Quick DIY Mason Jar Gift Ideas
6 inexpensive and easy mason jar gift ideas you can whip up in your kitchen using simple ingredients in under 10 minutes.
It has been quite a long time since the word “mason jar” has graced any blog posts around here. I guess that’s what happens when you drift from farmhouse style after moving.
But quick, inexpensive, and thoughtful gift ideas are my jam!
(I mean, literally you could make jam as a gift and put it in a mason jar, but we’re going for quick here, people. Anywho…)
6 Quick and Easy DIY Mason Jar Gift Ideas in Under 10 Minutes
Since my Christmas Gift Basket Ideas post has gone haywire from last year, I thought it would be fun to pull together something similar with mason jar gift ideas that are perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
There are so many different kinds out there, but these jar gifts take the least amount of time to make (under 10 minutes), require no cooking/prep, and they can all be tailored to the recipient.
How To Decorate Jars
To make cute mason jars, simply add some tape or glue dots to the top and sides of the jar lid. Cut out brown kraft paper (or wrapping paper) in a circle an inch wider in diameter than the jar lid. Press the paper onto the jar lid.
Label the jars along with directions on how to use it if needed. I used these simple folded card labels and wrote the directions and labels in my own handwriting for a personal touch.
Tie the labels on with twine and finish it with ribbon.
1. Stovetop Potpourri
I absolutely love this jar gift to take along to a host for Christmas dinners and gatherings! I made a fall stovetop potpourri here using fresh fruit, but dried fruit works great too.
If you don’t want to spend time drying fruit yourself, you can buy fruit already dried.
You can give stovetop potpourri in a jar all on its own, or accompany it with a kitchen towel and/or spoon rest. Write the directions on your label.
Ingredients
- Pint-sized jar
- Label card
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 dried orange slices (see how to dry oranges here)
- Handful of dried cranberries (see how to dry cranberries here)
- 2 Tablespoons ground rosemary (or 2-3 sprigs dried rosemary)
- 2 Tablespoons ground time (or 4-5 sprigs dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup whole cloves
Directions
1. Add all of the ingredients in the jar, close the lid, and give it a good shake. Be sure your oranges and cranberries are fully dried to prevent mold.
Recipient Directions
1. Add all jar contents to a saucepan with 4-6 cups of water.
2. Simmer on low uncovered for a day to make your whole house smell like Christmas. If water gets low before 24 hours, just add more water as desired.
*Store jarred potpourri for up to a year in a cool, dry, dark cupboard.
2. Peppermint Bath Salts
These bath salts are so refreshing! And it only requires 3 ingredients. Give it on its own or pair it with this bathtub tray or some cozy socks for more pampering.
Ingredients
- Pint-sized jar
- Label card
- 2 Cups epsom salt
- 2 Tablespoons baking soda
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
1. Stir all ingredients together until combined and pour them into the jar.
Recipient Directions
Empty entire jar into warm bath water and enjoy.
3. Sugar Cookie Mix
This cookie mix is perfect for giving to friends or neighbors with kids. They’re so simple yet so good, and of course sprinkles make them better.
If you want to add more give alongside the jar, wrap up a set of pretty measuring spoons or a batter bowl. Throw in icing and extra sprinkles if you want to add more fun.
Ingredients
- Quart-sized jar
- Label card
- 2 1/4 Cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 Cup sprinkles
Directions
1. Pour flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in the jar. Close it and give it a good shake to combine thoroughly.
2. Add sprinkles on top and close the lid.
Recipient Directions
1. Pour the jar contents into a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir in 1 cup softened butter, 1 egg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Scoop one tablespoon of cookie dough onto a sheet pan about 2 inches apart.
4. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
5. Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack and enjoy!
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4. Mulling Spices
This is a great one as a host gift too! Mulling spices are so perfect for warming up in the chilly winter weather. Pair it with a bottle of red wine or a half gallon of apple cider, and include a tea infuser for good measure.
Ingredients
- Pint-sized jar
- Label card
- 12 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 dried orange slices chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup allspice
- 1/4 cup whole cloves
Directions
1. Put cinnamon sticks in a sealed gallon sized zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or skillet.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and transfer into the jar.
Recipient Directions
1. Put 2 tablespoons of spice mixture in a tea infuser, muslin bag, or in a cheesecloth tied securely with string.
2. For mulled wine, pour red wine in a saucepan with the spice mixture, 1/3 cup sugar, and warm over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
3. For mulled apple cider, simmer spice mixture and apple cider on low for 30 minutes.
4. Ladle into mugs and enjoy warm.
5. Hot Cocoa Mix
This one’s a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason. Who doesn’t love cocoa? Gift it with a cute mug or a cozy throw blanket.
Ingredients
- Quart-sized jar
- Label card
- 1 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 Cup sugar
- 1 Cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/2 Cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 Cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 Cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
1. Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and milk powder in the jar, giving it a good shake.
2. Add dark and milk chocolate chips in a layer. Top with marshmallows and close the lid.
Recipient Directions
1. Combine 1/3 cup cocoa mix and 1 cup hot water in a mug. Enjoy!
6. Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub
This sugar scrub smells absolutely amazing and is great for exfoliating dry winter skin to feel soft and hydrated again. Gift it along with the peppermint bath salts in a jar above. Or pair it with some comfy slippers.
Ingredients
- 4 oz jar
- Label card
- 1/4 Cup white sugar
- 1/4 Cup brown sugar
- 1/4 Cup coconut oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Yields: 2 Jars
Directions
- Mix together ingredients in a small bowl and pour mixture into jars.
Recipient Directions
Apply body scrub on hands, feet, and body. Rinse and feel rejuvenated skin that is exfoliated and hydrated.
If you want more gift ideas, you can see 8 gift basket ideas here.
Have you ever made some of these mason jar gifts for friends and family before? Any other fun ideas for homemade gifts you can mix in a jar?
I’m honestly tempted to keep some of these for myself, especially the spa-related ones. But I guess that just means I need to make more of them.
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