There’s something magical about giving a gift that feels both thoughtful and cozy. That’s exactly why simmer pot gift ideas are my go-to for fall, Christmas, and even Thanksgiving.
With just a few simmer pot ingredients like orange slices, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries, you can create a DIY simmer pot gift that looks beautiful and fills a home with the scent of the season.
Whether you need party favors, a hostess gift, or a little something for neighbors, these homemade simmer pot gifts are simple to put together. Plus, I’ll show you creative containers, from thrifted finds to store favorites, that turn these simmer pot jars for gifts into keepsakes.
What is a Simmer Pot Gift?
A simmer pot (sometimes called stove top potpourri) is a mix of fresh or dried fruit, spices, and herbs that you simmer in water on the stove. The aroma makes your whole house smell like the holidays.
When packaged up with a cute gift tag and a pretty ribbon, a simmer pot becomes a thoughtful gift that doubles as a homemade natural air freshener or natural Christmas decor.
These also make wonderful DIY fall simmer pot gifts for teachers, friends, or family gatherings.
If you’re new to this, check out my simmer pot recipes for autumn, Christmas, Valentine's, and Housewarming for the exact blends and instructions. This post is all about creative packaging and presentation.
How to Make a Simmer Pot Gift?
Putting together a DIY simmer pot gift is easier than you think. The hardest part is simply choosing your recipe and deciding which vessel to use. Once you’ve picked those, the rest is quick and fun.
- Step 1: Choose a simmer pot recipe. I like to match mine to the season or holiday—apple spice for fall, cranberry orange for Christmas, or lemon lavendar for spring.
- Step 2: Pick your vessel. This could be anything from a mason jar to a Dutch oven (I’ll show you plenty of ideas below).
- Step 3: Fill your container with the simmer pot ingredients from your recipe. You can use dried ingredients or whole fruit like a whole orange.
- Step 4: Finish with a festive ribbon and one of my printable gift tags from Etsy. I have designs for every season, holiday, and even for a housewarming simmer pot gift.
Now that we have the steps down, let's get into the ideas on what vessels to use.
10 Creative Simmer Pot Gift Ideas
Here are my favorite ways to package DIY simmer pot gifts. Each one uses simple materials but feels special and unique.
1. Mini Market Basket Simmer Pot Gift
A mini market basket is such a charming way to present a simmerpot fall gift. Fill a clear bag with dried or whole fruit and spices, then tie them up with a seasonal ribbon.
Next simply place the simmer pot gift bag into a mini market basket. Its that easy but we are not done. Next tie a ribbon to the basket and add one of my editable gift tags from my Etsy shop.
This idea works beautifully for Thanksgiving simmer pot favors or as a hostess gift. Thrift stores are great places to find these little baskets.
What simmer pot recipe did I use for this basket? I used my pumpkin spice simmer pot and autumn editable gift tags from my Etsy shop.
2. Mason Jar or Glass Jar Simmer Pot
You can never go wrong with fall or Christmas potpourri in a jar. A simple mason jar makes the perfect container for a holiday simmer pot gift but I decided to use a clear jar with a bamboo lid from the dollar store.
Add apple slices, cinnamon sticks, anise and cloves, then cover the top. Add a square of fabric to embellish it or keep it simple. Secure it with twine or a rubber band, and finish it off with an Etsy printable gift tag.
This is a budget-friendly option that looks like something straight from a boutique.
What simmer pot recipe did I use? I used my apple pie simmer pot recipe and the autumn editable gift tag which has both pumpkin and apple designed gift tags.
3. Thrifted Candy Dish Simmer Pot Gift
If you love thrifting like I do, keep an eye out for vintage candy dishes. They make adorable DIY simmer pot gifts and double as a keepsake.
For Christmas, I like to fill one with homemade potpourri—think fresh cranberries, orange slices, rosemary and a cinnamon stick to name a few ingredients. Seal it with washi tape or clear wrap, tie with a festive ribbon, and add a Christmas simmer pot gift tag.
Now you’ve got a DIY holiday simmer pot gift that’s both pretty and practical.
4. Mini Dutch Oven Simmer Pot Gift
For a higher-end option, try gifting a mini Dutch oven. The Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line at Target has the cutest ones right now.
These little pots can go straight onto the stove, so the recipient can actually cook their simmering potpourri recipes right inside. Pair it with a seasonal blend like cranberry orange or apple-cinnamon for the perfect homemade autumn or Christmas gift.
And of course, top it with a ribbon bow and an editable printable gift tag.
In this simmer pot I used my apple pie simmer pot recipe but remember you can use any of the recipes.
5. Borosilicate Glass Pot Simmer Pot Gift
This is the iconic simmer pot look. A clear borosilicate glass pot shows off the beauty of the simmer pot ingredients—the bright oranges, deep red cranberries, and green rosemary sprigs floating in water.
It’s a gorgeous way to gift DIY simmering potpourri recipe gifts, and you can find these pots easily on Amazon.
After you fill it tie it off with a festive ribbon bow and add a gift tag.
For this simmer pot gift I focused on Christmas with my Christmas recipe and editable gift tags.
6. Candle Warmer with Vintage Teacup Simmer Pot
Here’s a unique twist: pair a candle warmer with a vintage teacup.
Fill the cup with simmer pot ingredients, then tie it off with a pretty gift tag and ribbon.
Instead of simmering on the stove, your recipient can set the teacup on the warmer and let the aroma fill the room. It’s like gifting homemade potpourri with an elegant vintage touch.
For this gift set I focused on Christmas with my Christmas simmer pot recipe and editable gift tag.
7. Gift Bag Simmer Pot Gift
Probably the easiest and most traditional way to package a DIY simmer pot gift is with a clear cookie or gift bag. Just slip in your favorite simmer pot ingredients.
If you’re adding powdered spices, use a tiny zip bag to keep things tidy. Tie the top with a festive ribbon and attach a printable gift tag for the finishing touch.
This simmer pot gift idea is for valentines day. It is so pretty and smells delightful! I used this Valentine simmer pot recipe that includes roses and this Valentine simmer pot editable gift tag.
In the YouTube video where I show you how to make all these lovely simmer pot gifts, I mentioned that there are more ideas in my blog post, so here they are.
8. Mini Crock Pot Simmer Pot Gift
A mini crock pot is a cozy and practical way to gift a simmer pot. Just tuck the ingredients inside with a note explaining that they can simmer them on low in the crock.
It’s a little higher-end, but it makes a wonderful homemade Christmas gift or even a bridal shower present.
9. Vintage Crock or Jar Simmer Pot Gift
Thrift stores often have old stoneware crocks or pretty glass jars that make charming containers. Add dried fruit, cloves, and rosemary, tie it with parchment paper, and finish with a gift tag. This is a thoughtful, sustainable choice that feels extra special.
10. Clear Cellophane Cone Simmer Pot Gift
For something playful, use clear cellophane cones (the kind often used for party favors). Layer the simmer pot ingredients like a parfait—orange slices, lemons, cinnamon sticks, and fresh cranberries.
Tie the top with a colorful ribbon to match the season. These look especially pretty for December gatherings or as holiday simmer pot gifts.
Extra Tips for DIY Simmer Pot Gifts
- Use parchment paper between your ingredients and lids to keep jars neat (optional).
- Add printable gift tags (I have editable ones for fall, Christmas, and Valentine’s in my Etsy shop).
- Keep your blends seasonal: apples and cinnamon for fall, cranberries and oranges for Christmas, or lemons and lavendar for spring.
- For powdered herbs or spices (like pumpkin spice), tuck them into tiny jewelry zip bags before adding to your container.
- For an eco-friendly option, reuse thrifted jars or vintage crocks.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making DIY fall simmer pot gifts, Christmas potpourri in a jar, or a holiday simmer pot gift bag, the beauty of these ideas is how simple and affordable they are plus there is nothing like a homemade gift.
With just a handful of simmer pot ingredients, some thoughtful packaging, and a cute gift tag, you’ve got the perfect way to say “I’m thinking of you.”
If you’d like ready-to-print simmer pot gift tags, visit my Etsy shop. And for recipes, check out my other posts on simmer pot recipes and homemade Christmas gifts.
Which of these simmer pot gift ideas would you love to try first?
Happy Gifting!
