If you love thoughtful homemade gifts but don’t have hours to craft (same!), a Christmas simmer pot gift is the perfect DIY project. These fragrant little bundles make your home smell like the holidays — and they’re incredibly easy, inexpensive, and beautiful.
Whether you’re putting together teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, or something special for neighbors and friends, this DIY simmer pot gift comes together fast. It uses ingredients that last far longer than fresh greenery, plus you can make it well in advance.
Want to learn how to make the best Christmas Simmer Pots?
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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🎁 Key Takeaways
- Simmer pot gifts are cheap and easy — you can make several for under $20.
- Shelf-stable ingredients mean you can make these weeks ahead, unlike fresh simmer pots with cranberries or rosemary.
- Perfect for teachers, neighbors, hosts, coworkers, and stocking stuffers.
- Takes very little active time — most of the work is hands-off while the oranges dry.
- Customizable! Swap spices to create your favorite holiday scent blend.
🌿 What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is a simple combination of dried fruit and whole spices that, when added to a few cups of water and simmered on the stovetop, fills your entire home with a warm, cozy, festive aroma. Think cinnamon, cloves, and oranges — the classic holiday scent.
It’s one of the easiest ways to give your space that Christmas vibe without actually cooking.
🎄 Why a Simmer Pot Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift
These DIY simmer pot gifts check every box:
- Affordable: You can make a whole batch for under $20.
- Quick: Very little hands-on time.
- Thoughtful: They look beautifully handcrafted but don’t require crafting talent.
- Make-ahead: Unlike recipes that use fresh rosemary or cranberries (which shorten shelf life to 1–2 days), this version stays fresh for weeks.
- Stress-free: No one has time two days before Christmas to assemble gifts — let’s be honest! Dry ingredients = less chaos.
What You Need
- Dried Oranges
- Whole Cloves
- Star Anise (optional, but looks gorgeous)
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Clear Treat Bags (4”x9”)
- Ribbon
- Cardstock for Tags (we have some made for you to download)
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot Gift
This recipe makes one simmer pot gift pouch, but you can easily scale up for batch gifting.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 dried orange slice
- 1 star anise
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the Oranges
Preheat oven to 200°F. Thinly slice oranges into ⅛-inch rounds.
2. Prep for Drying
Lay slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pat them dry. We’ve seen lots of recipes suggesting that you put the slices on a cooling rack. We tried it, and it left grill marks on the oranges; we don’t recommend it.
3. Bake Low & Slow
Bake for 8–10 hours until completely dry, flipping halfway through.
4. Cool & Assemble
Let cool completely, then layer into a treat bag: cloves first, oranges behind, cinnamon sticks in front, then finish with star anise. Tie with ribbon + tag.
Free Printable Tags
Download our free page of gift tags here!
These elevate the gift instantly and make it look boutique-level — without the cost.
Tips for Making the Best Simmer Pot Gifts
Don’t Want to Dry Oranges?
Amazon has great dried orange slices. Any leftovers are perfect for garlands or wreaths. Don’t let the mixed reviews fool you, we’ve purchased four bags and they’ve all smelled great! Perfect for simmer pots.
Make Them Pretty
Layer ingredients in this order for the best presentation:
- Cloves
- Orange slices
- Cinnamon sticks
- Star anise as a “topper”
If Making Right Before Gifting
You can add:
- Fresh cranberries
- Fresh rosemary
- Pine sprigs
Just advise recipients to use within 2–3 weeks.
Love Mason Jars?
Use small Ball Mason jars for a reusable option — they look adorable and rustic.
❓ Christmas Simmer Pot Gift FAQ
How long do dried simmer pot gifts last?
Dried simmer pot gifts typically last 6–12 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Because this recipe uses only dried ingredients, it stays fresh far longer than versions with rosemary or fresh cranberries.
How do you use a simmer pot gift?
Pour the contents into a small pot, add 3–4 cups of water, and simmer on low. Add more water as needed. You can also use a slow cooker on the warm setting.
Can I make simmer pot gifts without drying the oranges?
Yes. You can buy pre-dried orange slices and skip the oven entirely. This is the easiest and fastest method, and they look beautiful in gift bags. I’ve used this version from Amazon, and they all smelled great.
Do simmer pot gifts need to be refrigerated?
No. As long as the oranges are fully dried, simmer pot gifts are completely shelf-stable and do not need refrigeration.
Can I add fresh ingredients like cranberries or rosemary?
Yes, but these reduce the shelf life to about 2–3 weeks. If adding fresh ingredients, gift them immediately and let your recipient know to use them soon.
How much does it cost to make simmer pot gifts?
Most simmer pot gifts cost $1–$2 each, depending on the price of dried oranges and spices. They’re one of the most affordable DIY holiday gifts.
Can simmer pots be used in an electric or induction home?
Yes. If you don’t want to simmer on the stove, add the mixture to a small slow cooker or warming pot instead.
Conclusion
DIY Christmas simmer pot gifts are beautiful, affordable, and incredibly thoughtful — and with shelf-stable ingredients, they’re truly stress-free to make. Whether you’re gifting teachers, neighbors, or friends, these little bundles bring instant holiday cheer.
If you’re looking for more fun, festive ideas, don’t miss our printable Thanksgiving Bingo Cards — a huge hit for holiday gatherings!
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