• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

What Do We Do All Day logo

  • Books
    • Classics
      • 20th Century Classics
    • Early Chapter Books
    • Easy Readers
    • Folktales
    • Holiday Books
    • Middle Grade (8-12 years)
    • Nonfiction
    • Picture Books
  • Games
    • Traditional Games
  • Kids Activities
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Literacy & Writing
    • Math
    • Playful Activities
    • Science
    • Toddler
  • Parenting
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Books
  • Games
  • Activities
  • Parenting
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Holiday / Sweet and Spicy: Making Pomanders with Kids

     

    Sweet and Spicy: Making Pomanders with Kids

    349 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Nothing makes a home feel cozier at Christmas time then the scents of citrus and spices wafting through the air! And it just so happens that orange and clove pomanders is the perfect easy winter craft to make with your kids. What better way to celebrate than a sweet and spicy activity with the kids that also helps them develop their all-important fine motor skills!

    We were inspired to make these sweet-smelling decorations by a photo of pomanders in a magazine.  The pomanders looked like an easy and calming way to spend an afternoon and we were not disappointed!

    Pomanders - a fun holiday activity for kids

    How to Make Orange and Clove Pomanders

    What you need:

    • a few oranges
    • cloves
    • a nail
    • masking tape (optional)
    • ribbon (optional)

    Instructions:

    Hold orange in one hand, poke cloves into the orange with the other.

    That's essentially it.

    However, since poking the cloves into the orange took some strength, my son used a marker to make dots where he wanted to place the cloves and I pre-poked holes with a nail. He was then able to press the cloves into the oranges with relative ease. Alternatively, you can use masking tape or painter's tape as a guide. Simply remove the tape when you are finished with your design.

    He became really focused on making pomanders worked independently for quite some time (and isn't that always every parent's secret goal). I will admit, I also found making pomanders quite relaxing. And the surprise bonus is that when I finished the cloves had made my fingers smelled great!

    Pomanders - a fun fine motor activity for kids during the holidays

    Some instructions advise using orris root to help preserve the pomanders. I didn't bother with that, however, and neither should you. You're not going to want to store these from year to year. Just compost the pomanders when they start to mold.

    And remember... please-oh-please let your child chose where to put their cloves! For heaven's sake don't draw a pretty design for him to follow. If the pomander comes out looking like it has been through a battle, that's totally okay. Allow your child to develop their own independent creative identity.

    And if you really love the smell of oranges at Christmas, dry some orange slices and have your kids string them up to make ornaments or a garland. This is also a great fine motor activity! Here's a video to show you how to do it:

    Fine motor skills practice with pomanders

    Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
    Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    « If You Like Judy Blume, You'll Love These Books
    Cute Christmas Coloring Pages »
    349 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. 5orangepotatoes says

      December 09, 2009 at 2:10 pm

      We love making these! They smell so yummy. I have the girls poke a fork into the orange to make holes for the cloves. Ours keep for a long time, depending on the amount of cloves the orange has.

      happy holidays!

      Reply
    2. Raising a Happy Child says

      December 09, 2009 at 11:08 pm

      I have never heard about them until one of my online friends mentioned them on her blog. Sounds like fun... next year project by now 🙂

      Reply
    3. Morgan says

      November 29, 2020 at 9:05 pm

      We fill the entire orange with cloves. They are going on at least ten years now and still smell faintly of cloves. Each year I make another one to add to the fragrance. Now it’s time to get my grandkids helping. I don’t use orris root and mine haven’t molded.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Erica! I believe parents can stay sane without giving their kids an electronic device. Learn how!

    More about me →

    Newsletter

    Join over 19,000 subscribers who said "Yes! I want to unplug my kids!" We'll send you 10 waiting games your kids can play anytime, anywhere. Join here -->

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About the Site
    • No AI

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and join over 19,000 other families finding ways reduce screen time.

    Other Stuff

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2023 What Creative Media LLC

    Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
    Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want More Free Activity Ideas?
    Join our email list and as a thank you gift I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games that will make your kids smarter.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want your kids to love being unplugged?
    Join our newsletter and as a thank you, I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you keep using this website we will assume you are OK with that. Read our privacy policy for more.OKRead more