If you’re looking for a DIY gift that a neighbor or friend will appreciate this holiday season, try making a DIY holiday simmer pot gift jar!
Around the holidays my neighbors usually stop by for a quick visit, and they always bring a thoughtful gift. During a time of year where people are so busy, it feels extra special to know that they’ve thought of me and my family!
Because of that, I also try to have a small gift to give the neighbors and friends we are so grateful to have.
This year I decided to try a gift that would fill their homes with the scents of the season: a holiday simmer pot or stovetop potpourri jar!

By drying common items from the grocery store in the oven and assembling them into pretty packages, I created lovely gifts that I think they’ll appreciate.
You can make these Christmas simmer pot gifts even if you don’t have time to dry the ingredients! You can make a fresh simmer pot gift or stovetop potpourri by making minor substitutions with fresh ingredients, as noted in the recipe card at the end of this post.
Also, if you’d like to attach a gift tag with instructions for using the jar’s contents, you can print the gift tags I made. They are linked in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
A couple of things to note: Dollar Tree has jars that are perfect for packaging up your simmer pot contents! And at just $1.25 per jar, they’re very budget-friendly.
Another thing to note is that you can substitute ingredients and quantities to work with what you have on hand (or can easily acquire).

DIY Holiday Simmer Pot Gift
If you're looking for a thoughtful and unique Christmas gift for a neighbor, friend, or hostess, you'll love this DIY holiday simmer pot recipe! Make it with dried or fresh ingredients and enjoy the aromas of citrus and spices.
Materials
Gifting Supplies
- Glass Jars with Lid (4)
- Ribbon
- Printable Gift Tag and Simmer Pot Instructions
Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Naval Oranges (4)
- Fresh Rosemary (at least 8 sprigs)
- Cinnamon Sticks (2, 1 oz. containers)
- Dried Cranberries (12 oz.)
- Whole Cloves (4 tsp.)
- Allspice (4 tsp.)
- Nutmeg (optional) (4 tsp.)
Tools
- Scissors
- Knife
- Oven
- Baking Sheets (2)
- Parchment Paper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut four naval oranges into slices that measure approximately 1/4" thick. Lay them onto the parchment paper-covered baking sheet.
- Put the oranges in the oven for one hour. After one hour is up, flip each orange slice over, and let them bake for another hour. Repeat this process at least one more time. (Oranges should be in the oven for at least three hours.). Once the oranges are removed and have cooled, touch them to see if they have retained any moisture. If they have, let them sit out for at least 24 hours so that they can finish drying.
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper and place the rosemary sprigs onto it. Bake the rosemary at the lowest temperature possible for 45 minutes. Check to see if the rosemary has dried. If not, put it back into the oven to cook for an additional 15 minutes. Repeat this process until the rosemary is dry.
- Once the oranges and rosemary are cool and dry, you can assemble the simmer pot gifts. Begin by pouring the dry spices into the bottom of the jar (Allspice, Whole Cloves, and Nutmeg and Star Anise (if using)). Then, pour in 1 - 1.5 cups of dried cranberries. Place four dried orange slices into the jar, and then add in four cinnamon sticks. Lastly, put the dried rosemary into the side of the jar, taking care not to smash it or break off its leaves.
- Replace the lid on the jar, and tie a festive ribbon around the lid to add a pretty holiday touch. If desired, print these Holiday Simmer Pot Gift Tags and attach one to the jar, signing your name on the back. This will help the recipient know how to use the gift.
Notes
If you don't have time to dry the oranges and rosemary, it's no problem! Substitute small mandarin oranges for the naval oranges, and enclose one full mandarin orange in place of the four orange slices. Also, use fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries in place of dried. Make sure to gift this version of the Christmas simmer pot right away, with instructions that it should be used within three days of receipt.
I hope you like this DIY gift idea. Please let me know in the comments if you do, and also if you have any questions!
Judy Bearsley says
I love it thanks
Bre says
Thanks, Judy! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!