I really like to give out gifts at the holidays to just about everyone I know. My family and friends, co-workers, and all of those people who have helped us throughout the year. You know, the mailman, babysitters, teachers, hair stylists etc. Our list typically ends up being a minimum of 50 gifts, and though we often buy other gifts, or give cash tips, I just think it is nice to also give a small handmade gift as a “thank you” during this special time of year. So what can you make in a reasonable amount of time that won’t break the bank? Well, I haven’t decided on this year’s gift, but a few years ago I made simmering potpourri.
Simmering Potpourri
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I’ve posted about this gift as one of three quick and easy homemade gifts, but haven’t written a specific post about it. So today I thought I’d give you a few more details about this easy, affordable homemade gift for the holidays. Of course this would also be a nice hostess gift any time of year.
Materials
Bay Leaves
Cinnamon Sticks
Whole Cloves
Whole Allspice
Dried Orange Slices
Cellophane Bags
Weck Canning Jars
Other Options:
Dried Cranberries
Star Anise
Dried Lemon Slices
Other Dried Citrus Peels
Dried Rosemary
Many of these items can be found locally, however, I have included online links for your convenience.
To dry your own orange slices, refer to the post: Dried Orange Garland.
My gifts were place in a bag as shown above with a tag that reads:
“Place some or all of the ingredients in a pot of water and heat on low, adding more water as needed.”
You can find a sheet of tags ready to print here.
Maybe you don’t have as many to make. In this case you could give a larger amount of the ingredients, and place them in mason jars, or these pretty Weck Canning Jars, which are fun and unique gifts themselves.
This simmering potpourri project can be put together in no time. It’s a pretty gift that you can give to all of the special people on your list without breaking the budget. Keep tuned for my Christmas handmade gift for this year.
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Carole @ Garden Up Green says
I love this idea and the example in the jar would be my favorite. Great gift idea and I’m all about a handmade Christmas. I think I may make this for myself – been looking to add good fresh scents to the home without the expense of candles.
Patti Estep says
Hi Carole,
I know, aren’t those Weck jars nice? I’m sure you know that you can use some of your fresh herbs in a pot and simmer them in water for a quick burst of freshness. Rosemary is a good go to and I know you have that. Actually if you don’t have many to make there are a lot of more options but I’m always looking for something that I can many a lot of for all my little helpers.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti
Carole @ Garden Up Green says
Those jars are awesome! I love jars!!!
I do simmer herbs on the stove but always forget to add things like cinnamon sticks so while I’m in town today I’ll have to get some and some cloves too. It’s going to be a great week – I’ve changed up my posting schedule and I think this is going to be a good thing. Have a good one!
Independence day Quotes says
It’s going to be finish of mine day, except before end I
am reading this great post to improve my know-how.
Charlotte Burkholder says
Some of us give homemade gifts at Christmas at work. I was thinking to try to make candles this year. It’s something I’ve never done. This is pretty. You are welcome to come share it at Family Joy Blog Linkup http://pursueyourproject.com/family-joy-blog-link-39/
Patti Estep says
Hi Charlotte,
That’s a great tradition. Candles are a favorite one of mine to give too. In fact, I made a tons of tins one year with bayberry and the old saying about good luck for the new year with them. You can see it here: http://gardenmatter.com/handmade-christmas-gift-bayberry-candles/ I’ll check out your link-up too.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Linda S says
Love this idea! I’m looking for gift ideas, preferably homemade, that are easy to send through the mail. This is perfect, it’ll make a lovely package!
Patti Estep says
Hi Linda,
So glad you like it and yes you can totally send this through the mail.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Charlotte Burkholder says
Hi Patti! I choose an extra feature just for my blog each week at the link-up. It comes from those who left a comment. This week it’s you! Come grab our link-up featured button this Sunday!
Dorothy McLeod says
I have a question about your label for the potpourri….I couldn’t find it in your printables. Do you have one or did you use the christmas ones? I love the mixture and would like to make it for gifts. Dorothy
Patti Estep says
Hi Dorothy,
I made the original tags some time ago, but since you asked I added a basic sheet of tags in pdf format for you to use.
Just go back to the post and you can click on the link near the bottom. So glad you are going to make some for gifts.
Have a great week,
Patti
frugal hausfrau says
Great idea and this would be welcomed by just about everybody! But, I might have to drop some in some apple cider!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Patti Estep says
That’s a great idea!
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
[email protected] says
I bet this smells amazing. Thanks for joining us at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Shared.
Karen Gooch says
I can’t wait to try this one!
Deb says
Please advise approximate quantities of ingredients for your Simmering Potpourri in gift bags and/or jars.
Bay leaves, Cinnamon sticks, Cloves, Allspice, Dried Orange Slices, etc.
Thank you!
Deb
Patti Estep says
Hi Deb,
When I made the bags I did not use specific measurements. I believe I used 2-3 oranges, 2 cinnamon stick, then a small handful of cloves, allspice and bay leaves.
Hope that helps!
Patti
Melissa says
Hi…where can you purchase the supplies?
Thanks!
Patti Estep says
Hi Melissa,
All of the supplies are linked to amazon for your convenience. Some can probably be purchased at the grocery store or a craft store too.
Kim says
Hi Petti
Once again I love this idea! Thank you for sharing. Do you have anymore recipes apart from this one? Thank you
Kim
Patti Estep says
Hi Kim,
This is a great gift to hand out at the holidays. You can check out the diy projects gallery for other recipes like this. You may like the bath salt recipe. It was pretty popular last year.