Stories
Inspiration on unique activities and gifts, mindfulness and more
How to Be Your Own Art Therapist
By Kellie Maloney
Try out this simple, creative exercise and get a glimpse into what art therapy is and how it can improve your wellbeing.
How to Get the Perfect Gift for Your Father
By Tiffany Fung
When it comes to getting the perfect gift for Dad, we’ve got you covered. Take a squiz at our beginner guide to know exactly what to get for DadWhen it comes to getting the perfect gift for Dad, we’ve got you covered. Take a squiz at our beginner guide to know exactly what to get for Dad in 2025. ...
Presents for Mum That Will Boost Her Happiness in 2025
By ClassBento Team
Boost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feelBoost her happiness this Mother's Day with our best gifts for Mum in 2025! From drawing to ikebana, these Mother's Day activities will make her feel special. ...
5 Desk Crafts for Return-to-office Anxiety
By Charlotte McKewen
Struggling with office anxiety? Forget the fidget spinner and pick up one of these calming pocket crafts!
Can't Celebrate Together? Send Love with the Best Digital Gift Cards in Australia
By ClassBento Team
Can’t be with someone you love on their special day? Discover a range of digital gift cards which you can present to your not-so-nearest and dCan’t be with someone you love on their special day? Discover a range of digital gift cards which you can present to your not-so-nearest and dearest. ...
Brand Activation for Fashion Company
By ClassBento Team
A popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singerA popular fashion company wanted to reinvigorate its brand, and launched a youthful campaign, with a Cuban theme, supported by a prominent singer and performer. To bring the campaign to life in Sydney, the brand designed an offline activation, inviting brand VIPs, influencers and press to Pitt Street Mall. A highlight of the event was ClassBento’s custom jewelry stand, where guests could custom order personalized earrings that fit in with the Cuban feel. There was a wide variety of beads and bangles to choose from, so the guests had plenty to spark their imagination – it was a nice avenue for them to indulge in their creativity. ClassBento’s teachers whipped up the earrings from their base components on the spot, and the guests could participate in the jewelry making if they liked. Our teachers know how to work a crowd, and kept the group engaged and buzzing. The jewelry was unique, authentic, designed specifically for this event, and of course, lots of fun to wear and share-worthy, and a nice way to remember the night by. Looking for an idea for your next marketing activation? Get in touch, and we’ll help find the right teachers to help you stand out and make it memorable. ...
Why Art Courses Are Good for Stress Relief
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!
One Year Anniversary Gift Ideas You Can't Miss
By Annie Symmonds
Find inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift eFind inspiration for 1 year anniversary gift ideas in Australia that every couple will love! Get creative, unwind and connect over unique gift experiences. ...
I Learnt About Ngemba Culture Through Art – You Can Too
By Katie Milton
Artist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smileArtist and proud Ngemba woman, Kabushka Ngemba welcomes you to Dot Art Circle, for a warm afternoon filled with painting, storytelling and smiles. ...
13 Personalised Gifts for Mums Who Live Far Away
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.
12 One-of-a-Kind Gifts for Mum That Support Local Makers
By ClassBento Team
Looking for gifts that do good? We’ve wrapped up 11 gift experiences for Mum that support local makers in Australia.
Empowering Artists to Earn More, Doing What They Love
By Iain Wang
It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000It can be tough being an artist and teaching your craft. Artists on average earn only $48,000, compared to an average of around $77,000 for everyone else. This massively impacts their lifestyles – some artists even forgo having children because of their financial constraints. It isn’t a tiny problem. There are over 15,000 artists in NSW, and that’s just counting individual visual artists and musicians (e.g. not food artists like chefs or baristas, or garden artists like florists, or those who are unemployed). It's tough making a living, hustling to get money from grants, prizes, and unpredictably selling the occasional artwork. Many artists turn to casual work to make ends meet. Many consider participating in the gig economy. But the biggest Australian marketplaces out there, like Uber and Airtasker, aren’t great for artists. Being creative people, the idea of being stuck in a car, repeating the same task of taking people from point A to point B or delivering food, while earning minimum wage (or less), can be rather demotivating. Assembling IKEA furniture or moving boxes on Airtasker arouses similar feelings, in some ways it goes against the very essence of what it means to be an artist. Not exactly ideal jobs. At the same time, there’s strong (and in many cases, growing) interest in what these artists do – namely, arts and crafts. People (Australians in particular) are often looking for an artisan and unique experience, not something mass-produced and commoditised – the personal and creative touch that artists can provide is exactly what’s being sought after. This is why international brands, pushing their one-size-fits-all products, like Starbucks and Gloria Jeans, struggle so much in Australia – locals often prefer the brews made by their neighbourhood baristas, with the special twists they provide to make that experience just a bit more special and relevant. So why the disconnect? How can we connect this interest with the huge pool of talented artists in our cities, who walk our streets and maybe even live next door? Wouldn’t it be great if artists could do what they love, while earning more? Can’t the gig economy deliver our communities more meaningful and exciting jobs? This is a huge opportunity and forms an important part of our mission at ClassBento. We empower creative teachers to earn hundreds of dollars per hour while indulging in and sharing their passion. They don’t need to spend time on admin or on learning how to do marketing or website building, all of which can be hard for novices to learn and do well – ClassBento takes care of all of that. As many teachers would know, teaching is an incredibly rewarding experience. To be able to grant someone else the gift of skills and knowledge, to broaden their perspectives and to bring a smile to their face, is incredibly gratifying and even therapeutic. Teachers can do it to their schedule, only teaching when they want to, at places convenient to them, whether that’s at their home, their shop or studio, or at the student’s location. Thanks to the ubiquity of services like Airbnb and Uber, most Australians are now comfortable with the idea of letting a complete stranger they’ve never met before providing them with a personal service. With this additional income stream, we hope that teachers can improve their quality of life, and to keep doing what they do best. Through this, they’ll be preserving our culture and traditions while also taking art to new levels, helping us to question our thinking and how we view the world around us. With more creative teachers and classes available locally, we hope that everyone will reconnect with their communities, and keep themselves socially and mentally active, thus keeping problems like burnout and dementia at bay. What’s next? ClassBento will continue to grow its presence to spread the love, and will keep investing into ensuring that the ClassBento platform is the world’s best for discovering and booking fun workshops, and also for teachers to easily earn and manage their classes. It’s a long and exciting ride ahead and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. If you’re a teacher, we can’t wait to see what you can do – sign up today and start doing more of what you love. For everyone else, check out our wide range of workshops, and give back to your community. ...
Think Outside the Box in 2025 with Unique Experience Gifts
By Tiffany Fung
Looking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’llLooking to treat your favourite people to something special? Here’s why you should think outside the box with unique experience gifts they’ll love. ...
Cooking Classes Are Now Being Prescribed as Therapy
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.
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. ...
Learn to Make Ceramics at Your Local Pottery Studio
By ClassBento Team
Get your hands dirty and discover how to transform clay into works of art with pottery classes in Australia.
How to Build Better Boundaries If You WFH
By Courtenay Turner
Discover how to relieve stress, reduce the likelihood of burnout and improve your overall mental and physical wellbeing.
Stepping Out to Fight Dementia
By Kellie Maloney
On May 22nd 2022, the ClassBento team stepped up to beat dementia at the Sydney Memory Walk And Jog.
Spark Romance with These Girlfriend-Approved Gifts
By Jana Lepojevic
We’ve got cute Christmas gifts for girlfriends galore – and with these experiences, you’re bound to get a gold star or two as well!
Why DIY Soy Candle Making Kits Will Transform Your Home
By Sam Bowden
Needing a bit of a change around the house? Soy candle making kits can help transform the vibe of your living space.
Think You're Not Creative? Try Pottery
By Charlotte McKewen
How potter and academic Bettina Stevanovic rediscovered her childhood love of clay and used it to tap into mindfulness and find her balance.
Unique Gifts for Him in Australia to Show Your Love
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. ...
Expand Your Creativity with Australia's Top Craft Classes
By ClassBento Team
Unlock your creativity in 2025 with the top craft classes in Australia! From pottery to bullet journaling, discover mindful hobbies for a vibrant,Unlock your creativity in 2025 with the top craft classes in Australia! From pottery to bullet journaling, discover mindful hobbies for a vibrant, focused year. ...
9 Photography Styles to Master in 2025
By Grace Smith
Elevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in MeElevate your photo skills in 2025 with these 9 photography styles! You can learn about different photography styles at photography courses in Melbourne. ...
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.
Tune Into Something New
By Charlotte McKewen
Switch up your routine and engage in sensory experiences that will inspire and invigorate you.
Grab a Skateboard and Get Rolling
By ClassBento Team
For various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seemingFor various reasons, many people overlook skateboarding as a hobby. It is reserved mainly for young, cool kids with trendy fashion sense and a seeming imperviousness to pain. So it may come as a surprise that skateboarding as a sport and a hobby has been creating buzz in various professional fields, with physical therapists, metal health experts, and community organizers coming together to change the public discourse about skating. What conclusions are they making? That we should all grab a board. But first, the history: Skateboarding is a relatively new sport, first appearing on the West Coast of the U.S. in the 1950’s. At this stage, the concept was crudely obvious: find a wooden plank, four wheels, a screwdriver, and a hill. Of course, the danger of the sport soon tainted its reputation, and many considered skateboarding to be a passing phase in popular culture, especially when it disappeared throughout the 60’s. Thanks to die-hard skaters, the 70’s saw a resurgence of skateboarding in California. One of the innovations of this period was the transition from downhill slalom-style skating to more street-style, trick-based work. This was made possible by some key improvements to the sport, such as better wheels and board design, allowing skaters to discover and master previously unattainable techniques and tricks. It was during this time that the hobby became particularly popular with the anti-establishment culture of the time, a relationship that would shape societal prejudice against skaters for decades. Despite the distaste, skateboarding was quickly becoming an iconic pastime in California, one that would prevail for the next forty years. Skateboarding gained international credibility when technological advances allowed videographers to portray skater culture in wildly popular films such as Thrashin’ (1986) and Video Days (1991). Skateboarding video games soon took over the market, creating a following with millennials, who would grow up with skateboarding as a legitimate, established, and cool sport. Today, the quintessential image of the skater is alive and well. However, more than just young, male skaters are enjoying the sport. With backing from various health professionals, the future of skateboarding looks to be broadening. The Many Health Benefits of Skating Perhaps the most visible benefit of learning to skateboard is the improvement in physical health. Skating requires muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, all areas which are known (1) to contribute to physical wellbeing. It also helps our body in less noticeable areas, such as coordination and balance. According to various fitness sources (2), honing these skills is particularly beneficial in injury prevention and joint health. Physicality is just the tip of the iceberg. Skateboarding offers an array of mental health benefits, as well. On the one hand, general physical exercise is proven (3) to improve mood, increase energy, and combat feelings of stress and depression. This is because the brain reacts to physical exertion by releasing serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals closely related to mood. Yes, but what makes skateboarding so special? Surely those looking for a cure for the blues can run on a treadmill, no training (or bruises) required. Well, there are a few aspects to skateboarding that separate it from other forms of physical exercise. One hidden advantage of skateboarding is the need to be outdoors. Though there are many indoor skateparks in this period of skating revival, most skaters practice their craft in the streets, where the tradition began. Studies (4) suggest that simply being outdoors can improve mental health as a result of increased circulation of Vitamin D in the body. The effect on depression is accentuated in green environments as opposed to urban settings, but anything is better than hitting the gym. Let’s put physiology aside completely for a moment and highlight the other impacts of skating on mental health. For example, a key element to skate culture is a laid-back attitude, but could it also be considered zen? The technicality of skateboarding requires enhanced attention to the body and the present moment, similar to yoga and other meditative practices. In the field of psychology (5), this process is known as mindfulness and has been proven to ease depression and anxiety by redirecting negative thought cycles and reducing stress. Some skaters, like Melani Hatter and Michel Loranger, have documented the role that skateboarding has had in their struggles with mental illness. Skateboarding has one more altruistic trick up its sleeve, namely its sense of community. Groups like Skateboarding is Positive in the United States, lead by Nathan Kolar, are bringing the societal benefits of skating to light. Their advocacy covers topics like public safety, primary and secondary education, autism, and more. In their view, and with the backing of reputable Sociologists and not-for-profit organizations, skateboarding offers invaluable societal advantages, from alternatives to delinquency to transferable life skills that make the entire community a better place. So, Why Aren’t We All Skating? Who knows. Maybe skateboarding’s affiliation with anti-establishment sub-groups of the 80’s has lingering effects on new membership. Maybe those who didn’t start early feel uncomfortable trying later in life. Or, maybe it just really hurts to fall the first few times. But hopefully, all this talk of physical health, mental wellbeing, and societal improvement will open a few minds to the potential of skateboarding. If you’re considering trying out the sport yourself, the best first step is to sign up for a beginner’s class, where an instructor can help you lay the foundation of your craft in a safe and controlled environment. An introductory class will go over basics like balancing on the board, turning, stopping, and falling safely. There are plenty of nf!Sydney skateboarding lessons available, in which beginners can learn from professionals and life-long skaters. Alternatively, many beginners find one-on-one instruction to be particularly helpful and less intimidating than trying out their skills in front of a group. Whatever appeals to you, just don’t forget your helmet and knee pads! From there, skateboarding offers endless possibilities for improvement, from learning new tricks to downhill events. Even if you’re just in it for a reliable form of transportation, skateboarding can drastically improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Happy skating! References: (1) sciencedaily.com (2) passionateaboutfitness.com (3) rcpsych.ac.uk (4) health.harvard.edu (5) apa.org ...
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. ...
Holiday Favourites: Kellie Maloney, Content Writer
By Courtenay Turner
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
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.
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! ...
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. ...
Thoughtful Experience Gift Ideas to Try Together
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. ...
The Colourful History of Jewellery Making
By ClassBento Team
I'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. WeI'd never tried jewellery classes in Sydney before. When I was a kid, my mother took me to meet one of her friends for an afternoon lunch. We had to pick her up at her house, she explained, because Betty was blind and couldn’t drive herself. Having never met a blind person before, a flood of wonder and curiosity washed over my young mind: What would she be like? Would she be sad? What did she do if she couldn’t watch television? When we pulled up the gravel driveway, Betty was already at the doorway, ready to greet us. She was smiling and waving, and with her dark sunglasses, you wouldn’t even suspect that she wasn’t look straight at us. After introductions, Betty invited us inside for some iced tea before we went to the restaurant. As she turned to lead us into the house, I was mesmerized by her beautiful cascade of silver hair, pinned back with the most intricately beaded hair clip I had ever seen. The clip was an oval about five centimeters long and a few centimeters high and was adorned with blue, red and yellow beads arranged in symmetrical patters. It reminded me of the mosaics we had learned about in school, yet somehow more impressive because of the minuscule size of the beads (I later learned that they were called seed beads.) They were so small; you could almost mistake the entire thing for patterned fabric. My mother smiled. “She makes those herself, you know,” she said. Though she couldn’t see my expression, Betty sensed my surprise and laughed. “It’s true,” she said. “Come on, I’ll show you my collection.” Betty lead me to a spare room, where she had set up a workshop. On top of her desk, she had everything to make the intricate clips: rows and rows of brightly colored beads, spools of thread, various sizes of scissors and pliers, and strips of leather. Pinned up to the wall in neat columns were her finished products. Reds, blacks, oranges, greens, and blues. They were impossibly beautiful. Watching Betty show off her art made me realize how important beadwork was in her life. Just standing in her workshop, she was relaxed and full of joy. For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop thinking about Betty making those incredible hair clips. I had always enjoyed making crafts with beads at school, but I couldn’t imagine creating something so detailed. My mother explained to me that the beadwork was an integral part of Betty’s heritage as a Native American of the Owen’s Valley Paiute Nation in the United States, and she had probably learned very young. Not a lot of people have an interest in learning the craft anymore, she told me sadly. Intrigued, I started researching the history of jewellery and beadwork on my own, finding a cultural history as elaborate as Betty’s art. History of Jewellery Making Jewellery, which in its most primitive form constituted decorative shells, bones, and colored rocks, is thought to be older even than clothing. As humans began settling into communal agrarian societies, in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, jewellery developed into more ornate and sophisticated forms of art, alongside concepts like religion and governance. At this moment in history, jewellery began gathering social significance. For example, the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamen, whose treasures are housed at the Egyptian Museum (2) in Cairo, is still the largest collection of jewellery in the world, and gives modern historians a good idea of the opulence afforded only to the most powerful royal figures of the time. The next few centuries saw an explosion of jewellery trading that solidified the art as a staple of almost every European, North African, and Middle Eastern civilization. A historian can dedicate a lifetime to a single island in the Mediterranean, like Crete, and never learn everything there is to know about jewellery in the Ancient World. The waters are simply too deep. At the same time, on two completely separated continents, jewellery was weaving another historical thread in North and South American settled societies. In Central and Southern civilizations, like the Aztecs and Mayans, silver and gold were popular materials for ornamental pieces. For Western tribes, like Betty’s, early forms of jewellery consisted of natural materials, such as shells, silver, ivory, colorful stones like turquoise, etc. European colonists, surprised no doubt to see such beautiful jewellery in the New World, introduced glass and seed beads in the 16th century, revolutionizing Native American art. Today, Native American nations throughout the United States continue to produce beaded moccasins, hair pieces, and baskets to preserve the tradition. With such a diverse and vast history of jewellery in human civilization, it is no surprise that jewellery continues to be a key part of almost every society in the world. But in this age of mass-production, is there a way to preserve the age-old tradition of jewellery making? Is it even worth it to try? Scientists say we have a very strong incentive to keep jewellery making around, namely its potential to improve our mental health. One study (3), lead by Carolyn Adams-Price and Bernard Steinman of Mississippi State University, reviewed the impact of jewellery making on the mental wellbeing of 29 Canadian and American women, aged 31- to 64-years-old. All participants reported a psychological benefit, while 24% said that they experienced an increase in happiness and self-worth in particular. The organization, Bonita Bead Boutique (4) in the United States, has recorded similar effects, from reduction in stress-related illness to improved cognitive function, in individuals participating in jewellery making for the first time. Getting involved in jewellery making is incredibly easy. Jewellery making workshops are taught all over Sydney. Check out the long list of beginner’s classes by Chris Smalley: 1) nf!Earring making 2) nf!Beaded jewellery making and 3) nf!Jewellery repair and upcycle Because of the broad definition of jewellery, there are endless options for beginner’s classes, based on your personal preferences. A typical introductory class will teach the basics of anything from beadwork to simple silver- or silicone-molding to creating your own porcelain beads and pendants. References: (1) britannica.com (2) sca-egypt.org (3) aginghorizons.com (4) promedicahealthconnect.org ...
9 Simple Swaps to Make Your Hens Party More Sustainable
By ClassBento Team
Celebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendlyCelebrate love and Mother Nature with sustainable hens party ideas! Join the eco-conscious bride-to-be and discover easy swaps for a more eco-friendly event. ...
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Dads Who Want Nothing
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! ...
6 Feel-Good Workshops to Boost Your Mood
By Courtenay Turner
Feeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to helpFeeling adventurous? Give glass blowing a go. Overwhelmed? Find your peace in pottery. With workshops for (almost) every mood, we’re here to help you feel good. ...
4 Feel-good Ways to Save Money on Groceries
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. ...
Power Through Your Present List with Crafty E Gift Card Ideas
By ClassBento Team
Gift unforgettable experiences with these crafty e-gift card ideas! From jewellery making to cocktail classes, discover unique ways to create lastingGift unforgettable experiences with these crafty e-gift card ideas! From jewellery making to cocktail classes, discover unique ways to create lasting memories. ...
Unconventional Gifts for Friends Who Have Everything
By ClassBento Team
Give your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their faGive your loved ones DIY presents they'll remember with these unique experience gift ideas in Australia, guaranteed to bring a smile to their face. ...
Daughter-to-mum Gifts That Will Warm Her Heart
By Courtenay Turner
Soak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen yourSoak up some quality time together this Christmas with the best daughter-to-mum gifts in Australia. Make memories, spark joy and strengthen your bond. ...
Surprise Your Partner with Gift Experiences for Couples
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 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 Baking Speaks Louder Than Words
By Laine Fullerton
Five irresistibly sweet recipes that can help you say everything from “I love you” to “I’m here for you” this World Baking Day.
Aged Health Benefits and Recreational Classes
By Sarah Hinds-Friedl
The weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter putThe weekend before my great-grandmother passed away at 98-years-old, she took me outside to plant sunflowers. Her daughter and granddaughter put up a fuss, claiming that it was too hot outside, and that she should rest instead. She just waved a hand and motioned for me to help her stand up. “I’m going to teach my great-granddaughter how to garden,” she said. I think we were all a little bit surprised. In her old age, Nora wasn’t usually so lucid. It was hot that day (the sunflowers wouldn’t survive the sweltering heat waves of the next few months,) but my great-grandmother didn’t seem to mind. Under her sun visor, she was all smiles. As she walked me through the steps of preparing the flowerbed and spreading the seeds in the fresh soil, my great-grandmother was radiating joy. Of course, she was always excited to spend time with family, but this was something different. This energy and warmth had something to do with gardening. In the years since her passing, I’ve always been incredibly grateful for the chance to share that afternoon with her. I was able to see first-hand how a simple task, like caring for a garden, could have such a powerful impact on a woman who had lived for a century. The fact that something as small as planting a seed could still put such a radiant smile on her face astounded me and pushed me to find more information on the power of leisure activities on the elderly. As it turns out, the benefits of leisure activities for everyone are vast, but they can have a particularly powerful effect on the mental health of middle-aged and advanced-aged citizens. Why should we focus on older individuals? As middle age passes into advanced years, our senior citizens have a difficult transition. The things they took for granted in youth, such as mobility and memory, have become less accessible in older age. Even the most joyful and lighthearted of people have to admit that this loss of function can be frustrating, scary, and depressing. The awareness of this slowing down can be especially accentuated in retired individuals, who can no longer focus on a career or feel a sense of fulfillment in their jobs. Luckily, there are ways to ease the transition. Researchers across the world have been searching for solutions to the problems associated exclusively with the experience of aging, and what they found was something that community centers and elderly facilities have been saying all along: creative hobbies are good for our mental state and physical health. Multi-cultural methods: what are they doing in Japan? A 2015 study (1) from the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine in Japan sought to put previous claims of the effectiveness of certain leisure activities to the test. Though they disproved earlier beliefs that participating in social activities could improve mental health in middle-aged and elderly individuals, they did find some overall uplifting benefits to other leisure activities. Their findings found, for instance, that hobbies, cultural activities, physical exercise, and sports all improved the mental health of elderly Japanese citizens. The effect was compounded when such activities were shared with a companion or group. What about Australians? A similar study (2) was conducted by three scholars in 2013 exploring the effect of hobbies on the mental health of elderly women living in Australia. Their impetus for conducting the study was a body of precedent publications that, although dealing with the benefits of creative activities on mental wellbeing, had largely excluded the effects of such hobbies on the older generation. Their definition of creative hobby was expansive: everything from needlework to photography to china painting was included in study. And their findings were incredible: Women involved in such activities were more likely to be socially engaged and showed a lower tendency toward “osteoarthritis, stroke, depression or anxiety/nervous disorder compared with women not involved in those hobbies” (2, page 7). These women were also more likely to be in physically good shape in terms of functionality and enjoy an overall higher quality of life. The reasoning for these benefits is still somewhat unclear. Experts believe that these types of hobbies probably improve mental health by lowering stress, sparking cognitive activity, and producing feelings of fulfillment and pride in participants. How can we use this information? We can all agree that investing our elderly population is a valuable use of effort and resources. After all, they are our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They are future versions of ourselves, as we navigate our own aging process. We certainly wouldn’t be here without them. And in this vulnerable time in their lives, we should put this scientific knowledge to good use. There are lots of possible workshops that retirees and try out or even start themselves such as paint-and-sip classes, stand up paddle boarding, water aerobics, yarn bombing (the rebellious act of covering public spaces with crocheted or knitted works of art). These are just a few examples of the plethora of wacky, fun, unique hobbies out there. This is one of the reasons why ClassBento was started, to make it easier for retirees to try out new hobbies and also allow them to teach their passions and get paid, giving them purpose back in their lives. Our elders deserve it Based on my personal experience with my great-grandmother, I cannot understate the effect of leisure activities on elderly individuals. Seeing the smile light up her face when her advanced years had caused her so much strain and exhaustion was truly a gift that I would encourage every young person to be a part of. So get the older people in your lives involved in a creative pursuit. It will benefit you both! (1) journals.plos.org (2) tandfonline.com ...
Fun Activities to Fit Your Busy Schedule
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. ...
Make Memories Together with These Meaningful Presents for Your Wife
By ClassBento Team
Transform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile toTransform presents for your wife into meaningful experiences! From painting classes to pottery workshops, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to her face. ...
Holiday Favourites: Jane Gauger, Content Writer
By ClassBento Team
Get to know the faces behind ClassBento and discover which workshops have made it to their top of their Christmas wish list!
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