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Forget stocking stuffers and tech gadgets – it’s time to level up your gifting game. Browse our curated collection of Christmas experience gifts in Melbourne and spoil your special someone with an activity they’ll never forget. From wheel throwing workshops in Abbotsford to collage workshops in Brunswick, experience gifts are adventures waiting to happen.
Melbourne's workshop scene is buzzing with untapped activities that make unforgettable Christmas gift ideas. Know someone who loves going out for ramen? Treat them to a ramen-making class for the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience. Got a sis who’s obsessed with skincare? She’ll love learning to make her own moisturisers, serums and balms.
You asked: Are experiences better than gifts?
Yep, at least that's what the science says. According to the Journal of Consumer Research, "experiential gifts produce greater improvements in relationship strength than material gifts, regardless of whether the gift giver and recipient consume the gift together." So, to help you find the ultimate experience gift in Melbourne, we’ve gathered six of our faves. Tried, tested and tested again, these foolproof present ideas will bring a smile to their dial. (And bring you closer than ever.)
1. Wheel throwing classes in Melbourne are a total crowd-pleaser. Imagine your giftee getting their hands messy while learning to shape clay on a spinning wheel. It's creative chaos at it's best! Part art class, part meditation, wheel throwing workshops promise a tonne of fun. From absolute beginners to creative souls, there's not a person on your list who won't appreciate the magic of pottery making.
2. Cocktail making classes are like a party wrapped up in a gift. Participants learn professional mixing techniques, discover crazy cool flavour combinations and – the best part – get to drink their creations. It's the perfect gift for those who love a good tipple and want to up their bartending game.
3. Cooking classes are a foodie's dream come true. From mastering the art of Italian pasta to exploring the secrets of Thai cuisine, these workshops are packed with culinary hacks and impressive recipes. Participants walk away with new skills, insider cooking tips, and a full stomach.
4. Turkish mosaic lamp-making is pure artistic magic. Participants carefully craft stunning lamps using traditional techniques, creating beautiful home decor they can display – and use – at home. It's creative, cultural, and completely unique.
5. Candle making workshops offer a calming and sensory adventure. Participants dive into the world of fragrances, wax and wicks, learning to design and pour their own signature blends. From classic soy wax workshops to dessert-inspired designs, there are plenty of gift experience to choose from.
6. Our Melbourne wood working classes are perfect for those who appreciate timeless natural materials. From small pieces like spoons to household items like stool, these hands-on woodworking workshops are an easy entry way into the world of craftsmanship. Equal parts educational and satisfying, woodworking is a thoughtful gift idea for friends who love DIY projects, home décor and design.
This Christmas, ditch the predictable presents and give the gift of adventure, creativity and fun. From Brunswick to Braeside, these Melbourne gift experiences offer something truly special – a chance to switch off, unwind and create. (Now that’s the kind of gift they’ll cherish long into the new year.)
You asked: What’s the most popular gift to give on Christmas?
When it comes to the most popular Christmas gifts, experience gifts take centre stage. Among the most coveted are creative workshops that offer an escape from daily life, an opportunity to learn something new, and a chance to relax and unwind.
Paint and sip classes stand out as a crowd favourite, combining artistic expression with a social atmosphere. Participants can enjoy a glass of wine and chat with their fellow painters, all while unleashing their inner artist. Paint and sip is the perfect recipe for a memorable evening, making it a great experience gift idea for groups and teams. More broadly, conventional painting classes (minus the “sip”) provide the perfect opportunity for budding artists to explore their potential in a supportive environment – no experience necessary!
For those with a green thumb or a penchant for indoor plants, a kokedama class or terrarium-making workshop offers up a calming nature-infused experience. These workshops teach participants how to create stunning Japanese-style hanging plants (kokedama) or build miniature ecosystems (terrarium), providing both a creative outlet and a lasting memento of the experience.
Floristry workshops in Melbourne have also gained popularity. Flower arranging classes and flower crown workshops allow participants to learn the basics of floral design as they sit amongst a collective of colourful blooms. These experience gifts are the perfect alternative to a bouquet of flowers, offering both an experience and a bunch of blooms.
Calligraphy classes offer an elegant and sophisticated experience, perfect for those interested in the art of lettering and paper art. (Students often make their own wedding or birthday invitations after attending a class!)
For Melbournians who don’t mind a bit of mess, clay hand building classes are equal parts fun and therapeutic. There’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling of cold clay beneath your fingers, especially when you start shaping it into a beautiful object. Participants can create a coffee mug, planter pot or small bowl – a bespoke keepsake they’ll adore for years to come.
Experience gifts in Melbourne are more than just a present – they're an invitation to learn, create and make lasting memories. This year, forget the material gifts and offer your loved ones an unforgettable moment of creativity and joy.
You asked: What’s the most underrated Christmas gift?
The most underrated Christmas gift is an experience. Experiences allow your recipient to create lasting memories, connect with people, learn new skills and take a break from daily life. While material presents quickly lose their shine, shared experiences continue to resonate long after the holiday season ends.
There are plenty of experience gifts in Melbourne that offer an opportunity to bond and connect with loved ones. Consider a cooking class for foodies, a scenic wine tour for a relaxing day out, or pottery class for something more creative. From Brunswick to Braeside, there are hundreds of experience gifts in Melbourne to explore.
There’s no denying that unwrapping a physical gift is exciting, but the true magic comes with spending quality time together. A floristry class, paint and sip experience or a gift voucher for a jewellery-making workshop are all unique ways of sharing an meaningful moment.
Experience gifts have the power to forge deeper connections, spark conversations and cultivate joy. From art classes to pasta-making workshops, experience presents are thoughtful, creative and show a genuine desire to invest in your relationships.
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Runs regularly
Abbotsford
1 to 12 guests
$80 - $95
