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Gift the scent of Christmas with homemade simmer pot gifts and free printable tags. Explore this simple, budget-friendly idea for holiday giving.

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us embark on the quest for the perfect gifts to show our loved ones just how much they mean to us. In a world filled with mass-produced, generic presents, a touch of DIY magic can go a long way.

Today we are going to make charming and fragrant Christmas Simmer Pot Gifts, complete with a free printable to make the gifting process even easier.

Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays: Free Christmas Simmer Pot Printable & Gift Idea

Simmer pots, often referred to as stovetop potpourri, are a delightful way to fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of the holiday season. A simmer pot typically contains a combination of natural ingredients such as fruits, spices, and herbs that, when gently simmered, release their enchanting fragrance throughout your entire home.

Why Simmer Pots Are a Budget-Friendly Gift

One of the most wonderful things about simmer pots is their simplicity and affordability. By creating a homemade simmer pot gift, you’re not just giving a delightful sensory experience; you’re also offering a personal touch that warms the heart.

Plus, these gifts are suitable for a wide range of recipients – from friends and neighbors to teachers and coworkers. Everyone wants their home to smell cozy and like the holiday season, you can’t go wrong!

The Quick & Easy Simmer Pot Gift Idea

Ingredients for Making Simmer Pot Gifts:

• 6 Oranges
• 2, 12 Ounce Bags of Cranberries
• 18-24 Cinnamon Sticks (approximately 3” long)
• 1.3-ounce jar of Whole Cloves
• 6-12 Sprigs of Rosemary or Pine
• Star Anise , Optional
• Clear Treat Bags or Wide Mouth Mason Jars (to fit the orange)
• Ribbon or Twine
• Small Ornament, Optional (I used ones from a 6 Pack from Wal-Mart)

The quantity above makes six gifts. If you have 10- 12 gifts, double the amounts above and split them amongst your treat bags.

Ingredient Shopping Pro Tip: Most of the ingredients, such as oranges, rosemary, and cranberries should be readily available at your local grocery store. You can easily find whole cloves, star anise, and treat bags online.

I prefer to buy the cinnamon sticks at Costco or Sam’s Club. You can find a large jar of pre-cut cinnamon sticks for less than $7!

How to Make Your Simmer Pot Gift

In a cellophane bag or mason jar, add one orange, 3-4 cinnamon sticks, 4 ounces of cranberries, 1-2 sprigs of Rosemary or Pine, and a few star anise (optional).

Next, sprinkle the whole cloves evenly across all the gift bags. When I was making these, it seemed to be about one-half tablespoon of whole cloves per gift bag.

Concerned about the powerful aroma of star anise? I was too, but once the simmer pot started “simmering” the entire house smelled heavenly. Totally worth it, I promise!

Cut out the Simmer Pot Gift Tag with Directions Printable.

Tie the cellophane bag with a ribbon or twine string.

Make The Gift Extra Special: Include a mini ornament or gift card with your gift tag.

How to Make The Simmer Pot, Once Received

• Slice the orange.
• Pour the contents of this jar into a medium-sized pot.
• Add 4-6 cups of water, or enough to fill the pot about ⅔ full.
• Gently simmer on your stovetop.
• Top off with water as needed.

Enjoy!

Reuse Your Simmer Pot Pro Tip: Strain your simmer pot ingredients into a mason jar or container. Cover with water. Let cool, and then store in the refrigerator to reuse within 5 days. Pour into the pot, top with water, and enjoy a second day of the simmer pot!

Free Printable Tags for a Touch of Thoughtfulness

As we’ve mentioned, it’s not just about the simmer pot itself but also about how you present it. Our Home Made Easy Resource Library includes a free printable gift tag that includes a holiday message and directions for the recipient on how to make their simmer pot. It’s a fantastic way to add an extra touch of thoughtfulness to your DIY gift. 

Don’t have access to the Resource Library of more than 60+ printables? JOIN US HERE! >>

Christmas Simmer Pot Printable Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Curious about making your homemade gifts? I’ve gathered some common questions!

Who would enjoy a homemade simmer pot gift?

Everyone on your list can appreciate the delightful scents and warm ambiance these simmer pots create, making them a perfect gift for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, and colleagues.

How can I reuse a simmer pot?

After using the simmer pot ingredients once, strain them into a container, cover them with water, and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Then, simply pour the mixture into a pot, top off with water, and enjoy it for a second day.

What’s the best way to cut a gift tag printable for my simmer pot gifts?

Print the tags on cardstock for durability, then use scissors or a paper cutter to cut along the provided lines for a neat and professional look. I like to punch a hole for the string to go through.

Don’t have a hole punch? Use one of the punches in a 3-hole punch, or a craft paper punch!

Can I find all the ingredients for simmer pot gifts at my local grocery store?

Most of the ingredients, such as oranges, cranberries, and rosemary, should be readily available at your local grocery store or a nearby market. I prefer to bulk buy the cinnamon sticks at Costco or Sam’s Club. You can find a large jar of pre-cut cinnamon sticks for less than $7 which is a “steal” compared to Kroger prices.

What’s the significance of using natural ingredients in simmer pots?

Natural ingredients like fruits and spices offer a genuine and authentic aroma that captures the essence of the holiday season, unlike artificial fragrances.

Are simmer pots safe for homes with children or pets?

Simmer pots are a safe and natural way to create a pleasant scent in your home. However, it’s essential to ensure that they are not accessible to curious children or pets while they’re simmering on the stovetop.

Do simmer pots work with a slow cooker or electric potpourri simmering pots?

Simmer pots are typically designed for stovetop use, as the gentle heat from a stovetop burner releases the scents of the ingredients more effectively. You could use a 4-quart crockpot for the recipe below. Always monitor the water levels.

Now that you’ve discovered this charming and budget-friendly holiday gift idea, it’s time to create your own delightful simmer pot gifts, complete with the free printable gift tag. Spread the warmth of the season and make your holiday gifting truly special. Happy crafting!

More Homemade Gift Ideas You’ll Enjoy:

• The Easiest Christmas Homemade Gifts
• Easy Homemade Baby Gifts
• The Best Etsy Gifts When You Aren’t Crafty

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