12 HOLIDAY POTPOURRI SIMMER GIFT IDEAS EVERYONE WILL ACTUALLY USE
Looking for a thoughtful, affordable holiday gift that anyone would love? These holiday potpourri simmer gift ideas are easy to make, cheap to put together, and genuinely useful.
A simmer pot gift is one of those rare presents that costs under $5 to make, looks like you put in real effort, and works for almost anyone — neighbors, teachers, coworkers, hostesses, or anyone on your list who’s hard to shop for.
You layer dried spices, citrus, and herbs into a jar, bag, or box, add a simple tag with instructions, and that’s it. The person drops it in a pot of water on their stove and their whole house smells like the holidays.
1. Rustic Stove Top Potpourri Jars
Source: Pinterest
Use small glass jars and fill them with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary. Cover the lid with a small piece of fabric or paper, then tie it with twine and add a simple label.
This is a good DIY gift because it looks handmade but still polished. It can be made in batches for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, hostess gifts, or Christmas baskets.
Estimated cost: $3–$6 per jar, depending on the jar size and spices used.
Best for: teachers, neighbors, coworkers, hostess gifts.
2. Mini Simmer Pot Home Fragrance Jars
Source: Pinterest
These mini jars are a great option when you want small, affordable gifts that still feel special. Add dried citrus, cinnamon, cloves, dried apple pieces, and a few whole spices inside the jar so the layers show through the glass.
Wrap the top with brown paper and twine for a cozy natural look. Add a label with the scent name and simple directions so the person knows how to use it.
Estimated cost: $2–$5 per jar.
Best for: party favors, office gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts.
3. Clear Bag Christmas Simmer Pot Favors
Source: Pinterest
Clear treat bags are easy to use and let the orange slices, cranberries, rosemary, and pinecones show beautifully. Add dried citrus, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, rosemary, and a small pinecone, then tie the bag with jute string.
These are perfect when you need to make a lot of gifts quickly. They are lightweight, easy to hand out, and great for holiday events.
Estimated cost: $2–$4 per bag.
Best for: classroom gifts, holiday party favors, craft fairs, office giveaways.
4. Holiday Potpourri Sachet Bags
Source: Pinterest
Muslin bags make the gift feel soft, natural, and reusable. Fill each bag with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary. Tie a dried orange slice and kraft tag to the outside for a pretty holiday finish.
This is a good idea if you want the gift to look simple and homemade without using glass jars. You can also place these in Christmas gift baskets.
Estimated cost: $2–$5 per bag.
Best for: Christmas baskets, teacher gifts, neighbor gifts, simple hostess gifts.
5. Simmer Pot Gift Bag With Instructions
Source: Pinterest
This version works well because it includes a clear instruction tag. Add dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cranberries, and cloves to a clear bag, then attach a tag that explains how to simmer it.
The tag is important because not everyone knows how to use stovetop potpourri. A short instruction card makes the gift more useful and less confusing.
Estimated cost: $2–$4 per gift bag.
Best for: first-time simmer pot users, coworkers, school gifts, holiday favors.
6. Fresh Orange Simmer Pot Gift Bag
Source: Pinterest
This gift bag uses a whole fresh orange with cranberries, rosemary, star anise, and cinnamon sticks. It looks beautiful because the orange makes the bag feel full and colorful.
Since this uses fresh fruit and fresh herbs, make it close to the day you plan to gift it. It is best for local gifts, not for mailing or long storage.
Estimated cost: $3–$6 per bag.
Best for: hostess gifts, neighbor gifts, holiday brunch favors, last-minute Christmas gifts.
7. Cranberry Orange Spice Simmer Pot Kit
Source: Pinterest
This is a classic Christmas simmer pot mix with dried orange, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and cloves. The cranberries add color, the orange gives a fresh citrus scent, and the cinnamon makes it smell warm and cozy.
Pack it in a clear bag and add a printed label with the scent name, like “Cranberry Orange Spice Simmer Pot Kit.” It feels more like a proper gift when the scent name is on the tag.
Estimated cost: $3–$6 per kit.
Best for: Christmas gifts, hostess gifts, handmade gift baskets, holiday party favors.
8. Christmas Simmer Pot Jar With Gift Tag
Source: Pinterest
A glass jar with cranberries, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks is easy to carry, stack, and gift. Tie the lid with Christmas twine or ribbon, then add a tag with simple simmering directions.
This is a good option if you want the gift to look finished and ready to give. It also works well inside a bigger gift basket with a mug, candle, tea towel, or holiday treats.
Estimated cost: $3–$7 per jar.
Best for: coworker gifts, teacher gifts, Christmas baskets, neighbor gifts.
