Winter Simmer Pot Jars: A Thoughtful, DIY Holiday and Winter Gift

A Simple, Meaningful Gift for the Season

Santa is a woman! There I said it, and I’ve spent decades making the magic of the Winter holidays happen. Over time, I’ve learned that the more I plan and simplify, the more I actually enjoy the season. But that didn’t come without years of last-minute panic, forgotten gifts, and uncertainty about what to give.

Winter simmer pot jars came from that place. They’re simple, meaningful, and made with real, seasonal ingredients. They’re the kind of gift that feels thoughtful without being complicated or mass-produced. They make a perfect DIY winter or holiday gift.

Why Winter Simmer Pot Jars Make Such a Meaningful Gift

There are so many reasons to love Winter Simmer Pot Jars, especially during the holiday season and winter months:

• Ingredients are easily accessible
• Jars are often upcycled and reuseable
• Handmade
• No big box store pressure
• Useful
• Ingredients are compostable and low-waste

Handmade gifts carry a different kind of weight. And when someone uses a simmer pot jar, fills their home with seasonal scent, and slows down for a moment, they’ll think of you. Perfect as a cozy winter gift or thoughtful holiday present.

A Slower Way to Gather the Ingredients

Winter is a perfect time to slow down and gather ingredients intentionally. Whether it’s stepping outside to clip evergreen sprigs, visiting a local market, or simply paying attention to scent and texture, the process itself becomes grounding.

Have you heard of forest bathing? It’s a quiet pause during a busy season. You’re connecting to the season while creating something that allows someone else to do the same later. Keep it simple. Let the season lead.

What You'll Need

Simmer Pot Ingredients

• Dried orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves
• Fresh evergreen sprigs (fir, cedar, or pine)
• Rosemary
• Dried lavender (optional)

Supplies

• Clean jars (upcycled jars work great)
• Lids
• Ribbon or twine (optional)
• Gift tags or labels (optional)

How to Assemble Winter Simmer Pot Jars

How to Dry Orange Slices

Preheat the oven to 200°F (convection works especially well). Line baking trays with parchment paper.

Slice the oranges very thin. The thinner the slices, the faster they dry. Arrange slices in a single layer and bake for 3–5 hours, turning them every hour, until completely dried. Remove from the oven and allow to cool fully before assembling jars.

While the oranges are drying, you can whip up another cozy seasonal ritual, like my Winter White Bean & Kale Soup.

How to Use Simmer Pot Jars

• Empty the contents of the jar into a saucepan.
• Add enough water to fully cover the ingredients (I add extra so it can simmer longer).
• Place over low heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Simmer to 2-3 hours, adding water as needed so it never dries out.
• The same simmer pot can be resused for 2-3 days. Remove from heat and cover between uses.

Important: Never leave a simmer pot unattended. Do not ingest the ingredients.

Benefits of Simmer Pot Jars

• Natural, non-toxic scent
• Creates a cozy home atmosphere
• Encourages slowing down
• Reusable jars
• Compostable ingredients
• Low-waste alternative to candles and sprays

These jars make perfect DIY Winter gifts or thoughtful holiday presents.

Simmer Pot Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Simmer gently
• Add water as needed
• Compost ingredients after use
• Use within 5-7 days

Don't:

• Let the pot boil dry
• Leave unattended
• Add artificial fragrance oils
• Put simmer pot ingredients down the garbage disposal

How to Dispose of Simmer Pot Ingredients

Allow ingredients to cool completely. Strain out the water before disposing.

• Composting is recommended whenever possible
• Ingredients can also be discarded in the trash
• Do not put simmer pot ingredients down the garbage disposal.

A Gift That Lingers

Winter Simmer Pot Jars are a gift for both you and the recipient. You’re connecting with the season as you create them, and passing that feeling along to someone else.

Enjoy the process, keep it simple, and let the joy unfold when they’re finally used. Perfect as a cozy winter gift or holiday present.