There is nothing quite like the cozy scent of cinnamon and citrus filling your home during the holidays. That is why DIY stovetop potpourri gift jars are my absolute favorite present to make in bulk this year. They offer a high-end, boutique look without the boutique price tag.
As a busy mom of three, I know the struggle of needing office holiday party favors that don’t look cheap or rushed. I used to stress over baking cookies, only to worry about allergies or dietary restrictions at the workplace. This project solves the “what are good non-food DIY gifts for office?” dilemma perfectly.
This “Batch-Boutique” method allows you to assemble luxury gifts for your entire team in under an hour. We focus on budget friendly gifting by buying spices in bulk and using high-contrast packaging. Let’s create some holiday magic that your coworkers will actually want to take home.
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished Stovetop Simmer Pot Jars, styled perfectly in a well-lit room with deep green velvet ribbons and dried orange slices visible through the glass.]
📝 Key Mechanics
Before we start styling, here is the hardware you need to make sure everything stays put. You will need: 16oz Wide Mouth Mason Jars, 1-inch Velvet Ribbon, Cardstock (65lb+), Hole Punch, and a Kitchen Funnel.
Supplies & Tools List
Base Decor Ingredients:
- 16oz Glass Jars (Quilted crystal or smooth).
- Dried orange slices (2-3 per jar).
- Cinnamon sticks (3 inch length).
- Whole cloves and Star Anise.
- Bay leaves (dried works best for shelf life).
- Cranberry sprigs (fresh) or dried rose hips.
Tools & Hardware:
- Scissors (fabric shears prefered for ribbon).
- Hole punch (standard 1/4 inch).
- Home Printer (for tags).
- Wide neck funnel.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cleaning all your glassware to ensure it sparkles. If you are drying your own fruit, slice navel oranges thinly and bake them at 200°F for 3-4 hours until fully dehydrated. You can also use these leftovers as a dried orange garland garnish for your tree later.
However, if you are pressing for time like I usually am, buying pre-dried slices is a lifesaver. This ensures every slice has that perfect, vibrant orange color.
📸 [Image-2: A flat-lay photo showing bowls of cloves, cinnamon sticks, and star anise arranged in an assembly line fashion.]
Step 2: The Art of Layering
This is where we turn simple ingredients into DIY mason jar Christmas gifts for coworkers that look professionally curated. Place your funnel in the jar to keep the rim clean. Slide your largest orange slice and two cinnamon sticks into the jar first.
Press them flat against the glass facing outward. This creates the “face” of the jar. Fill the center void with your smaller spices like cloves, star anise, and bay leaves to hold the front ingredients in place.
📸 [Image-3: Close-up shot of a hand placing a cinnamon stick vertically against the glass inside the jar.]
Step 3: Seal and Cover the Lid
Place the metal flat lid on the jar. To hide the industrial look of the silver lid, cut a 6-inch square of brown kraft paper or linen fabric. Center the paper over the flat lid and screw the metal ring down tight over it.
This creates a ruffled edge that looks rustic and charming. It is a simple trick for sustainable gift wrapping ideas that eliminates the need for wrapping paper. Trim the edges of the paper with scissors if they hang too low.
📸 [Image-4: A photo showing the metal ring being screwed onto the jar over a piece of kraft paper, creating a ruffled skirt effect.]
Step 4: The Boutique Finish
Now we add the luxury element. Wrap your velvet ribbon around the neck of the jar, covering the metal ring. Tie a simple knot, letting the tails hang down.
Cut the ribbon ends at a sharp angle about one inch longer than the bottom of the jar. This specific length creates an elegant drape. This is the secret to how to wrap mason jar gifts professionally.
📸 [Image-5: Macro shot of the velvet ribbon being cut at an angle with fabric shears.]
Step 5: Attach the Tag
You must include a tag with instructions. Use printable gift tags for Christmas that say “Stovetop Simmer Pot” and “Do Not Eat.” Punch a hole in the corner of your cardstock tag.
Thread a thin piece of twine or wire through the tag and tie it around the knot of your velvet ribbon. This serves as both a safety warning and a style element. The clear glass and bold tag make these perfect last minute homemade gifts.
📸 [Image-6: The final jar sitting on a counter with the instruction tag clearly visible.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
_How far in advance can I make DIY food gifts?_
Since these are simmer pots and not for eating, they last much longer than cookies. If you use completely dried ingredients (dried citrus and bay leaves), you can assemble these bulk Christmas gifts for employees DIY up to 4 weeks in advance. Store them in a cool, dry place.
_What are good gender-neutral gifts for coworkers?_
Scent is a universal language. These jars avoid specific gender tropes and focus on the feeling of “home.” They are excellent hostess gift ideas or gifts for male and female bosses alike because everyone enjoys a festive-smelling home.
_How to decorate a mason jar lid?_
As mentioned in Step 3, the “Kraft Paper Trap” is the easiest method. Simply trap a square of paper or fabric under the screwing ring. You can also spray paint the rings gold for a more metallic look.
_Cheapest way to fill gift baskets?_
Volume is key. Use pine branches from your yard or fluffy crinkle paper to take up space at the bottom of a basket. Place this simmer pot jar in the center as the “hero” item. This is a classic trick for inexpensive homemade gifts that look expensive.
_Non-food DIY gifts for office?_
Simmer pots are the ultimate solution here. They look like food, but they serve a decorative and aromatic purpose. This avoids all issues regarding gluten, nuts, or sugar restrictions in the workplace.
I hope this tutorial helps you breeze through your corporate gifting list this year. By following this “Batch-Boutique” method, you can create inexpensive homemade gifts that look expensive without breaking the bank. Happy gifting!