Easy Homemade Gifts in a Jar

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September 14, 2025

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One of the easiest and most meaningful gifts to give any holiday season is gifts in a jar. Mason jar gifts include everything from homemade jams and jellies to spice mixes and everything in between. We’ve got ideas galore for your ease and gift giving needs.

A jar of homemade crackers with text overlay reading: homemade gifts in a jar.

Easy Homemade Mason Jar Gift Ideas

Give jars of the jams and jellies you’ve canned. Naturally this is easy and likely already in the pantry.

Combine several jars of jam with a loaf of homemade bread in a basket or box for a simple but lovely and always welcome Christmas gifts or even housewarming gifts.

Jars full of homegrown and dried herbs are an amazing way to share the garden with friends and family who like to cook.

Giving someone a mix in a jar is a kind way to give them a meal when time might be short.

Homemade balms, salves, and other body products are a great DIY gift for the folks in your life looking to live more simply and naturally.

Where to Get Jars

Regular old canning jars work great as vessels for your gifts in a jar recipes. However, there are many other frugal and lovely choices.

Hit thrift stores and look for interesting jars with tight fitting lids. Just be sure to give them a good washing before using.

Reuse old jars from things you’ve purchased. Again, clean them out well, remove old labels, and perhaps cover up the lids with some cloth or paper to hide branding.

How to Decorate

Keep it simple by combining the jar gifts in a basket with like things. Give bath bombs with a nice washcloth as an example.

Make nice labels either on the computer or hand drawn.

Use ribbon or natural twine to wrap around the jars.

Jams, Jellies and Other Sweets

Perhaps the original gifts in a jar, homemade jams and jellies are ideal for gift giving and sharing the garden with loved ones.

1
An open jar of honeysuckle jelly with a butter knife sticking out of it sits in front of 3 sealed jars of jelly. Fresh yellow honeysuckle flowers and leaves surround the jars. Text overlay reads: Honeysuckle Jelly - The flavor of summer.
Honeysuckle Jelly
Honeysuckle jelly is a sweet, mild flavored flower jelly. It’s truly the flavor of summer in a jar.
Check out this recipe
2
A jar of vibrant red plum jam, perfect for your jam and jelly recipes, with pieces of plum visible inside sits on a light surface. Next to it, two whole dark plums rest alongside another sealed jar of jam, with a floral cloth partially visible in the background.
Plum Jam
A tart yet sweet and lightly spiced spread plum jam with orange and cardamom is full bright flavor sure to delight.
Check out this recipe
3
A jar of vanilla raspberry jam with a white spoon inside rests on a wooden surface. Two fresh raspberries and green leaves lie beside the jar, enhancing its inviting allure.
Vanilla Raspberry Jam
Sweet and warm this vanilla raspberry jam is amazing on cookies and peanut butter sandwiches alike.
Check out this recipe
4
A small jar filled with creamed honey, with some dripping off the edge. A napkin with a bee design is nearby, and baked scones are visible in the background. The word "Rootsy" is printed in the corner.
Creamed Honey
Creamed honey, also called whipped honey, spun honey and churned honey, is a thick spreadable honey that is easy to make at home.
Check out this recipe

Drinks

Jars are ideal containers for tea blends and drink mixes.

5
A blue mug filled with coffee sits beside a jar labeled "Instant Mocha Mix." The jar, featuring a cute coffee cup illustration and mocha mix recipe, instructs: "Add 3 Tablespoons to 8 ounces boiling water. Stir well." Both rest on a wooden surface.
Homemade Instant Mocha Mix
Fill your morning mug quickly and easily with this instant mocha mix that also makes an amazing gift!
Get the Recipe
6
A glass jar filled with dried mint leaves and cocoa nibs, perfect for gifts in a jar, sits open on a wooden table. Some of the fragrant mixture is scattered across the surface, leading to a tea infuser in the background. The lid rests nearby, completing this aromatic scene.
homespunseasonalliving.com
Homemade Chocolate Mint Tea Blend
Combine homegrown dried mint with cacao nibs and black tea for a delicious blend sure to please.
Check out this recipe
7
A glass mug of hot chocolate heaped with marshmallows sits invitingly, while a small jar filled with cocoa powder—a perfect gifts in a jar idea—rests on a white cloth. The cozy scene unfolds on a rustic wooden surface, capturing the essence of warmth and indulgence.
prepareandnourish.com
Nourishing Hot Cocoa
Hot Cocoa is always a welcome treat, make it easy for folks with a nourishing version you can feel good about giving and drinking.
Check out this recipe
8
A jar of dairy-free cappuccino mix with a spoon, adorned with a red ribbon, sits invitingly on a wooden surface. Red poinsettias in the background add a festive touch, making it perfect for gifts in a jar. The text "Dairy Free Cappuccino Mix" graces the top right corner.
thefitcookie.com
Dairy Free Cappuccino Mix
Give someone you love a fancy coffee drink that is natural but skips the dairy, if necessary.
Check out this recipe

Herb & Spice Mixes

Give the foodies in your life homemade, natural spice mixes. These can be a great way to share homegrown dried herbs, as well.

9
A glass jar labeled "HERB SALT" with green herbs and salt inside offers a quick way to preserve your favorite flavors. The word "Rootsy" is elegantly printed on the bottom right, while more fresh herbs rest on a rustic wooden surface in the background.
Make Herb Salt
Make herbed salt from homegrown herbs as another way to share the garden harvest in a frugal, practical, and always welcome way.
Check out this recipe
10
Four wooden and metal spoons filled with various ground spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of pumpkin spice, rest on a wooden surface. Cinnamon sticks lie nearby, creating a warm, rustic kitchen scene.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
This homemade pumpkin spice mix recipe is perfect for all your favorite fall treats.
Check out this recipe
11
A hand holds a clear spice jar labeled "Poultry Seasoning" over a kitchen counter, resembling gifts in a jar. Various other spice jars, including rosemary and marjoram, grace the background, while a red measuring spoon rests beside a small bowl.
bakingoutsidethebox.com
DIY Poultry Seasoning Recipe
Help someone season their roast chicken or turkey dinners naturally and simply with this blend.
Check out this recipe
12
Two glass jars filled with dried spices hint at delightful gifts in a jar, sitting next to a large metal tea infuser. In the background, blurred festive decorations and glasses with an orange beverage create a cozy, celebratory atmosphere.
nourishandnestle.com
Mulling Spices Recipe
This Mulling Spices Recipe is filled with warming and aromatic spices and makes such an easy and welcome gift.
Check out this recipe
13
Collage of a seasoning mix in small glass jars, perfect as gifts in a jar, and a bowl, with ingredients like herbs and spices arranged in separate bowls. A scoop filled with the blended seasoning powder completes this charming display on a wooden surface.
thriftyjinxy.com
Homemade Mustard Dry Rub
Give meat lovers a dry mustard rub for their favorite cuts.
Check out this recipe

Snacks

Jars make the perfect vessels for sharing homemade snacks like candies and flavored nuts.

14
A glass jar filled with sugar-coated ginger pieces is placed on a dark surface, resembling delightful gifts in a jar. A few ginger pieces are scattered around, and the surface is sprinkled with sugar. The background is dark, highlighting the texture and sparkle of this sweet treat.
www.wenthere8this.com
How to Make Homemade Candied Ginger
Flavorful and with some health benefits this is a candy you can feel good about giving.
Check out this recipe
15
A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted peanuts sits on a red and white striped cloth atop a light wooden surface, evoking the warmth of homemade gifts in a jar. The text "New South Charm" is beautifully printed on the cloth, adding an elegant Southern touch.
newsouthcharm.com
Toffee Candied Peanuts
A crunchy sweet treat is often the perfect gift for many.
Check out this recipe
16
A close-up of a bowl filled with chocolate-coated almonds on a white textured cloth, perfect for gifts in a jar. In the background, there's a blurred bowl with other snacks. Star anise and dried leaves are scattered around for decoration.
www.happyfoodstube.com
Spiced Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Crunchy and full of dark cocoa these almonds are great snack for co-workers.
Check out this recipe

Food / Baking Mixes

Give someone the gift of a super easy, homemade meal with these mixes.

17
Three glass jars with labeled tags containing instant pancake mix are displayed behind a white plate with a stack of golden-brown pancakes. The jars, perfect as gifts in a jar, have decorative covers and tags reading "Instant Pancakes in a Jar.
www.cucicucicoo.com
Pancake mix in a jar
This simple mix gives someone an easy and delicious homemade breakfast. It even comes complete with printable labels to help you get the gift together in a hurry.
Check out this recipe
18
Three jars of overnight oats with decorative labels and ribbon. The closest jar's label reads "Pina Colada Overnight Oats" and contains a mix topped with coconut flakes. The jars are aligned in a slight diagonal line on a white surface.
www.hauteandhealthyliving.com
6 DIY Mason Jar Overnight Oat Recipes
Give someone you love breakfast in jar. All they need to do is add milk and let it sit in the fridge overnight and have breakfast ready to go when they wake up.
Check out this recipe
19
A square brownie on a white plate sits next to an open jar labeled "Brownie Mix." Behind it, a larger dish holds more brownies. The scene is set on a rustic wooden surface.
Brownie Mix Recipe
Make this DIY brownie mix for easy desserts straight from the pantry or to give as gifts during the holiday season and beyond.
Check out this recipe
20
A heavenly slice of chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting sits on a white plate atop a wooden table. The whole cake, perched on a glass stand, basks in the background. Nearby, a jar of cocoa powder and a red cloth add to the harmonious scene.
Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix
Whip up an easy chocolate cake mix to make homemade chocolate cakes in a hurry or to give away as gifts.
Get the Recipe
21
A square piece of vanilla cake, crafted from white cake mix, is topped with white frosting on a white plate. The plate rests on a rustic wooden table, with a red-patterned cloth providing a warm backdrop.
White Cake Mix Recipe
Skip the boxed cake mix and whip up your own homemade white cake mix with this easy recipe that results in an delicious dessert!
Get the Recipe

Bath & Body Products

Help loved ones take care of themselves and their bodies by giving them luxurious and natural bath and body products.

22
A jar filled with a dark, crumbly mixture sits on a white cloth atop a burlap surface. Colorful beads embellish the handle of a spoon beside it, capturing the essence of gifts in a jar. The scene creates a rustic, artisan feel.
megseverydayindulgence.com
DIY Coffee Scrub
The coarse coffee will help remove dead skin and will smell great at the same time.
Check out this recipe
23
A glass jar layered with dried lavender, oatmeal, and a mysterious purple substance sits delicately on a white cloth, surrounded by sprigs of lavender. Text reads: "Lavender DIY Oatmeal Milk Bath." Perfect for thoughtful gifts in a jar.
www.turningclockback.com
Easy Lavender DIY Oatmeal Milk Bath Recipe
Soothe and moisturize the skin with milk and herbs that will also smell good and relax the mind at the same time.
Check out this recipe
24
A jar of homemade body butter sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by dried flowers. A book titled "The Beeswax Workshop" peeks into view. Text reads: "Homemade Body Butter - gifts in a jar to moisturize dry skin with nature.
www.schneiderpeeps.com
DIY Body Butter for Healthy Skin
Help someone soothe dry, irritated skin with a nourishing rich homemade body butter.
Check out this recipe
25
A white bowl filled with pink and white granular sugar, reminiscent of gifts in a jar, resembling coarse salt, with a wooden scoop partially buried in it. The bowl is elegantly placed on a tiled surface.
princesspinkygirl.com
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Peppermint is an energizing scent to give folks and this sugar scrub comes together in no time making it perfect for last minute gifts.
Check out this recipe

Gifts for the Home

Fill jars with useful gifts, loved ones can use for the their homes.

26
A lit candle in a glass jar, adorned with gifts in a jar charm, features a pink and white twine bow and sits elegantly on a stone surface. Dried lavender sprigs are artfully arranged beside it, while the dark background enhances the warm, cozy ambiance.
How to Make Beeswax Candles in Jars
Jar candles are an easy candle craft for beginners to make that require only a few materials. Beeswax candles made in mason jars are attractive and add beauty anywhere they are used. Jar candles can be used as emergency lighting or to add ambiance to the atmosphere of your home.
Check out this recipe
27
Scattered light pink and yellow rose petals grace the dark surface, with a whole orange and lemon adding vibrant contrast in the background—a picturesque scene reminiscent of gifts in a jar, brimming with nature's beauty.
decorhint.com
DIY Potpourri with Dried Rose Petals
Give someone a good smelling jar that will lift spirits with the scents of rose and citrus.
Check out this recipe
28
A small glass jar with a lit tealight candle, perfect for gifts in a jar, is decorated with colorful dots. Behind it stands a bottle adorned with a similar pattern. A purple cloth is partially visible in the background.
www.attainable-sustainable.net
Transform Recycled Jars into Pretty Decor, Candle Holders, or Gift Packaging
Use the jar itself as the gift by decorating it for candle holders and more.
Check out this recipe
29
A packaging box contains twelve Ball brand quart-sized mason jars with silver lids, perfect for gifts in a jar. The green box showcases an image of pickles and the text "Quart Jars," highlighting their ideal use for preserving and pickling.
Ball Mason 32 oz Wide Mouth Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12 Jars.
Quart size mason jars are great for gifts in jars such as cookie and brownie mixes.
Get it Here
30
A small, clear glass jar with a metal lid, featuring a quilted pattern and the word "Ball" embossed on its side—perfect for creating unique gifts in a jar.
www.amazon.com
Ball 4-Ounce Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars with Lids and Bands, Set of 12-2 Pack (Total 24 Jars)
Small, 4 ounce mason jars are perfect for gifts such as candles, bath salts, and tea.
Get it Here
31
A set of six clear glass storage jars with orange rubber seals and metal clips, perfect for creating gifts in a jar. Stacked in two columns, each jar features a textured design on the lid.
www.amazon.com
Weck 741 – 0.25 Liter Mold Jars with Lids – 6 Rings and 12 Clamps
Weck jars are unique and safe for canning and for using for any other gift in a jar.
Get it Here
32
Sheets of gold adhesive labels in various shapes accompany a blue glass dropper bottle adorned with a matching gold label—an elegant presentation ideal for gifts in a jar. A small gray microfiber cloth is also included.
www.amazon.com
Wisdompro Fancy Shape Stickers Labels for Essential Oil Bottle and Food Jars – 8 Sheet (256Pcs) – Small
Make sure to label the jars with cute labels. This assortment has a label size for almost gift in jar.
Get it Here
A slightly open jar containing homemade crackers with hearts attached to it sits on a counter. Text overlay reads: Gifts in a Jar - ideas for food & body.

Thanks for sharing!

4 thoughts on “Easy Homemade Gifts in a Jar”

    • Hi Carol, you can use your own recipes in the jar. I would test it out ahead of time so you can adjust for cooking time. Be sure that you do not fill the jar with batter more than halfway until you’ve done a test and know how much your own recipe expands.

      Reply

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