Contents:
- The 8 Best Flower Press Kits Reviewed
- Fablewood Large Flower Press Kit
- Artsmith Flower Pressing Kit for Kids
- Microfleur 9-Inch Microwave Flower Press
- Nature’s Blossom Flower Pressing Kit
- FUNZBO Flower Press Kit for Kids
- KINSPORY Large Wooden Flower Press
- Melissa & Doug Flower Press
- Plouffe Botanical Press — Deluxe Edition
- Flower Press Kit Comparison Table
- How to Choose the Best Flower Press Kit for Your Needs
- Age and Experience Level
- Press Size: Match It to Your Flowers
- Traditional vs. Microwave Pressing
- What You’ll Make With Your Pressed Flowers
- The Eco-Friendly Angle: Think About Where Your Flowers Come From
- A Quick Word on Reader Experience
- Tips for Getting Better Results From Any Flower Press Kit
- Pick Flowers at the Right Time
- Prep Thick Flowers Before Pressing
- Change Your Blotting Paper in the First Week
- Store Finished Pieces Properly
- Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Press Kits
- What is the best flower press kit for beginners?
- How long does it take to press flowers in a wooden flower press?
- Can kids use flower press kits safely?
- What flowers work best in a flower press kit?
- Is a microwave flower press better than a traditional wooden press?
- Ready to Start Pressing? Here’s Your Next Step
Picture this: you’re on a summer walk, and you spot the most perfect wildflower — a deep violet aster with petals so symmetrical they look almost unreal. You pick it, bring it home, and set it between the pages of a heavy cookbook. Three weeks later, you peel back the pages to find a crumpled, discolored ghost of what it once was. Sound familiar? A dedicated flower press changes everything. With the right kit, that same aster could become a crisp, vibrant pressed piece ready for framing, journaling, resin work, or gifting — preserved exactly as you found it.
The best flower press kit doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. But with dozens of options flooding the market — from basic wooden presses to microwave-speed kits — choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top picks for beginners, kids, and serious crafters alike, with honest details on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s actually worth your money.
The 8 Best Flower Press Kits Reviewed
1. Fablewood Large Flower Press Kit
The Fablewood is a standout choice for adults and older teens who want professional-quality results from day one. The press measures 9.5 x 9.5 inches — large enough to accommodate full-sized blooms like dahlias and sunflowers — and comes with 6 layers of corrugated cardboard and 6 sheets of blotting paper. The hardwood panels are sanded smooth and held together with four sturdy wing nuts that tighten evenly, which matters more than most beginners realize. Uneven pressure causes warping and incomplete drying. Expect fully pressed flowers in 2–4 weeks depending on moisture content. The kit also includes tweezers and a small instruction booklet. Priced around $28–$32, it’s one of the best value options for anyone who takes their craft seriously.
- Best for: Adult beginners and hobbyists
- Press size: 9.5 x 9.5 inches
- Layers included: 6 cardboard + 6 blotting paper
- Price range: $28–$32
2. Artsmith Flower Pressing Kit for Kids
Designed with small hands in mind, the Artsmith kit uses chunky, easy-turn wing nuts and a compact 6 x 6 inch press that’s light enough for a 6-year-old to carry. It comes packaged as a complete activity set: you get the wooden press, 4 blotting paper sets, a pair of child-safe tweezers, pre-cut cardstock for making cards, and a set of botanical stickers. The wood is FSC-certified, which is a genuine eco-friendly credential worth noting — not just marketing fluff. Results take the standard 2–3 weeks, so this works well as a patient craft for kids who enjoy a slow-reveal project. At around $18–$22, it’s a great birthday gift that won’t sit unused on a shelf.
- Best for: Kids ages 6–12
- Press size: 6 x 6 inches
- Eco note: FSC-certified wood
- Price range: $18–$22
3. Microfleur 9-Inch Microwave Flower Press
If patience isn’t your strong suit, the Microfleur is a revelation. Instead of waiting weeks, you press flowers in the microwave in as little as 45 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the bloom’s water content. The 9-inch circular design uses specially designed absorbent pads that pull moisture out fast under heat. It produces results that rival traditional pressing for flat flowers like pansies, violas, and cosmos. Thick, juicy flowers (think succulents or roses with many petals) need extra prep, but for everyday garden blooms, it’s remarkably effective. The pads are reusable and washable. At $34–$40, it costs a bit more, but the speed factor alone makes it worth every cent for busy crafters who want to press seasonal flowers before they fade.
- Best for: Impatient beginners and professionals
- Press time: 45 seconds–3 minutes
- Press size: 9 inches diameter
- Price range: $34–$40
4. Nature’s Blossom Flower Pressing Kit
Nature’s Blossom leans hard into the gifting market, and honestly, it earns its place there. The kit comes in a gorgeous kraft-paper box that requires no extra wrapping. Inside: a 7.5 x 5 inch wooden press, 5 layers of blotting paper, tweezers, a magnifying glass, and seed packets for growing your own pressable flowers (including pansies, cornflowers, and sweet alyssum). That seed-to-press approach makes it a genuinely sustainable choice — you’re growing flowers specifically to press rather than cutting commercially grown ones. Setup takes about 10 minutes, and the included guide is one of the clearest beginner instructions we’ve seen. Priced at $22–$26, it’s a complete ecosystem in a box.
- Best for: Gift-givers and eco-conscious beginners
- Press size: 7.5 x 5 inches
- Bonus: Flower seed packets included
- Price range: $22–$26
5. FUNZBO Flower Press Kit for Kids
The FUNZBO kit punches above its price point. For around $14–$17, you get a colorful, printed wooden press (6 x 6 inches), 2 sets of blotting paper, a notebook for recording botanical finds, and a pack of colored pencils for labeling. It’s clearly designed as an educational tool — the notebook has prompts like “Where did you find this flower?” and “What season is it?” — making it a solid choice for homeschool families or nature-journaling programs. The hardware is basic but functional, and the press produces clean results for small blooms like clover, daisies, and herb flowers. Don’t expect it to last decades, but for a child just getting started, it’s close to perfect.
- Best for: Young children and homeschool projects
- Press size: 6 x 6 inches
- Unique feature: Botanical journal included
- Price range: $14–$17
6. KINSPORY Large Wooden Flower Press
For crafters who want to press larger botanical specimens — long fern fronds, full-stemmed wildflowers, oversized leaves — the KINSPORY offers a 12 x 8 inch pressing area that few competitors match at this price. It includes 8 layers of alternating corrugated cardboard and absorbent paper, and the wing bolts use a smooth nylon washer that makes tightening more precise. One thing seasoned pressers know: more layers means more capacity to press multiple specimens at once, reducing the need for multiple kits. At $25–$30, this delivers serious capacity. The wood finish is clean but unvarnished, which actually helps with moisture absorption — a small but meaningful detail.
- Best for: Crafters pressing large or multi-stem specimens
- Press size: 12 x 8 inches
- Layers included: 8 alternating layers
- Price range: $25–$30
7. Melissa & Doug Flower Press
Melissa & Doug has been making quality children’s activity products for decades, and their flower press holds up to that reputation. The kit is sized at 7 x 7 inches — slightly larger than many kids’ options — and the pre-drilled bolt holes align perfectly, which sounds like a small thing until you’ve struggled with a press where they don’t. Included are 5 blotting sheets, 5 cardboard layers, and an activity guide with project ideas including bookmarks, greeting cards, and collages. The wood is sturdy hardboard with a colorful printed top panel. It’s widely available at Target, Amazon, and craft stores, making replacement supplies easy to source. Priced at $16–$20, it’s a trusted, accessible option.
- Best for: Kids ages 5–10 and parents who want reliability
- Press size: 7 x 7 inches
- Where to buy: Target, Amazon, Michaels
- Price range: $16–$20
8. Plouffe Botanical Press — Deluxe Edition
This is the premium pick. The Plouffe Deluxe is built from solid birch plywood with a natural oil finish, measures 10 x 7 inches, and comes with 12 layers of acid-free blotting paper — the acid-free part matters if you’re pressing flowers for archival purposes like scrapbooking or art prints. The kit also includes a digital guide with 20 pressing projects, a set of botanical illustration cards for identifying common pressable species, and linen storage pouches for finished pieces. At $48–$58, it’s a genuine investment. But for someone who wants to take flower pressing seriously — maybe selling pressed art at markets or creating framed botanical pieces — the quality justifies the cost completely.
- Best for: Serious hobbyists and aspiring botanical artists
- Press size: 10 x 7 inches
- Key feature: Acid-free blotting paper, 12 layers
- Price range: $48–$58
Flower Press Kit Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side snapshot to help you compare at a glance:
| Kit Name | Best For | Size | Price | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fablewood Large | Adult beginners | 9.5 x 9.5″ | $28–$32 | Even pressure, 6 layers |
| Artsmith Kids Kit | Kids 6–12 | 6 x 6″ | $18–$22 | FSC-certified wood |
| Microfleur 9″ | Speed pressing | 9″ diameter | $34–$40 | Results in minutes |
| Nature’s Blossom | Gift buyers, eco crafters | 7.5 x 5″ | $22–$26 | Seed packets included |
| FUNZBO | Young kids, homeschool | 6 x 6″ | $14–$17 | Botanical journal |
| KINSPORY Large | Large specimens | 12 x 8″ | $25–$30 | 8 layers, biggest capacity |
| Melissa & Doug | Kids 5–10 | 7 x 7″ | $16–$20 | Widely available, reliable |
| Plouffe Deluxe | Serious hobbyists | 10 x 7″ | $48–$58 | Acid-free paper, 12 layers |
How to Choose the Best Flower Press Kit for Your Needs
Before you add anything to your cart, it helps to think about three things: who’s using it, what you plan to press, and what you’ll do with the finished pieces. The answers will narrow your choices fast.
Age and Experience Level
For children under 10, prioritize wing nuts that are easy to grip and layers that are easy to swap. Kits like the FUNZBO and Melissa & Doug are specifically engineered for small hands. For adult beginners, a press with at least 6 layers and a pressing area of 7 inches or larger gives you flexibility to work with a variety of flowers without buying a second kit within six months.
Press Size: Match It to Your Flowers
This is the most under-discussed spec in flower pressing. A 6 x 6 inch press works beautifully for clover, pansies, and herb sprigs. But if you’re collecting wildflowers on summer hikes in the Rockies or pressing garden roses with long stems, you’ll want at least 9 x 9 inches. The KINSPORY’s 12 x 8 inch surface can handle full fern fronds, which most kits simply can’t fit. Measure the largest flower you regularly encounter before buying.
Traditional vs. Microwave Pressing
Traditional wooden presses are slower — typically 2–4 weeks — but require zero electricity and are ideal for anyone who enjoys a hands-off, meditative craft process. Microwave presses like the Microfleur are game-changers for time-sensitive projects, seasonal crafting, or pressing blooms from a flower arrangement before they fade. Both methods produce comparable results for flat flowers; thick blooms benefit from traditional pressing regardless.
What You’ll Make With Your Pressed Flowers
Casual crafters making bookmarks, cards, and journal embellishments don’t need archival-grade materials. But if you’re planning to sell pressed flower art, frame pieces as gifts, or contribute to a scrapbook meant to last generations, invest in a kit with acid-free blotting paper — like the Plouffe Deluxe. Acid causes paper (and flowers) to yellow over time. Acid-free materials can preserve color and integrity for 50+ years versus 5–10 years for standard paper.
The Eco-Friendly Angle: Think About Where Your Flowers Come From
Here’s something worth thinking about before you start pressing: the sustainability of your flower source matters. Pressing flowers from your own garden or from locally foraged wildflowers (where legal and ethical) has essentially zero carbon footprint. Kits like Nature’s Blossom that include seed packets actively encourage this grow-your-own model. If you’re pressing commercially grown flowers — especially imported ones — that’s a different story. The cut flower industry is one of the more resource-intensive sectors in horticulture. Choosing to press garden-grown or foraged blooms is a small but meaningful way to keep your craft genuinely green.
A Quick Word on Reader Experience
A crafter named Diane from Portland, Oregon shared this story in a pressing community forum: she bought a cheap no-name flower press for her daughter’s 8th birthday, and within two uses, the wood warped from uneven bolt tension. They ended up with moldy specimens and a frustrated child. She switched to the Melissa & Doug kit the following month — same price range, far better hardware — and her daughter now has a collection of over 40 pressed specimens she’s turning into a nature journal. The lesson? Within any budget, construction quality matters more than extras like stickers or paints.
Tips for Getting Better Results From Any Flower Press Kit
Pick Flowers at the Right Time
Harvest flowers mid-morning, after the dew has dried but before afternoon heat wilts them. Flowers collected after rain carry excess moisture that dramatically slows pressing and increases the risk of mold. Aim for blooms that are about 75% open — fully open flowers lose petals more easily during pressing.
Prep Thick Flowers Before Pressing
Roses, zinnias, and marigolds have dense centers that take much longer to dry than their petals. Slice them in half with a sharp knife before placing them in the press. This exposes the moist interior and cuts drying time by roughly 30–40%. Yes, you lose the 3D profile, but you gain a much cleaner pressed result.
Change Your Blotting Paper in the First Week
This is the single most effective tip for beginners. The first 3–5 days are when flowers release the most moisture. Swapping out saturated blotting paper for fresh sheets mid-press (days 3–5) prevents mold and produces brighter color retention. Most kits don’t mention this, but every experienced presser does it.
Store Finished Pieces Properly
Once pressed, flowers are fragile. Store them flat in a manila envelope or between sheets of wax paper inside a hard-cover book. Keep them away from direct sunlight — UV exposure fades colors within weeks. A cool, dry drawer is ideal. If you’re framing pieces, use UV-protective glass to extend their vibrancy significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Press Kits
What is the best flower press kit for beginners?
The Fablewood Large Flower Press Kit is an excellent starting point for adult beginners, offering a 9.5 x 9.5 inch pressing surface, 6 layers of blotting material, and even wing-nut pressure for around $28–$32. For children, the Melissa & Doug or FUNZBO kits offer age-appropriate sizing and simple mechanics at under $20.
How long does it take to press flowers in a wooden flower press?
Most flowers take 2–4 weeks in a traditional wooden press. Thin, flat flowers like pansies and violas press in as little as 10–14 days. Thicker blooms like roses and zinnias may need 4–6 weeks. Replacing blotting paper during the first week speeds up the process and reduces the risk of mold.
Can kids use flower press kits safely?
Yes. Kits designed for children — like the Artsmith, FUNZBO, and Melissa & Doug options — use chunky wing nuts that are easy to tighten without tools and child-safe tweezers. Adult supervision is recommended for children under 6, primarily to help with the tightening step and to handle sharp tweezers.
What flowers work best in a flower press kit?
Flat, single-layer flowers press most easily and beautifully: pansies, violas, cosmos, daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, and herb flowers like lavender and chamomile. Thin leaves and ferns also produce excellent results. Avoid succulents and very thick flowers without pre-slicing them first, as their high moisture content makes clean pressing difficult.
Is a microwave flower press better than a traditional wooden press?
It depends on your priorities. Microwave presses like the Microfleur produce results in 45 seconds to 3 minutes and are ideal for time-sensitive work. Traditional wooden presses are slower (2–4 weeks) but require no power, are more portable, and work beautifully for anyone who enjoys a slower, more meditative craft process. Both methods produce comparable quality for flat flowers.
Ready to Start Pressing? Here’s Your Next Step
The best flower press kit is ultimately the one you’ll actually use. For most beginners, that means something in the $18–$32 range with at least 6 blotting layers and a press surface that fits your most common flowers. Kids thrive with kits that include a project component — a journal, cards, or stickers — that gives them something to do with their pressed pieces right away.
Start small. Pick five or six flowers from your yard or a nearby park (check local foraging guidelines first), load up your new press, and mark your calendar for two weeks out. That first successful reveal — lifting the blotting paper to find a perfectly preserved bloom, colors intact, petals crisp — is genuinely satisfying in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. After that, you’ll want a bigger press, more layers, and a dedicated drawer for your collection. Fair warning: this hobby has a way of quietly taking over.