This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer page for more information.
If you’ve never made a homemade simmer pot gift for Christmas before, or let alone a homemade Christmas gift, let me tell you- it’s one of the simplest, coziest, and most heartfelt gifts you can give. I call this recipe “Christmas Morning” because that’s exactly what it smells like: bright citrus, warm cinnamon, a touch of piney rosemary, and those deep, spicy holiday notes that make you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of cocoa.
Last year, I made dozens of these simmer pots as Christmas gifts for my friends, neighbors, and family. I tucked the ingredients neatly into little glass jars, tied on a ribbon, and added printable labels with directions (you can grab my PDF printable labels here!). To my surprise, everyone raved about them! I still have people telling me how they saved the jar until Christmas morning, put it on their stove, and let the smell drift through the house. A few even said it was their favorite gift of the season.
The best part? These simmer pots are inexpensive, easy to assemble, and customizable. Plus, they’re consumable gifts, which I personally love- no clutter, no guilt, just pure enjoyment.
So, let’s dive into my Christmas Morning simmer pot recipe and how you can make it for your home or package it up beautifully for gifting this holiday season.
Table of Contents
Why I Love Homemade Gift Simmer Pots for Christmas
There’s something about walking into a house that smells like Christmas. For me, it’s part of the holiday magic. The moment I catch that mix of oranges and cinnamon, I feel transported back to childhood- Christmas music playing, cookies baking in the oven, and family gathered around the tree.
Candles can create a similar effect, but simmer pots feel more natural and alive. They use simple, real ingredients (fruits, spices, and herbs) that release fragrance as they warm in water. There are no synthetic scents, no overpowering perfumes. Just a gentle, cozy aroma that feels like home.
And unlike candles, simmer pots are incredibly versatile as gifts. You don’t have to worry about someone’s décor style or whether they already have too many candles on their shelf. These jars are little bundles of holiday cheer that anyone can use and enjoy.
Recipe for Christmas Morning Simmer Pot
Here’s exactly what I put in each jar for my simmer pot gifts. This recipe fills one small glass jar (8 oz size), perfect for gifting.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 dried orange slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 dried rosemary sprigs (I dry these from my garden and save them for gifts!)
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
That’s it. Simple, right? Yet together, these ingredients create the most wonderful scent.
Why these ingredients work so well together:
- Dried orange slices: They add a bright, citrusy top note. Plus, they look so festive in the jar.
- Cinnamon sticks: The backbone of the scent-warm, spicy, and comforting.
- Dried rosemary sprigs: This adds a subtle woodsy, pine-like aroma. It reminds me of fresh Christmas trees.
- Cloves: Just a few cloves go a long way. They bring depth and a cozy holiday feel.
- Star anise: Not only is it beautiful, but it also gives off a sweet, licorice-like fragrance that balances the citrus and spice.
How to Assemble Your Simmer Pot Gifts
Putting these together is almost as fun as gifting them. Here’s what I do:
- Start with clean jars – I use these small glass jars with lids from Amazon because they are festive and fun. Mason jars work great, but you can also use recycled jars if you want to keep it sustainable.
- Layer the ingredients – Place the dried oranges on the bottom so they show through the jar. Then add cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cloves, and top it with star anise.
- Seal the jar – Close it tightly to keep everything fresh.
- Add a label and ribbon – Tie on a festive ribbon or twine, and attach a label with instructions (again, grab them here on my Etsy!).
That’s it- you now have a beautiful, handmade gift ready to share.
Directions for Using the Simmer Pot
I include these directions right on the labels so the recipient knows exactly what to do. They’re simple, but important:
- Gently pour the potpourri into a simmering pot or large saucepan filled with water.
- Bring to a gentle simmer on your stove.
- Keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed.
- Enjoy the delightful fragrance as it wafts through your home!
I always remind people to simmer gently- boiling isn’t necessary, and simmering too hard can burn the ingredients. A gentle heat is all you need to unlock the fragrance.
My Story: How I Gifted These Last Year
Last Christmas, I wanted to give gifts that felt meaningful but also practical. With two little boys running around, I didn’t have endless hours for complicated DIY projects, but I still wanted something homemade and heartfelt.
So, I dried orange slices one evening while the boys were in bed (pro tip: your house smells amazing while these are in the oven). Then I sat at my kitchen table with jars, ribbons, and spices spread out like a little holiday workshop.
The next day, I delivered the jars to neighbors with Christmas cards. I also gave them to the kids teachers, a few close coworkers, and even tucked a few into stockings for family. I’ll never forget my sister-in-law texting me on Christmas morning (who has seen every Christmas Hallmark Movie ever, BTW) :
“I just simmered your jar on the stove. It smells incredible. My whole house feels like a Christmas Hallmark movie!”
That text made me so happy, and it confirmed for me that these little jars weren’t just gifts-they were experiences. They created moments and memories, and that’s something money can’t buy.
Tips for Making Your Own Simmer Pot Gifts
If you’re inspired to make your own, here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Dry your own oranges: Slice them thin, bake at 200°F for 3–4 hours, flipping occasionally. They keep beautifully and look gorgeous in jars. Or you can buy them on Amazon here!
- Use garden herbs: If you grow rosemary, thyme, or sage, dry some sprigs and save them for gifts. Rosemary is my favorite for its piney scent.
- Buy spices in bulk: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves can be pricey at the grocery store if not bought in bulk.
- Or, order on Amazon here > Cinnamon Sticks, Star Anise, Cloves, Rosemary Sprigs
- Mix and match: You can experiment with other ingredients like dried cranberries, nutmeg, or bay leaves. But my Christmas Morning recipe is always a hit.
- Make it personal: Handwrite a note or attach a memory about Christmas morning in your home. It makes the gift even more special.
Why This Gift Works Every Time
Here’s why I think the homemade gift simmer pot for Christmas has become my go-to:
- Budget-friendly – You can make dozens of jars for very little money.
- Thoughtful – It shows you put effort into creating something special.
- Consumable – No clutter, just enjoyment.
- Flexible – Works for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, friends, or family.
And let’s be honest – it’s also fun for me. I get just as much joy making these as my loved ones do receiving them.
Using the Simmer Pot in My Own Home
Of course, I always keep a few jars for myself. On Christmas morning, I set one on the stove while the boys are opening gifts. The scent drifts through the house and sets the coziest, warmest mood. It’s like the holiday soundtrack for your nose – soft and steady in the background, adding to the experience without being overwhelming.
I also use them throughout December. If I’m baking cookies or hosting a holiday party, I’ll start a simmer pot on the stove about an hour before guests arrive. Without fail, people walk in and say, “Wow, it smells amazing in here!”
If you’re looking for a meaningful, affordable, and festive way to spread joy this season, a homemade gift simmer pot for Christmas might be exactly what you need. The Christmas Morning recipe is my favorite, and it’s become a tradition in our home.
Whether you keep one simmering on your stove while your family unwraps gifts, or you package them up in little jars to share with friends, this simple recipe has the power to make the season feel extra magical.
And if you’d like to save yourself the work of designing labels, don’t forget to check out my printable labels and directions (on Etsy here). They make gifting so much easier (and prettier!).
So, what do you think? Will you be trying a homemade simmer pot gift this year? I’d love to hear how it turns out or what you did different!
With love,
Bri & Cat
Check out the Best Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe here for another great homemade Christmas gift idea!
Also for more Simmer Pot Recipes check out my 4 Ingredient Cozy Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Affiliate Disclaimer:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.
Leave a Reply