DIY Holiday Simmer Pot Gifts
Easy, Affordable, and So Festive!
The holidays can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to create picture perfect gift baskets or aesthetic moments that belong on Pinterest. (Thanks social media!) But spreading Christmas cheer doesn’t have to be expensive, elaborate, or curated. Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the simple, thoughtful gestures that bring warmth to someone’s day.
A DIY simmer pot is exactly that kind of gift. It’s inexpensive, easy to make in batches, and filled with cozy charm. It’s a small way to share Christmas cheer with family, neighbors, friends, or coworkers. (Without needing a big budget, or hours of crafting)
Here’s how to make them!
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is a natural way to make your home smell amazing without candles or artificial fragrances. You simply add a mix of dried fruits, spices, and herbs to a pot of water and let it warm on low. As it heats, it fills your home with the most comforting holiday scent! Cozy, bright, and nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You can customize simmer pots in endless ways, but here’s a classic Christmas blend that always comes out beautifully:
2 dried orange slice
2 cinnamon stick
15-20 whole cloves
1 small sprigs of rosemary (fresh or dried)
1/4 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
Optional: a few star anise for a pretty, photo-worthy touch
All of these can be bought in bulk, which keeps the cost low if you’re making gifts for a group.
How to Make Dried Orange Slices
Dried oranges are the star of this simmer pot — they smell incredible, look gorgeous, and are extremely easy to make.
Preheat your oven to 200°F.
Slice oranges into ¼-inch rounds.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2.5–3 hours, flipping halfway.
Let them cool completely.
They’ll turn slightly deeper in color as they dry, and your kitchen will smell like Christmas while they bake.
Assembly Instructions
Once your ingredients are ready, assembly is simple:
Lay out your clear treat bags or small kraft paper bags.
Place one orange slice, one cinnamon stick, cloves, and rosemary inside.
Add the optional star anise or cranberries for decoration.
Tie the bag with ribbon, twine, or a festive tag.
They look instantly gift-ready with almost no effort.
The Tag
A little instruction card takes your simmer pot from cute to perfectly packaged.
Add ingredients to a pot with 3 cups of water. Simmer on low/medium heat. Add water as needed & enjoy the holiday scent.
Merry Christmas!
Packaging Ideas
You don’t need anything fancy to make these gifts stand out. Here are a few simple ideas:
Clear treat bags tied with gold or white ribbon
Kraft paper pouches with a small window
Mini mason jars (cute but more expensive)
Even the simplest packaging looks intentional once the ingredients are inside — the colors and textures do all the work.
Why Simmer Pots Make a Great Group Gift
Inexpensive – Perfect when you’re gifting to multiple people
Beautiful – Dried oranges and spices look naturally festive
Thoughtful – Handmade gifts feel personal and warm
Useful – Everyone loves a cozy home at Christmas
Quick – Easy to batch-make in less than an hour
Whether you’re making these for neighbors, friends, coworkers, or a party… simmer pots are an adorable holiday gift that people will actually enjoy and use!