14 Simple, Beautiful Homemade Holiday Gifts

Mulled-Cider Sachets

Makes: 2 gifts (6 sachets in all)
Total time: 10 minutes

What You Need

• 12 cinnamon sticks
• 6 pieces star anise
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 6 bouquet garni bags ($8 for 12 bags, surlatable.com)

What to Do

Divide the cinnamon, star anise, allspice, and cloves among the bags. Keep at room temperature for up to 6 months.

How to Package Your Gift

1. Divide the sachets between 2 small boxes lined with decorative foil or paper. Try the Bamboo Stackable Drawer Organizers available at containerstore.com (3 by 6 by 2 inches, $4 each).
2. Handwrite or download the following instructions on a gift tag or label to include with your gift: “Simmer 1 sachet in 2 quarts apple cider for 15 minutes. Serves 8.”
3. Tuck gift tags with instructions into the boxes; wrap with decorative wrapping paper or fabric that is cut to the width of each box, leaving the ends open. Secure each with a ribbon and finish by tying on a cinnamon stick and a star anise piece.

For a printable PDF with the instructions, suitable for including with your gift, go to Homemade How-tos (scroll to the second page).