Stories

Try Out a Photography Class in Sydney (2025)

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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.

Unforgettable Hen Night Ideas for Older Brides

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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. ...

Simple Self-Care Ideas to Support Your Mum's Wellbeing

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By ClassBento Team

Know a Mum who could do with some spoiling this Mother's Day? Our Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for those Mums who need some pampering!

7 Fail-proof Gift Ideas for Mum Under $150

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By Jana Lepojevic

Show Mum you care and protect your wallet with these thoughtful gift experiences for mum that are under $150.

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. ...

Surprise Your Partner with Gift Experiences for Couples

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By Annie Symmonds

Wondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugiWondering how to surprise your partner in 2023? Give an experience gift voucher and try anything from pasta-making classes, cocktail courses, kintsugi and more! ...

How to Be More Effective with Mental Health in the Workplace

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By Sam Bowden

Boost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way to improve the vibe in yourBoost mental wellbeing and create a good office culture with these team building activities in Sydney, the perfect way to improve the vibe in your workplace! ...

Best Candle Making Aromatherapy Classes in Sydney

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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. ...

How to Make a Terrarium DIY

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

Succulents are the ideal household plant, and terrariums are a great home for them. Try out Sydney's most highly rated succulent terrariumSucculents are the ideal household plant, and terrariums are a great home for them. Try out Sydney's most highly rated succulent terrarium class and make one yourself. Succulent plants are a popular choice for modern Australian homes and gardens, due to their high-tolerance of various weather conditions, including life indoors. Teeming with water which is stored in leaves, roots and stems, these low-maintenance plants thrive almost everywhere, making them the ideal décor to spruce up a basic veranda or courtyard during the steamy summer months. Alternatively, owners can place succulents indoors, near windows to shower them with natural light. Pry through a gallery of frilled, spined and flower embellished succulents to liven up the indoors; opt for pincushion cactei dotted in beautiful hues of pink or perhaps a variegated zebra plant to match household décor. The number of succulent garden compositions are unlimited, choose from colours, shapes and sizes to adorn a bookend, hanging wall frame, wreath, pot, birdcage or terrarium. Not to mention the health benefits of indoor plants, such as the aloe vera plant, which produces cleaner air, lowers the risk of illness, boosts one’s mood and has potential to enhance concentration and memory. Despite their low-maintenance reputation, succulents thrive under a balanced upkeep. Refrain from over-watering when attending to your succulent garden, a common mistake among owners who overcompensate with a plant able to tolerate prolonged drought. Instead, make sure to check the soil moisture level with your fingers and water only when dry. Water or mist succulents at least once per week. Position them wisely with for time in shade each day, as succulents can burn when exposed to too much sunlight. Use a gentle formula once per month to fertilise. Do not combine succulents with non-desert dwelling plants Making your own succulent garden is therapeutic and rewarding activity to fill a morning or afternoon and doesn’t require any prior expertise. Adorning your home with a succulent garden can have aesthetically pleasing benefits for the inside of your home, as well as health benefits.  The terrarium making experience can be shared with others and doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Encourage family and friends to take part in a terrarium workshop with Christoper Saban, Creative Director of ‘Merchant and Green’ who conducts beginner workshops in Sydney, catering for plant-lovers looking to design and create their very own succulent garden. Christopher, who has over fifteen years’ experience as a floral decorator and stylist provides all plants and equipment, and caters to all skill levels. Equip yourself with a pyramid or quad glass container, choose from a wide variety of mini succulents, toy with vase river stones, dirty your hands with moss and soil and create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Make a terrarium 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!

13 Personalised Gifts for Mums Who Live Far Away

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By ClassBento Team

Looking for personalised gifts for Mum? These handpicked gift experiences are the perfect way to show you care, no matter how far apart you are.

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.

Craft Ideas for Adults to Improve Mental Wellbeing

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By Jana Lepojevic

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

How to Create the Most Effective Work Culture Environment in Sydney

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By Kellie Maloney

From paint and sip to pottery making—boost your workplace culture with these fun and creative team building activities in Sydney!

Learn How to Create Your Own Mug in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Create your own mug at fun Sydney classes—perfect for beginners! Shape, decorate and glaze your own ceramic cup with expert guidance in a cosyCreate your own mug at fun Sydney classes—perfect for beginners! Shape, decorate and glaze your own ceramic cup with expert guidance in a cosy pottery studio. ...

7 Reasons Experiences Make the Most Meaningful Gifts for Her

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By Jana Lepojevic

Find meaningful gifts for her in Sydney with experiences that place value on moments over things and are tailored to her passions and interests.

Fantastic 10 Year Anniversary Gift Ideas in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

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

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

Experience Gift Cards in Australia Foodies Will Love

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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. ...

9 Brain Stimulating Gift Vouchers for Kids

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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. ...

Meet Zara Avila

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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! ...

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!

Best Experience Gift Ideas for Her in Sydney Delivered to Her Door

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By Sam Bowden

Spoil the lady in your life with our creative range of experiences gifts for her that can be delivered straight to her door!

Actually Good Zoom Date Ideas

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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... ...

Everything You Need to Know About Macarons

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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. ...

Why a Wine Tasting Voucher Is the Perfect Gift for Every Occasion

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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.

7 Unique Gifts for Women Who Have Everything

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By Tiffany Fung

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

6 Unique Presents for Dads Who Love DIY

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By Kellie Maloney

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

Get Social with Wine and Paint Classes in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Unleash your inner artist at our top Sydney wine and paint sessions. Create beautiful art while savouring drinks in a delightful atmosphere!

Top Ten Experience Gifts for Him

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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. ...

Stop Buying Things and Start Giving Experiences for Gifts

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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. ...

Unique Gifts for Him in Australia to Show Your Love

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By Jana Lepojevic

Discover unique gifts for him in Australia! Choose unforgettable experience gifts for dads, partners and brothers to show your love and create lastingDiscover unique gifts for him in Australia! Choose unforgettable experience gifts for dads, partners and brothers to show your love and create lasting memories. ...

6 Reasons to Try Vegan Cooking Classes in Sydney

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By Jana Lepojevic

Explore vibrant plant-based cuisine with vegan cooking classes in Sydney. Learn delicious recipes, promote wellness and embrace sustainability.

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

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By Tiffany Fung

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

How to Find the Best Practical Gifts for a Dad-to-be

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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! ...

Fabulous Hens Party Ideas Every Bride Will Love (2025)

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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 Barista Class Types

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By ClassBento Team

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

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…

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Dads Who Want Nothing

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By Tiffany Fung

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

7 Ways Wine and Painting Classes Can Boost Your Wellbeing

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By ClassBento Team

Explore 7 ways to improve your overall wellbeing with the help of fun-filled wine and painting classes available across Australia.

7 Art Workshops Where You'll Learn Something New

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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! ...

Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything

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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. ...

Rejuvenating Birthday Party Ideas for Mum in 2025

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By Annie Symmonds

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

Untraditional Wedding Anniversary Gifts They'll Love

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By Annie Symmonds

Defy convention with these untraditional wedding anniversary gift ideas and shine a spotlight on quality time and romance.

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.

4 Feel-good Ways to Save Money on Groceries

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By Laine Fullerton

From buying with your eyes to channelling the calm of cooking, our teacher community of foodies share four feel-good ways to save money on groceriesFrom buying with your eyes to channelling the calm of cooking, our teacher community of foodies share four feel-good ways to save money on groceries in 2022. ...