Cloves in orange, also known as a Christmas pomander, is one of the loveliest and simplest Christmas crafts you can make with older children. It fills the house with a warm, spicy scent and makes a beautiful handmade gift for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or teachers. There’s no fixed pattern to follow either — kids can trace their own design, so every pomander turns out a little different.
It’s a low-mess, low-cost craft too, which makes it a great one to fit in among the busier Christmas activities.
What you need
- A firm orange
- A toothpick (or cocktail stick)
- Whole cloves
- Ribbon (optional, for decorating or hanging)
What you do
1. Use the toothpick to trace out a design on the orange — dots, swirls, stripes, or whatever pattern you like.
2. Push a clove into each hole made by the toothpick, pointed end facing inwards.
3. You can cover the entire orange with cloves for a fuller look, or make swirly, spaced-out patterns — this uses fewer cloves and gives a nice decorative effect.
4. Tie a ribbon around the orange if you’d like to hang it or dress it up for gifting. Otherwise, simply place it as is on a festive table or sideboard for a lovely natural scent.
A tip to prevent mould
To stop mould forming, hang the orange in a cool, dark place — a closet works well — for about a week before displaying it. This lets the orange dry out properly and helps your pomander last much longer.
Why kids love this craft
It’s a hands-on, sensory activity — the smell of cloves and orange is instantly festive, and children get to be creative with their own designs. It’s also a satisfying craft for older kids who want something a little different from cutting and gluing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a clove and orange pomander last?
If you let the orange dry out fully in a cool, dark place before displaying it, a pomander can last for several weeks, sometimes longer, gradually shrinking and hardening as it dries.
Do I need a specific type of orange?
A firm orange works best. Softer, very juicy oranges can be trickier to push cloves into and may take longer to dry out.
Can younger children help with this craft?
Younger children may need help with the toothpick step, as it takes a little hand strength to pierce the orange skin evenly. Once the holes are made, most children can push in the cloves themselves.
What can we do with the pomander afterwards?
Once dried, pomanders make a nice natural decoration for a table, sideboard, or hung with ribbon. Some families keep them in a drawer or wardrobe as a natural, long-lasting air freshener.
More Christmas craft ideas
Looking for more homemade Christmas decoration and gift ideas to try with the kids? Browse our full collection of Christmas craft ideas for more simple, fun projects the whole family can enjoy together.
Have your own take on a homemade Christmas decoration? We’d love to hear about it — share your ideas in the comments below.
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