Gifts in a Jar: Turn a Humble Glass Container Into a Great Gift!

November 15, 2012

The holidays are coming, and we’re all scrambling for gift ideas. Look no further than the empty jars in your pantry for attractive, enjoyable, and practical gifts for many people on your list.

Gifts in a jar are not new. Traditionally, they are edible, but you can create containers of other items as well.

The Library has resources to help you make your gifts. 

Gifts in a Jar is a series of 8 books with ideas for beverages, soups, one-dish meals, breads, and cookies that can be made into gift mixes. This series also has a book titled Gifts in a Jar for Kids, which has great ideas for a Scout troop or classroom. Your children at home could make their own gifts for teachers, neighbors, or relatives. 

Marie Browning has written a series of books titled: Snazzy Jars, Really Jazzy Jars, and Jazzy Jars. Along with edible items, this series explores nonfood gifts such as bath salts and sewing kits. Browning shares clear, easy-to-follow directions on a variety of ways to make your gift beautiful as well as useful.

Ideas for non-edible gift ideas might include: a small first aid kit, potpourri, a simple manicure/pedicure kit, a simple tool kit, journaling ideas and pen (maybe put with a journal), a flashlight with batteries and deck of cards (label "when the lights go out"), and candles. Just Google "nonfood gifts in a jar," and you’ll be surprised at all the great ideas!

Last but not least, you can always fill a jar with money or someone’s favorite candy, attach a small mallet or hammer, and add a tag that says, "In case of emergency, break glass!"

Have a good time with this!

Terri B.
Blue Springs South Branch