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From ring-making workshops in Darlinghurst to Ramen cooking classes in Mosman, there’s no shortage of Christmas gift experiences in Sydney. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve picked a few of our fave gift ideas and activities.
Cozzie livs squeezing your wallet? Don’t sweat it – we've got inexpensive Xmas gifts that promise maximum cheer for minimum spend. Whether you’re hoping to spoil Mum or treat your husband, it’s never been easier to give the gift of creativity and quality time this Christmas. Let’s dive in!
Christmas gift ideas for foodies
Vegan and Gluten Free Japanese Cooking Class, St Ives Chase
Anyone with a penchant for Japanese will appreciate Sumi Saikawa’s popular cooking classes. Over three hours, your giftee will make (and eat) a variety of authentic Japanese dishes like lotus root patties, nori seaweed, homemade teriyaki sauce and eggplant with miso glaze sauce. All ingredients are gluten-free and vegan, making this class a fitting gift idea for every foodie on your list.
The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass, Rozelle
For this spicy gift experience, we travel to India with food connoisseur, cook and writer, Bhavna Kalra. Informative and hands-on, this intensive cooking class uncovers the secret to making delicious curries, dals and meat-based dishes. And of course, because cooking is hungry work, you’ll sit down to a seven-course meal at the end of the class. Be sure to BYO apron.
The Rocks Pub Tour, The Rocks
Starting from Harts Pub in The Rocks, this fun walking (and drinking) tour is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for history and/or beer buffs. Over 2.5 hours, they’ll visit some of Sydney’s oldest pubs and discover the untold history of this historic neighbourhood. Enjoy a beer, house wine or soft drink at each pitstop and soak in the magical atmosphere of the city’s historic buildings and laneways. When it comes to Sydney experiences, this is as authentic as it gets.
Introductory Pasta Making, Surry Hills
Venture to Osteria Emilia – Surry Hill’s renowned pasta lab and cantina – for this hands-on pasta-making experience. From puffy ravioli to petit cappelletti, your giftee will learn to make a buffet-worth of traditional pasta varieties with the help of expert chefs. At the end of the class, they’ll sit down to get their fill of carbs and wash it all down with a glass of organic wine. Bellissimo!
Christmas presents for creatives
Tufting 101 Class: Create Your Own Custom Rug, Strathfield
Head to Sydney's trendiest tufting studio in Strathfield for this beginner's guide to rug-making. Run by the friendly folks at Tuftea Studio, your giftee will learn how to create a custom rug on a 60x60cm frame. (Tell them to choose their design ahead of time so they can jump straight in on arrival.) With the help of an experienced artist, they’ll get to pick their colours, operate the tufting machine and shave their rug for that super-smooth finishing touch. ICYMI, tufted rugs are some of 2024’s hottest home décor.
Candle Making Workshop, Darlinghurst
Purveyor of Japanese homewares, Provider Store is a Sydney institution. Complete with Japanese ceramics, soy wax and beautiful scents, their candle making classes are a dreamy way to slow down and savour the weekend. Here’s what ClassBento community member Kristella Carag had to say: “Great experience! Tara was a ray of sunshine and so informative. The class was relaxed, like having a glass of wine with a group of friends – but you get a bonus candle in the end. Nothing beats that in my opinion. The fact that you can get the candle refilled at their store makes it 1000% better since the scent is incredible. Definitely coming back!” Did we mention the complimentary cheese and wine?
Jewellery Making Class: Make a Silver Ring, Haymarket or Chatswood
Buying jewellery is a classic gift idea, but actually making it is an experience like no other. Treat your special someone to a class with the team at TUTU Studio in Haymarket or Chatswood where they’ll learn to make their very own hammered sterling silver ring. From annealing and forging to soldering and filing, they’ll work their way through the entire ring-making process and become a silversmith for a day.
Resin Art Class: Mirror Design, Leichhardt
This resin mirror class in Leichhardt is one of the best Christmas gift ideas for design-lovers. Working in a light-filled studio, your recipient will learn to create an eye-catching mirror decorated with delicate dried flowers. Everything is provided, including expert guidance, high-quality resin and vibrant pigments. This unique Sydney activity is a calming way to spark creativity and gift that “I made this!” feeling. Perfect for Pinterest pros, crafty gals, or anyone who appreciates handmade decor, this resin art class is a unique gift idea for her.
Inexpensive Xmas gifts
nf!Roti Masterclass and Dinner Experience, Ultimo
A roti-making workshop + five-course dinner for only $70? Enough said. One of the newest Sydney experiences on offer, this cooking experience is the ultimate gift idea for foodies – and doubles as a unique date night.
Paint and Sip Class: A Paint and a Pinot at Paddo, Paddington
For only $59, your giftee can learn to paint in Paddington courtesy of art coach, Chris. An experienced portrait and landscape artist, Chris will guide your recipient through the process – from first stroke to finishing touch – helping them create a painting they’re proud of. Why not go along together and make a night of it? Book for two and you'll only pay $98. Money win!
Pottery Wheel Throwing Class: Make a Ceramic Piece, Burwood
PSA: $54 for a wheel throwing class is an absolute steal. Over ninety minutes, your giftee will learn to make a cup or bowl using basic pottery techniques. Then, after the class, their piece will be dried and fired in the kiln – ready for pick up in 4-5 weeks.
Runs regularly
Artarmon
1 to 8 guests
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