Stories

9 Awesome Gifts for Aunties Who Value Quality Time

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By ClassBento Team

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

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! ...

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.

Meet Seed and Spark

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By Tiffany Fung

From visual art lover to me-time advocate, Julie Huynh of Seed and Spark invites you to her sun-filled studio to experience resin, glitter and fFrom visual art lover to me-time advocate, Julie Huynh of Seed and Spark invites you to her sun-filled studio to experience resin, glitter and fun! ...

Unwind with Your Workmates at Paint and Sip

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By ClassBento Team

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

5 Unique Drawing Classes in Sydney to Explore Your Creativity

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By Kellie Maloney

Brush up on your drawing skills or add a creative twist to your next social event with these 5 unique drawing class in Sydney. Perfect for adultsBrush up on your drawing skills or add a creative twist to your next social event with these 5 unique drawing class in Sydney. Perfect for adults and beginners! ...

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

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By ClassBento Team

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

Best Anniversary Gifts for Men in Australia

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By Annie Symmonds

Uncover the best anniversary gift ideas for men in Australia this year and surprise your lover with an unforgettable experience gift.

Re-energise Against Burnout

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Boost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshops to Turkish mosaicBoost your team's morale against burnout with our exciting team building activities in Australia, from skateboarding workshops to Turkish mosaic lamp classes. ...

Sentimental Gifts for Dad He'll Actually Use

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By Jana Lepojevic

Make Dad feel special with sentimental gifts he can use. Explore unique experience ideas like cooking, knife making, art classes and whisky tastMake Dad feel special with sentimental gifts he can use. Explore unique experience ideas like cooking, knife making, art classes and whisky tasting. ...

7 Best Experiences to Give as Gifts in 2025

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved onesLooking for unique experience gifts in Australia? Discover the power of gifting experiences as gifts instead, perfect for making your loved ones feel special. ...

What to Expect at a Barista Course in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Level up your morning cup of joe at a barista course in Sydney! These hands-on workshops are the perfect place to learn how to make your own coffeeLevel up your morning cup of joe at a barista course in Sydney! These hands-on workshops are the perfect place to learn how to make your own coffee at home. ...

Stepping Out to Fight Dementia

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By Kellie Maloney

On May 22nd 2022, the ClassBento team stepped up to beat dementia at the Sydney Memory Walk And Jog.

7 Best Hens Party Ideas for Foodies (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

Indulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoiltIndulge in the 7 best food-focused hens party ideas for 2025! From cooking Italian classics to tasting local wines, your bride-to-be will be spoilt for choice. ...

Best Social Distancing Date Ideas in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Try these online activities for couples and find unique at-home date night ideas in Sydney! From cocktail shaking to painting, staying in has neverTry these online activities for couples and find unique at-home date night ideas in Sydney! From cocktail shaking to painting, staying in has never looked better. ...

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!

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 the Makers Sharing Culture Through Creativity

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By Laine Fullerton

Join ClassBento’s First Nations artists this NAIDOC Week and discover creative workshops that celebrate culture, spark connection and honour tJoin ClassBento’s First Nations artists this NAIDOC Week and discover creative workshops that celebrate culture, spark connection and honour tradition. ...

5 Unique Sewing Classes in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

If you’re looking for a fun, new hobby to try in 2023, discover sewing classes in Sydney! Stitch, sew and embroider ordinary fabric into amazingIf you’re looking for a fun, new hobby to try in 2023, discover sewing classes in Sydney! Stitch, sew and embroider ordinary fabric into amazing works of art. ...

9 Reasons You'll Love Floristry Courses in Sydney

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By Tiffany Fung

Looking for a creative mid-week activity? Here are 7 reasons why you should try floristry classes in Sydney and spend a relaxing evening surroundedLooking for a creative mid-week activity? Here are 7 reasons why you should try floristry classes in Sydney and spend a relaxing evening surrounded by nature. ...

Discover Local Hidden Gems at Sydney Photography Workshops

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By Tiffany Fung

Be your own tourist at photography classes in Sydney and discover new, hidden gems to capture through your lens.

Adventurous Anniversary Experience Gifts for Couples Who Love to Travel

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By ClassBento Team

Help your favourite duo travel the world from the comfort of their own city with these adventurous experience gifts for couples in Australia!

Alternative Experience Gifts for Him in Sydney

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By Sarah Hinds-Friedl

Surprise your man with these unique experience gifts for him in Sydney that will explore a side of him you might never even have known existed!

Why You Should Give Experience Gift Vouchers in 2025

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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 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.

Meet the Classic Cupcake Co

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By Laine Fullerton

From baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cakeFrom baking for the Royal Family to serving up cakes to the Mosman community, join Anna Eden, founder of The Classic Cupcake Co., and learn her cake decorating secrets! ...

How a Couple Working 9-5 Found Joy in Candle Making

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By Kellie Maloney

Combining their love of science with a desire to be more creative, Jig and Meera from This Candle discovered the winning formula for living theirCombining their love of science with a desire to be more creative, Jig and Meera from This Candle discovered the winning formula for living their best life! ...

Learn Photography in Sydney at 7 These Local Neighbourhoods (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

See the suburbs of Sydney like never before with photography courses in Sydney where you can explore your local neighbourhood as well as hiddenSee the suburbs of Sydney like never before with photography courses in Sydney where you can explore your local neighbourhood as well as hidden gems. ...

How to Host the Ideal Hens Party for an Introvert

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By ClassBento Team

Create a memorable hens party for the bride-to-be who enjoys time with her nearest and dearest with these nine unique ideas!

Relaxing Ways to Spend Special Time with Grandma

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By Jana Lepojevic

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

Unique Gifts You Can Make Yourself in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

Personalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's somethingPersonalise your presents in 2023 with these DIY gift experiences in Sydney. From handmade candles to enjoying paint and sip together, there's something for all. ...

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.

Why a Terrarium Workshop for Sydney Corporates Is a Good Idea

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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.        ...

Learn to Cook Traditional Japanese Food in Sydney

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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! ...

Finding the Perfect Gift for a 25th Marriage Anniversary

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By Tiffany Fung

Discover the perfect gift for a 25th marriage anniversary to help bring couples even closer, from cooking classes to silver jewellery making courses.

Your Guide to the Best Earring Making Kit for Beginners

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By Tiffany Fung

Want to learn how to make earrings at home? Find the best earring making kit for beginners to get started today, from flora earrings to DIY statementWant to learn how to make earrings at home? Find the best earring making kit for beginners to get started today, from flora earrings to DIY statement pieces. ...

Meet Kylie Johnson

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By Tiffany Fung

Hear the waves lap, pick up a paintbrush and experience the mindful benefits of painting with Kylie Johnson.

7 Benefits to Trying Out a Photography Course in Sydney (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

See your city through a whole new lens and reap the benefits of photography courses in Sydney!

Practical Eco Friendly Gifts for Women in Sydney

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By Sam Bowden

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

Why Is Everyone Talking About Paint and Sip Classes

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By Jana Lepojevic

Paint and sip class in Sydney have burst onto the social scene. Find out why art and wine is the perfect weekend activity in Sydney in 2023.

Meet Blair Zhang

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By Courtenay Turner

After picking up a kid’s watercolour kit on a whim Blair Zhang became a full-time illustrator – join her Sydney workshops and start your paintingAfter picking up a kid’s watercolour kit on a whim Blair Zhang became a full-time illustrator – join her Sydney workshops and start your painting journey! ...

Why Art Courses Are Good for Stress Relief

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By ClassBento Team

Relax, unwind and enjoy the stress-relieving benefits of art classes in Australia, where you can learn to paint, draw and much more!

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 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. ...

Team Building Activities

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By Julia Carr-Catzel

Learn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with teamLearn how team building activities can boost morale in the workplace and why it's so important. Explore our best corporate activity ideas with team workshops. ...

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. ...

Top 7 Hens Party Ideas for Eco-conscious Brides (2025)

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By Kellie Maloney

Opt for eco-friendly hens party ideas! Share laughter and joy with your leading ladies while being kind to the planet.

Last Minute Experience Gifts for Sydneysiders

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By ClassBento Team

Spoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops andSpoil your special someone this Christmas with these unforgettable experience gifts in Sydney, from cocktail classes to DIY terrarium workshops and much more! ...