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Few sounds capture the spirit of the season quite like the soft chime of jingle bells. It’s an instant cue that the holidays have arrived—nostalgic, joyful, and unmistakably festive. Thus, adding bells to your gift wrapping transforms an ordinary package into an experience that delights the senses, bringing motion, sound, and sparkle to every exchange.
These tiny metal accents evoke memories of sleigh rides, cozy gatherings, and the magic of giving. So, here are elegant and creative ways to incorporate jingle bells that go far beyond the standard ribbon tie.
The classic approach remains popular because it works. Threading bells onto ribbon creates an instant holiday accent without complicated techniques or additional materials.
Start with quality ribbon that holds its shape, such as velvet, satin, or grosgrain. For casual or eco-conscious presentations, jute twine or cotton cord offers texture that complements metallic bells. Thread one or two bells onto your ribbon before forming the bow, positioning them so they’re visible but secure.
Consider metal tones carefully. Gold bells warm up red and green palettes, silver complements cool blues and whites, and copper bridges both warm and cool color schemes. Antique brass works particularly well with kraft paper and natural materials.
Brands can develop signature bell applications—always using two bells for symmetry, or choosing oversized bells that make a distinctive sound. Maintain consistency across your product line by standardizing ribbon lengths and bell sizes. This creates a cohesive presentation whether customers buy one item or several.
Layer your design by tucking evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or branded tags between bow loops. These additions frame the bells while adding fragrance and visual interest. Secure knots with a small drop of clear glue to prevent bells from sliding during handling or shipping—nothing diminishes presentation faster than bells that have migrated to the bottom of the package!
| Technique | Description | Style Benefits | Tips | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied with Ribbon or Twine | Thread bells directly onto luxe ribbon or rustic twine before tying a bow | Classic, refined, fast to apply | Match metal tone to paper, glue knot to hold placement | Retail gifts, handmade items, upscale seasonal branding |
| Bell Clusters | Group 3–5 bells with floral wire, optionally paired with botanicals or trim | Sculptural, layered, dramatic | Anchor largest bell at center, vary metallics, keep lightweight | Luxury gifts, statement packaging, influencer boxes |
| Gift Tag Accent | Attach small bell to tag via a second hole or shared string | Simple, playful, budget-friendly | Choose bell size to match tag; avoid overpowering text | Cards, minimal packaging, kid-friendly gifts |
| Furoshiki / Fabric Wrap | Add bells during knotting of corners or as focal details | Tactile, sustainable, fragrant with add-ons | Include spices or leaves for seasonal flair | Eco-conscious packaging, boho themes, natural textures |
| Bell Garlands | String bells on wire/cord, then wrap horizontally or diagonally | Dynamic, festive, audible motion | Use even or rhythmic spacing, hide tape under bells | Holiday sets, decorative bundles, reusable wraps |
Creating bell clusters turns simple trim into sculptural decoration. This technique works especially well for gifts that need statement toppers or brands developing premium holiday packaging.
So, here’s how to do it: Gather three to five bells in graduated sizes, using floral wire to bind stems together. Position the largest bell as your anchor, and surround it with smaller ones to create a visual hierarchy. The varying sizes create different tones when moved, adding acoustic interest to the visual arrangement.
Build complexity by incorporating natural elements. Wire bells together with miniature pinecones, artificial berries, or preserved cedar tips. Paper flowers or felt leaves add color without weight.
Consider finishing touches, too, such as light sprays of matte varnish to unify mixed metallics, or selective glitter application that catches the light without seeming juvenile. Just remember that less is more—the bells should enhance your package, not compete with it!
Looking for something simple? Try this: Punch a secondary hole in your gift tag, threading a small bell through alongside your attachment string. Make sure to choose bells proportionate to tag size. Again, the bell should accent, not dominate, your message or label.
This can be a fun one!
For instance, when using furoshiki wrapping cloths, incorporate bells at natural gathering points. As you tie corner knots, thread bells onto the fabric before completing the knot.
For additional flair, tuck cinnamon sticks or star anise into knots alongside bells for fragrance. Add dried flowers or preserved leaves for color. These natural additions complement both fabric and bells while reinforcing seasonal themes.
Try stringing jingle bells along a thin cord or wire to create a festive garland that wraps beautifully around your package. You can space the bells evenly for a clean, classic look or play with deliberate patterns for more personality. Alternating sizes—small, medium, small, large—adds a pleasing visual rhythm, while using all one size keeps things sleek and refined.
Adjust the spacing based on your gift’s proportion; closer placement works best for smaller boxes, while wider intervals feel balanced on larger ones. This can instantly add movement and sparkle, giving your wrapping a charming, handcrafted finish.
You may also want to wrap garlands around boxes horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, depending on your design goals. And make sure to secure garlands at strategic points with small pieces of tape hidden under the bells!
But keep in mind that garlands add shipping weight and dimension. For e-commerce, consider creating removable garlands that customers can repurpose as home decorations, extending the life of your packaging beyond the unwrapping experience.
Ultimately, jingle bells truly capture the essence of the holiday season—the sparkle, the sound, and the sense of joyful anticipation. Their gentle chime turns every gift into a little moment of celebration, engaging multiple senses through movement and metallic shimmer. And yes, they can absolutely add to your gift presentation, giving the recipient even more as they unwrap the gift you’ve given.
And if you want more for your gift presentation, check out Hammont’s premium packaging collection! We’ve got a variety of gift bags, boxes, and more!
