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Hoping to spoil your favourite people on December 25th? You’re in the right place. From silversmithing workshops on Elizabeth Street to gnocchi-making in South Yarra, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas gift experiences Melbourne-wide. Perfect for family, friends and that distant cousin you haven’t seen in years, these memorable experience gifts will please everyone on your list.
Food experience gifts, Melbourne
Barista Coffee Making and Latte Art Class, North Melbourne
Cost: $118
When: Runs regularly
Okay, so it’s not technically food – but for most Melbournians, coffee is just as essential. From perfecting the grind to steaming silky-smooth milk, this hands-on class takes your giftee behind the scenes, giving them an all-access pass to the coffee-making process. Anthony did this class in November and said: “Ange was a coffee guru! Her knowledge and experience was unbelievable. Coupled with a fantastic teaching style, this ensured I left knowing how to get the best from the new coffee machine I received for my birthday. The perfect way to spend a Sunday morning with my partner!”
Gnocchi Masterclass & Lunch, South Yarra
Cost: $118
When: Runs intermittently. Book ahead!
Cooking class + lunch? Count us in. This popular workshop is one of the best food experience gifts Melbourne-wide. Hosted by the friendly team at 48H Pizza e Gnocchi Bar, it includes a coffee on arrival, instruction from a professional chef and gnocchi pomodoro for lunch (with a glass of wine or soft drink, of course.) At the end of the class, the lucky recipient will leave with their handmade gnocchi and a goodie bag full of quality ingredients to use at home. Karen did this class in April and said: “I purchased this experience as a Xmas gift for the family, we loved it and can’t wait to start cooking!”
Japanese Ramen Noodle Cooking Class, Upwey
Cost: $208
When: Runs intermittently. Book ahead!
It’s impossible to say which Australia capital city has the best ramen, but Melbourne earns extra points with Saori Kojima on its side. Saori moved to Australia from Hokkaido in 2011 and now runs more than 10 different cooking classes – including this tasty ramen workshop – from a leafy location in the Dandenong Ranges. The perfect gift for foodies or friends who love to travel, Saori’s class will transport your giftee to the streets of Japan. Over three hours, they’ll learn to cook miso, shoyu and hiyashi ramen before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of their labour. Kimberley did this class in November and says: “Saori was an amazing host, super inviting and friendly! We loved the experience and the food! We would definitely recommend this experience.” Want more gifting inspo? Check out these fun experience presents Melbourne locals will love.
Top couples’ experiences, Melbourne
Couples’ Wheel Throwing Workshop, South Yarra
Cost: $120
When: Runs regularly
Forget fancy dinners and restaurant gift cards – wheel throwing workshops are the ultimate couples’ gift. For this particular experience, the lucky pair will make their way to Plantonica in Hawksburn Village where they’ll learn to throw clay on the wheel. From bespoke bowls to coffee mugs, they’ll shape and spin a pottery piece they can keep forever. ClassBento community member Caitlin Sly says: “We were gifted this experience and it made for such a lovely present. We both learnt so much, really enjoyed ourselves and came away with a couple great pieces each to enjoy! Highly recommended. We both hope to be back!
Silver Letter Ring Workshop, Melbourne
Cost: $215
When: Runs regularly
With over 700 reviews, artisan jewellery-maker Hee Cho knows a thing or two about silversmithing. Hand in hand with your significant other, you’ll head to Hee Cho’s light-filled studio on Elizabeth Street and learn to make your own sterling silver rings. (What could be more romantic?) From annealing to soldering, you’ll work your way through the entire silversmithing process to create a one-of-a-kind piece. When it comes to finding couples’ experiences in Melbourne, a jewellery-making workshop is worth its weight in gold, combining an experience and a material gift. Simone Myskiw says “We had such a beautiful morning celebrating our 10 year anniversary by making beautiful matching rings. It was a morning that I will treasure forever. Hee was a fantastic teacher and helped us create gorgeous rings. We have had a ton of compliments on them.” Cute!
Affordable Christmas gifts, Melbourne
Essential Oil Perfume Making Workshop, Kew
Cost: $70
When: Runs regularly
For the price of a bottle of perfume, your giftee can spend one relaxed hour learning to make their own – and head home with a vial of custom blend. Michelle Mui says “What a fun and enjoyable class. The workshop venue has a very cute, floral vibe and Suzanna was such a patient and friendly teacher. Recommend her perfume workshop to everyone.”
Paint and Sip Class in the Dark, Port Melbourne
Cost: $59
When: Runs regularly
Looking for unforgettable present ideas that won’t break your budget? Give the gift of glow-in-the-dark experience! Paint For Fun runs a stand-out paint and sip class in Port Melbourne, complete with fluoro paints and UV lights. Don’t forget to BYO bevvies. Martin Stankovic says: “Absolutely a blast of a session! Was on a double date here and it was really fun. We are all recommending this to our friends and family!!”
DIY Decoden Whipped Cream Phone Case Class, Balwyn
Cost: $60 - $80
When: Runs regularly
This Melbourne gift experience is as unique as they come. Working with the mini charms, glitter and decoden cream, your giftee will learn to decorate their own phone case. The result? An uber cute accessory they’ll be dying to show off. Isobel Wilson says “This was truly one of the funnest things I have done in a long time! Would recommend to anyone and will definitely be back to make another with a different colour scheme.”
Haven’t found *the one*? Don’t panic. There are plenty more Christmas gift experiences in Melbourne to explore. From Italian cooking classes to glassblowing workshops, get set to discover the perfect presents for all your people.
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Runs regularly
Abbotsford
1 to 12 guests
$80 - $110
