How to Open and Store Your Bay Leaves Without Breaking Them

When I first started shipping bay leaves, long before they became INTENTION // bay leaves, I would wrap each bundle in bubble wrap, tape it securely, and slip it into a padded mailer before sending it off.

And even though every package made it safely, I still found myself holding my breath until customers received their order, hoping no one would reach out saying theirs arrived broken.

That’s when I realized that I had to find a better solution. A solution that would give me peace of mind while shipping, and also give customers a better unboxing experience, and provide them with a reliable place to store them too.

How to Open Your Box of Bay Leaves

If you ordered the 30-pack, you’ll notice a gold slip that keeps the lid secure, and if you ordered the 100-pack, your box closes with a magnetic seal.

Inside, you’ll find your bay leaves bundled with yarn wrapped just tight enough to keep them together without being too tight.

You can gently slide the yarn off to release the leaves, or flip the bundle over and snip the knot in the back with scissors.

Some people like to leave the yarn on and pull out one leaf at a time, while others reuse the yarn to keep smaller bundles together. Either way works.

A little note of reassurance: sometimes a leaf may have a tiny cut, a natural slit, or a slight bend. Don’t let that discourage you. Bay leaves are never identical, and that’s part of their beauty.

Unlike the crumbled leaves you find at the grocery store, INTENTION // bay leaves are whole and chosen for ritual use.

They’re strong enough for you to write your intentions on them, even if they have minor imperfections.

The Best Way to Store Your Leaves

The simplest storage solution is to utilize the box they came in. I designed it that way on purpose:

• The black, minimal design keeps out light, which helps preserve color and fragrance.
• The closure (gold slip for the 30-pack, magnetic lid for the 100-pack) keeps the top sealed tight.
• And honestly, I love that little moment when you open the box and the fragrance greets you.

If you like to personalize things, feel free to decorate your box. Add motivational stickers, quotes, or affirmations that remind you of your intentions. (One day, I’d love to offer custom sticker packs made just for this, so your box becomes a reflection of your journey.)

Other Storage Options

• Glass jar – Ideal for keeping your bay leaves visible and inspiring. Keeping them in a jar where you can see them serves as a daily reminder of your intentions while also adding beauty to your sacred space.
• Resealable bag or pouch – Handy for on-the-go use. A small pouch is portable and simple to carry if you want to take your bay leaves with you. For example, you might pack them in your bag for a trip, or bring them along on a hike to burn during an outdoor ritual.
• Tin or small container – Great if you like your leaves secure. A tin keeps them safe from being bent or crushed, whether you’re storing them in a drawer or tossing them into a suitcase.

Pro Tip: Some people like to pull out a set number of bay leaves each week (say five) and keep them in a smaller jar or dish on their altar. That way, they’re always visible and ready for use, while the primary stash stays safe in the box.

A Final Thought

Opening and storing your bay leaves might feel like a small detail, but I see it as part of the ritual itself. The way you choose to keep them, tucked safely in their box, displayed beautifully on your altar, or carried with you in a pouch, is also a reflection of how you shape your ritual style.

So when you think about how to open and store your bay leaves, remember the ritual begins the moment you lift the lid of your box of INTENTION// bay leaves.