Homemade Gift: Stovetop Potpourri Recipe + Free Printable

Two of my favorite things about Christmas: the cozy, delicious smells and homemade gifts! I absolutely love creating gifts for others because it feels thoughtful and personal—especially during a season when overspending and materialism can easily take over.

My mom has always been incredibly creative with her gift-giving, and she’s a big part of why I love making things by hand. I still remember her homemade gifts over the years—painted tea towels, pencil flower pots, cookie and cocoa mixes, rice heat packs, hand-painted ornaments… the list goes on. She’s been my inspiration for so many of the homemade gifts I’ve made through the years.

Last year, I decided to make homemade stovetop potpourri, but never got around to sharing it—so here it is! I was inspired by all the beautiful dehydrated orange garlands floating around during the holidays (which I also made). The ingredients below are what I used, but you can easily mix and match with other fruits, herbs, and spices you love.

Think limes, lemons, grapefruit, pomegranate, bay leaves, star anise, vanilla beans, or nutmeg. The possibilities are endless!

Materials

Oranges
Apples
Cranberries
Rosemary sprigs
Thyme sprigs
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Mason jars
Twine
Something to label with — free printable label included below (pretty paper, label maker, etc.)
Food dehydrator (optional but helpful; I bought mine from ALDI, but this one has great reviews for the price!)

Step 1: Dehydrate Your Fruits and Herbs

You can use either a food dehydrator or your oven—both work great! There’s no need to buy new equipment if you don’t have one.

A quick tip: be careful not to burn your fruit. I made the mistake of thinking mine wasn’t done yet and ended up with some over-toasted orange slices. They still smell amazing, but a little less photogenic—do as I say, not as I do!

Prepare

Slice oranges and apples thinly and evenly (about 3 mm thick).
Separate the rosemary and thyme sprigs.
For cranberries: place them in a bowl, boil enough water to cover, pour it over, and let sit for 10–12 minutes until the skins split (this helps them dry faster).

Directions Using a Food Dehydrator

Follow your dehydrator’s instructions for use.
Arrange fruit and herbs evenly on trays—don’t overcrowd.
Set temperature and timer (it varies by fruit/herb—see your dehydrator guide).
Rotate trays as needed and add time if necessary.

Directions Using an Oven

Preheat oven to the lowest setting (around 200°F).
Arrange everything on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway through for even drying.
Check regularly to ensure nothing burns.

Step 2: Assemble Your Jars

Line up your dried ingredients and start filling your jars. I like to begin with the longer items (cinnamon sticks, rosemary, thyme), then add cranberries, cloves, oranges, and apples until the jar is full and festive.

Tie with twine and attach your label or printable tag for a charming handmade touch.

Step 3: Label and Store

Add your tag or label to finish. These make such sweet, budget-friendly gifts for neighbors, teachers, friends, or family.

I’m not sure how long they technically last, but mine are over a year old and still smell amazing! I wouldn’t recommend eating them (no preservatives here), but they’re perfect for simmering on the stove to fill your home with that warm, cozy holiday scent.

Print Pin

Stovetop Potpourri Gift Recipe

Equipment

food dehydrator
jar with lid
twine
gift tag

Ingredients

1 orange sliced
1 apple sliced
½ cup cranberries
2 rosemary sprigs
2 thyme sprigs
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp whole cloves

Instructions

Dehydrate fruit and herbs using a dehydrator or using an oven at 200°F for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway.
Once dried, layer ingredients in a mason jar.
Add a gift tag and tie with twine.
To use, pour contents into a small pot, add 2–3 cups of water, and simmer on low. Add more water as needed.