A 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. Ideas for other people and occasions are in our guide what to give: gift ideas.
Fresh flowers for your home or as a gift: spray roses and flowers in a box.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Packs of coffee beans, loose-leaf tea in pyramids, small jars of honey and a few stems of eucalyptus or cotton make a cosy gift for a colleague, teacher or coffee lover. It keeps well, so you can hand it over in advance. Add a mug, a cezve or a café gift card.
Echeverias, houseleeks and miniature cacti in a compact arrangement look like a bouquet but live for years. After the celebration the plants can be potted up. It suits people who don’t like cut flowers and anyone just getting into plants.
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.
Assemble it on the day, wrap the food in cling film and keep it cool until you give it.
Only to adults, and only if you know the person drinks. Alcohol-free sparkling wine or lemonade is a good alternative.
No, as long as you avoid glue, staples and pins. Paper clips and clips do not harm banknotes.
Dried fish and snacks, sausages and cheese, socks, coffee and chocolate — depending on his interests.
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.
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