Using Pinecones and Natural Accents Instead of Bows

Bows serve their purpose; they add color, fill empty space, and signal that yes, this is definitely a gift. But they also scream mass-produced. Peel one off and it looks exactly like the thousands stuck to packages across every mall in the country.

Yet, natural accents tell a different story! 

They whisper forest walks, farmers markets, and someone who took an extra five minutes to make something feel special. Pinecones, dried oranges, sprigs of greenery, and gathered herbs transform ordinary packages into gifts worth photographing. Plus, nature provides these materials free of charge. So, here’s how to skip the bow aisle and forage your way to beautiful gift toppers.

Pinecone Clusters

The classic choice earns its reputation. Pinecones add instant texture, dimension, and seasonal charm. They work year-round but shine brightest during fall and winter holidays.

Gather cones in various sizes for visual interest. Bake them at 200 degrees for thirty minutes to eliminate any hidden insects and open the scales fully. Let them cool completely before handling.

Wire two or three pinecones together at their bases using floral wire. Attach the cluster to your package with twine or tuck under a ribbon wrap. For extra sparkle, brush the tips lightly with white paint or dab with craft glue and sprinkle with glitter. 

Then, you can opt to position your cluster off-center on one of Hammont's gift boxes for a perfectly rustic presentation.

Dried Citrus Slices

Orange, lemon, and grapefruit slices bring warm color and subtle fragrance to packages. Their translucent beauty catches light in ways plastic bows never could. The cheerful appearance suits holiday gifts and summer celebrations equally well.

Slice citrus thinly and evenly, about a quarter inch thick. Bake at 200 degrees for two to three hours, flipping halfway through. They're done when dry but still slightly pliable. Overcooking creates brittle slices that shatter when handled.

Punch a small hole near the edge and thread twine through for hanging. Layer two or three slices at different angles for depth. A single dried orange slice paired with a cinnamon stick creates a gift that smells as good as it looks.

Evergreen Sprigs

Nothing says celebration quite like fresh greenery. Pine, cedar, fir, and juniper branches bring life and fragrance to any package! On top of this, the deep green color complements nearly every wrapping paper choice.

Start by trimming small sprigs from your yard, a Christmas tree lot, or fallen branches. Keep them in water until ready to use. They’ll stay fresh on packages for several days in cool conditions.

Tuck sprigs under ribbon or twine rather than gluing directly to paper. This allows recipients to remove them easily without tearing wrapping. Combine different varieties for texture variation. Juniper berries add pops of dusty blue among the green needles.

Cinnamon Stick Bundles

The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon evokes holiday baking and cozy evenings. Bundled sticks create architectural interest that stands tall rather than lying flat like traditional bows.

Here’s how to get this right: Group three to five sticks together and wrap them tightly with twine at the center. Fan the ends slightly for a fuller appearance. Standard grocery store cinnamon sticks work fine, though longer craft store varieties offer more impact.

Position the bundle vertically against your package and secure with additional twine wrapped around the entire box. Pair with a dried orange slice or star anise for a mulled wine aesthetic. 

Dried Lavender Bunches

Lavender brings color, fragrance, and elegance to gift presentation. The purple hues complement white, cream, kraft, and navy wrapping particularly well. Recipients often save the bundle to tuck in a drawer or display in a vase.

Harvest lavender when flowers are just beginning to open for the strongest scent. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry space for two weeks. Purchase pre-dried bundles from craft stores if foraging isn't an option.

Tie small bunches with satin ribbon or natural twine depending on your aesthetic. Lay flat across the package top or position diagonally across one corner. The delicate stems add height without overwhelming smaller gifts.

Eucalyptus and Olive Branches

These Mediterranean favorites bring sophistication to any package. Their muted green and silver tones feel modern and elegant. Both varieties dry beautifully, so recipients can enjoy them long after unwrapping.

Fresh eucalyptus from florists stays pliable and fragrant for over a week. Olive branches offer a similar aesthetic with slightly darker leaves. Both work fresh or dried depending on availability.

Curve a single stem across the package top, securing at both ends with twine. The natural arc creates movement that stiff bows lack entirely. For larger packages, cross two stems in opposite directions and tie at the intersection point.

Seed Pods and Acorns

Unusual natural elements spark curiosity. Lotus pods, poppy heads, acorn caps, and sweet gum balls offer shapes and textures most people never consider for gift wrapping. They're conversation starters disguised as decoration.

Forage pods and acorns during autumn walks. Check for insect damage and bake briefly to ensure any critters vacate. Craft stores carry dried lotus pods and other exotic options if local foraging proves difficult.

Then, simply, hot glue individual elements directly to packages or wire several together as a cluster. 

Fresh Herb Bundles

Rosemary, thyme, sage, and bay leaves bring the garden to gift giving. Their culinary connection makes them ideal toppers for food-related presents. A rosemary sprig on homemade cookie packaging hints at what's inside.

Snip fresh herbs from your garden or purchase small bundles from grocery stores. Woody herbs like rosemary and thyme hold up best. Tender basil wilts too quickly for reliable results.

Bundle mixed herbs together or feature a single variety depending on your recipient. A bay leaf trio tied with twine suits minimalist aesthetics. Kitchen gifts topped with herbs signal the contents before unwrapping even begins.

Wrap with Intention This Holiday Season

Natural accents communicate care in ways manufactured bows cannot. They show you gathered, prepared, and arranged something specifically for this gift, this person.

Quality packaging further elevates natural toppers. Sturdy boxes and premium bags provide the perfect canvas for your foraged finishing touches. So, if you’re on the hunt for this type of packaging, check out Hammont’s collection; we’re sure you’ll find what you need!