Birthday
HydrangeasA classic bouquet of roses or tulips is understood and appropriate almost everywhere. But sometimes you want to surprise someone: a man who does not care for flowers, a friend with a good sense of humour, a colleague at an office party. For these occasions florists and gift makers have invented dozens of "bouquets without flowers" — made of sweets, fruit, snacks, socks and even banknotes. We have gathered the most popular ideas with photos and explain who they suit, how to make one yourself and what to keep in mind so the gift does not become awkward.
Why unusual bouquets became a trend
The idea is not new: baskets of fruit and sweets were given as gifts back in the 19th century. But in recent years "bouquets of anything" have become a separate niche in the gift industry. There are several reasons: such a gift is practical (it can be eaten or used), it suits people who dislike flowers or cannot keep them at home, and it looks great in photos. The key rule: an unusual bouquet should reflect the recipient's interests, not just be strange.
1. Bouquet with drinks
A bottle of wine, sparkling wine or craft beer surrounded by flowers, greenery, fruit and decorations is a popular gift for a birthday, anniversary or housewarming. The bottle is fixed in the centre, with roses, eucalyptus or dried flowers arranged around it. Remember: such a gift is appropriate only for adults who actually drink alcohol.
2. Dried fish bouquet
Dried fish, nuts, cheese sticks, croutons and a bottle of beer wrapped in kraft paper make a classic "men's bouquet" for a football match or a fishing trip. Wrap the fish in cling film in advance so the gift does not smell or leave greasy hands. Lemonade or kvass can replace the beer.
3. Meat bouquet
Sausages, cured meat, cheese, breadsticks, cherry tomatoes and herbs on skewers make a hearty gift for a foodie. Assemble it on the day of giving, wrap each item in cling film and keep it in the fridge until the moment you hand it over. Perishable food should not stay in the warmth for more than a couple of hours.
4. Sweet bouquet
Cupcakes, macarons, candy, chocolate bars, chocolate-dipped strawberries — children and adults alike love sweet bouquets. Cupcakes are mounted on skewers in a base of polystyrene or floral foam wrapped in film, with fresh flowers or greenery tucked between them.
Tip: if the bouquet includes fresh flowers, separate them from the sweets with film. Flowers and cut greenery may have been treated and are not meant to be eaten.
5. Fruit and vegetable bouquet
Bright fruit, berries, carrots, radishes, peppers and herbs make a very photogenic arrangement. This bouquet suits people who watch their diet and vegetarians. Fruit is fixed on wooden skewers; very juicy pieces such as pineapple or watermelon slices are best avoided, as they drip quickly.
6. "Garden patch" bouquet
Bunches of dill, parsley, basil and rosemary, lettuce leaves, young garlic and baby carrots make a rustic bouquet for someone who loves to cook. Herbs have long been used in classic floristry too: sprigs of rosemary, mint or basil add fragrance to an ordinary bouquet.
7. Rainbow roses
Rainbow roses look like fantasy, but they are real fresh flowers. They are made from white roses: during cultivation or after cutting, food dyes are fed into the stem and the petals take on several colours. People try to recreate the effect at home by splitting a stem and standing each part in a glass of dye, but the colours come out paler. Care is the same as for ordinary roses: clean water and regular trimming.
8. Bouquet with a surprise
A ring, earrings or a pendant hidden among the petals is a romantic option for an engagement or anniversary. Put the jewellery in a small box or pouch and secure it firmly in the centre of the bouquet so it does not fall out. Such a gift is best handed over in person rather than by courier.
9. Sock and textile bouquet
Socks rolled into "roses" are a humorous yet very practical gift for Ukraine's Defenders Day or a birthday. Bouquets of towels, scarves and other textiles are made the same way.
A textile bouquet remains useful after the celebration, so it is often chosen for men and for people with pollen allergies.
10. Money bouquet
Banknotes folded into flowers or a fan are a popular wedding or anniversary gift when you do not know what else to give. To avoid damaging the money, do not glue, staple or pierce it: use paper clips, rubber bands and clear clips. New, clean notes look best.
How to make an unusual bouquet yourself
- Base. Use a cone or half-sphere of polystyrene, floral foam or thick cardboard. For light bouquets a bundle of wooden skewers is enough.
- Fixing. Put each item on a skewer or secure it with floral tape. Heavy items such as bottles or jars go in the centre, taped to the base.
- Filling. Fill the gaps with crepe paper, greenery or dried flowers.
- Wrapping. Kraft paper, felt or clear film, finished with ribbon or jute twine. For edible bouquets use only food-safe film inside.
- Timing. Assemble edible bouquets no more than a few hours before giving.
Who to give them to and when
- Men who do not like flowers: a fish, meat or textile bouquet.
- Children: sweet bouquets and toy arrangements.
- Colleagues at a celebration: a fruit or sweet bouquet the whole office can share.
- Newlyweds: a money bouquet or an arrangement with champagne.
Remember, though: an unusual bouquet is an addition, not a replacement for flowers on every occasion. For a date, Women's Day, a graduation or the birth of a baby, fresh flowers still work best. And if you want to impress with scale, see how to make a 101-rose bouquet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep an edible bouquet fresh?
Assemble it on the day, wrap the food in cling film and keep it cool until you give it.
Is it OK to give a bouquet with alcohol?
Only to adults, and only if you know the person drinks. Alcohol-free sparkling wine or lemonade is a good alternative.
Will banknotes get damaged in a money bouquet?
No, as long as you avoid glue, staples and pins. Paper clips and clips do not harm banknotes.
What can I make a bouquet for a man from?
Dried fish and snacks, sausages and cheese, socks, coffee and chocolate — depending on his interests.
View full-size photo
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
