Our mission

ClassBento exists to make creative workshops more accessible for everyone, to improve wellbeing and build real connections.

From cooking classes to candle making, we connect people with local artisans to provide enriching experiences and thoughtful gifts that are nourishing for the mind, the heart and the planet.

A mosaic of pottery, cooking, painting and craft workshops run on ClassBento

Our Story

ClassBento sprang to life in June 2016 after founders John and Iain met while working together in a fast-paced tech startup in Australia. Working long hours, suffering from burnout and looking for a hands-on creative escape for themselves and their teams, they quickly became frustrated by how inaccessible classes were. You could find a hot air balloon experience or concert tickets, but not easily enjoy time with your friends, family and colleagues around a pottery wheel or a workbench.

The more personal reason to launch ClassBento came from both founders facing dementia within their families, with both losing grandparents to the disease. This narrowed their approach to focus on creative, hands-on experiences that are good for the mind and make it easy to stay socially and mentally active. That’s why we’ve donated to mental health charities with every booking from the very beginning.

Headquartered in Australia, ClassBento is now the largest global experience and gift marketplace with over 40,000 experiences across the UK, US and Australia.

ClassBento co-founders John and Iain at a craft workshop table

The UK beckons

After rapid growth in Australia, ClassBento UK launched in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic to support artisans with their businesses and help people across the country stay connected during a time of isolation. Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne with a second local office in Manchester, ClassBento UK offers 15,000+ fun experiences and gifts from London to Edinburgh, and is supported by an amazing local team. In keeping with our focus to improve people’s wellbeing, we donate to Mental Health UK.

The US expansion

ClassBento US launched in the Bay Area in 2021, and now has team members across both coasts, with headquarters in Brooklyn, NYC. Serving hundreds of top companies, from Adobe to Meta, ClassBento US now has over 5,000 exciting experiences and is growing rapidly.

ClassBento was born

June 2016

March 2020

Reached 4,000 experiences across Australia — then the pandemic hit

Pivoted to virtual classes and kits, keeping small businesses afloat and people connected

April 2020

Sept 2020

Launched in the UK to help Brits stay connected

Launched in the US

June 2021

Nov 2024

Launched in NZ

Acquired Obby, a UK classes marketplace

Dec 2024

2026

ClassBento turned 10

Our Purpose

The ClassBento mission is to promote personal wellbeing, community and the arts, and we do this in several different ways.

Championing mental wellness

We live in a time when we've never been more digitally connected – and yet we're more detached from each other than ever. Social media, remote working and doom-scrolling have led to increased isolation, loneliness and burnout, which is where ClassBento workshops come in.

Our relaxed creative and culinary experiences are designed to help you switch off, recentre yourself and connect with others who are on the same journey. Whether you're making fresh pasta or learning how to tuft your own rug, it's the perfect way to feel like you again.

Encouraging creativity

At ClassBento, we believe that everyone has that creative spark – it just needs igniting! Our workshops are all led by talented artists, makers and chefs who are passionate about sharing their craft, and can't wait to welcome you into their beginner-friendly spaces.

Providing gift experiences that are heartfelt, meaningful and enriching

Fed up with material presents? Think experience gifts are all solo skydives and dull afternoon tea outings? We're here to help!

We know that people want to gift better for their loved ones, for themselves and for the planet, which is why our accessible workshops are designed to be perfect for special occasions. From celebrating the bride-to-be with vibrant flower crown making to bonding with your bestie over a messy pottery class, we think all of life's special moments are better when they're shared with others.

Supporting independent artisans and their communities

All of our workshops are run by real people for real people, and we get a huge buzz from helping them turn their side-hustles into the businesses of their dreams.

Many of our teachers are also heavily involved in their communities, meaning that with every booking they're supporting local charities and giving back to the area around them. From cooking schools in underserved communities to jewellers offering creative community outreach programmes, choosing a ClassBento experience means you're fuelling meaningful change in the lives of others.

Giving back

Mental wellbeing, community and connection are at the heart of everything we do, which is why:

We donate 50p to Mental Health UK with every booking. So far, we've contributed over £50,000 to them.

In Australia our chosen charity is Dementia Australia, in the UK it’s Mental Health UK, and over in the US it’s NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). These are causes that touch so many of our lives, and backing these organisations is a small way to help fund the research, care and support our communities rely on. We’re also a proud member of Pledge 1%.

Reviews

"Your workshops brought a smile to my face which I haven’t had in a long time"

"Thank you for the wonderful class. My son attended and we have never been able to spend time together without him getting angry. Today was the first time in 5 years that we have enjoyed time together. I was blown away by his enthusiasm, although he loves painting, and the fact that he went two hours completely engaged was not distracted, nor did he want to break for a cigarette. I want to thank you most sincerely for making the best day with my son for many years."

"The day was wonderful with my grandmother remarking 'I just had one of the best days of my life'"

"This was my first brush party and I absolutely loved it - to just focus on the painting, listen to music, chat with friends and walk away with a piece of art to proudly put on my wall (from not having painted since school) was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend in this busy world we live in that this gives you the ideal environment to have a breather and take some time out for your overall wellbeing - LOVED IT!"

"Thank you so much for the private class neither of us expected, it was just so great and I felt the most like myself since my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer."

"Sarah is a fantastic teacher. This was the first time I was taking one of this classes so I had no idea how to go about it. She provided us with material and was really patient and encouraging no matter the times I struggle to thread the needle. She made me feel comfortable and empowered to continue working on this at home. I suffer from anxiety and work is being stressful at the moment. I needed a break and this evening embroidering with Sarah was just the perfect plan."

"I have been in the company for over 20 years and never felt more appreciated than I do now and this event endorsed this feeling."

"The best thing I have ever done for myself in the last 10 years. As a menopausal woman with unmedicated ADHD I was worried that I couldn't sit still for 2 hours to draw and paint. The two hours flew by."

"We asked Brandon to come in to our workplace for a team bonding day. It took us out of our heads as we got to use our hands, and just quietly settle into what we were doing. One colleague even mentioned, it was the first time in months he forgot all the challenges he was going through - and really appreciated it."

"I had the best time at my ring-making workshop... I felt like I belonged, and that feels like a little miracle."

"I surprised my mom with a gift card for Mother's Day, and she was so excited when she opened it. Honestly, these days, giving someone an experience—along with your time and presence—feels much more meaningful than giving another object. As adults, it's a real treat to have dedicated time to slow down and create together."

"I’m going through a difficult time at the moment, and my mind is usually full of worries. But during the class, I forgot everything. I focused only on my painting, switched off from my problems, and simply enjoyed the freedom of creating. It was relaxing, uplifting, and so much fun. Thank you for such a wonderful experience."

"OH MY LORD! My heart is leaping with a joy to the heavens and back. What a gift & blessing. A truly healing way to connect with another beautiful soul - Chef Manu - through food sharing via zoom during covid. Seriously stunning social healing for us all. I'm in tears because my heart is so full. As carers when you think your routine of care giving defines possibilities you have come along and shown us there's still more life to enjoy. This is massive. I'm so grateful."

View more reviews