to review the historical context of dragon boat racing, so that you can impress your new teammates and gain an appreciation for the sport.   Let’s start with the most important aspect of dragon boat racing, the boat. According to Chinese tradition (1), the ornate design of the boat is very specific: an ox-like head, deer’s antlers, a stallion’s mane, reptilian scales, and the tail of a fish. The paddles in between are reminiscent of the animal’s many claws, moving in time while the dragon flies through clouds.   The boats are thought to have ancient religious origins, with some believing their role to be appeasement of the rain god. The Dragon Boat Festival, recorded over 2,000 years ago, boasts of several origin stories, varying by region. A popular one (2) tells the story of Qu Yuan, a beloved advisor to the king turned exiled poet whose suicide by drowning in the river sparked widespread grief. In looking for the deceased hero, his followers rowed into the river and threw rice into the water to distract the fish.   Subsequently, the festival has become a large cultural tradition, and people from all over the world have adopted the invigorating sport.   In accordance with racing rules, there is always a drummer (sitting at the front) and a steer (at the rear.) Traditional festivals can boast of crews of up to 50 rowers, but standard rules allow for 18 to 20 in the large boats, and 8 to 10 in the smaller versions.   So, now that you’re equipped with a foundational knowledge of the sport’s cultural roots, what does an introductory class look like?   Well, you’ll probably spend a lot of a time on land. As a technical sport with some risks, there are a few things to learn before getting into the water, like safety procedures, basic paddle technique, and how to get in and out of the boat (it may sound silly, but that is one squirrely vessel when you’re stepping onto it from dry land.) This class is also good time to go over the rhythm and timing that are so crucial to a cohesive crew.   Speaking of the crew, the initial class, while informative, is a great opportunity for the crew to start bonding. As an inherently social sport, the integration of individual members into a team is an incredibly important element to successful dragon boat racing. In other words, don’t be shy! Get to know your team!   Each subsequent class will incorporate more water time, but be prepared to start most sessions with dry land training. After all, dragon boat racing is an athletically demanding sport, so be prepared to put in that physical training!   During your first few sessions, you will probably experience some of the obvious joys of dragon boat racing. The teamwork. The beautiful setting. The sense of accomplishment that comes from hard work.   Yet, there are a few hidden benefits to dragon boat racing that you may not even realize. For instance, did you know that dragon boat racing can positively affect your mental state and have long-term effects on your physical health?   It’s true: dragon boat racing is shown (3) to decrease stress levels, improve self-esteem and increase energy levels while creating an overall sense of accomplishment and confidence in rowers of all ages. Many agree (4) that that teamwork can have a positive effect on mental health, as well.   Without a doubt, the physical advantages of dragon boat racing are also well worth the effort. Rowing requires the toning of several muscle groups in the body: neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdominals, obliques, hips, and thighs, to name a few. Within a few weeks of intense training, you’ll start to notice the results (try not to break too many fragile objects with your new strength in the process.)   Your practices will increase your overall cardiovascular health as well as heighten your coordination as a result of working so closely with your fellow rowers. Of course, we all know the vast benefits of being physically fit, from reduced risk of heart disease to improved stamina.   So, if you’re looking for adventure, community, and fun, dragon boat racing might just be the sport for you. Look into classes in your area to get training today!   References:   1.idbf.org 2.chinahighlights.com 3.dragonboatco.com 4.journals.lww.com ...

The Best Gift Cards for Every Type of Person

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By Tiffany Fung

Not sure what to get for your Mum, best friend or partner? Look no further than our experience gift cards in 2023 to help make their day extra sNot sure what to get for your Mum, best friend or partner? Look no further than our experience gift cards in 2023 to help make their day extra special. ...

Personalised Presents for Couples Who Have Everything

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By ClassBento Team

Think outside the box with these presents for couples who have everything and get them involved in cooking, glassblowing, latte art and more!

Quirky Birthday Party Ideas and Gifts for Dog Lovers

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By Annie Symmonds

Discover pet-themed birthday party ideas to celebrate your friend in style. From pet portraits to dog statues, find top birthday ideas for dog parents.

Cooking Classes Are Now Being Prescribed as Therapy

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Interested in relaxation and mindfulness? Culinary therapy may be just the thing! Give it a try at local Melbourne cooking classes.

Fun Activities to Fit Your Busy Schedule

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By ClassBento Team

In this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us areIn this day and age, everyone is busy. It seems almost a social misdemeanor to not be (or at least claim to be) busy, all the time. Many of us are working long hours, often with overtime. Some of us work weekends. With our portable devices, it’s so much easier to stay glued to work, and it’s so much more convenient to be a workaholic. And beyond work, we often have lots of commitments.  We need time for ourselves and to find fun activities to make the most of a day at home. Time to just be in the moment, without worrying about what’s ahead and behind us. Time to unleash the creative sparks we all have inside. Time to relax, unwind, and just enjoy the simpler pleasures in life.       Every moment we invest into leisure, pays off handsomely. Studies have shown that activities like recreational classes can help to prevent workplace stress and burnout, and improve workplace performance. So it’s not just about indulgence, it’s also good sense for your career.   Our workshops are perfect for the busy professional. ClassBento has a wide variety of fun workshops in the evenings, on Saturdays and Sundays, and even during lunch breaks during weekdays. Forget about your worries, as you concentrate on making some chocolate, or arranging some flowers. Form some meaningful social connections, as you draw a portrait or play a ukulele. Broaden your perspectives, as you learn a different language, or learn about philosophy.   And it would be a minor crime for you to not invite your friends too. Put a smile on their face, by inviting them to a class with you, or say ‘take a well deserved break’, by sending them a gift card.   Check out our classes, listed on a nifty calendar. Add more life to your work-life balance. Discover fun new ways to experience VIVID here.    ...

5 Ways to Save on Electricity You Haven't Heard Before

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By Kellie Maloney

Saving on electricity doesn’t have to mean sweating through summer or shivering through winter. Try these top DIY ideas to help you save money,Saving on electricity doesn’t have to mean sweating through summer or shivering through winter. Try these top DIY ideas to help you save money, feel empowered and turn your home into a creative oasis. ...

7 Different Painting Courses to Try in 2025

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By ClassBento Team

Try these fun-filled painting courses to try your hand at different painting techniques and learn the difference between each from watercolour toTry these fun-filled painting courses to try your hand at different painting techniques and learn the difference between each from watercolour to oil paints. ...

Learn Calligraphy with Pascribe

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By ClassBento Team

Masterful calligrapher Paul Antonio has a penchant for sharing his passion with like-minded creatives... find out why!

Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts

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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!

5 Evening Hens Party Ideas to Wrap Up the Perfect Day

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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! ...

Gift Experiences for Your Creative Man

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Inspire the creative man in your life and take him to our gift experiences for him in Sydney that will have him crafting, painting or cooking inInspire the creative man in your life and take him to our gift experiences for him in Sydney that will have him crafting, painting or cooking in no time! ...

Your Guide to the Top Things to do Next Month in Australia

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By Jana Lepojevic

Looking for fun things to do next month? Our guide to unique Australian experiences has you covered! Try pottery in Adelaide, bush tucker in PerthLooking for fun things to do next month? Our guide to unique Australian experiences has you covered! Try pottery in Adelaide, bush tucker in Perth and more. ...