Gift Jar Ideas for Christmas

7 Recipes for Gift Jars

Everyone loves gifts from the kitchen. They’re delicious, thoughtful, disposable, and always appreciated. Gifts in a Jar are especially helpful when you wish to treat a lot of people—from neighbors to teachers to scout leaders to your mailman.

Here are seven edible gift ideas:

1. Candy Cane Bark
2. Apricot and Pistachio Bark
3. Cranberry Chutney
4. Christmas Granola
5. Spiced Nuts
6. Toffee Popcorn
7. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Of course, there are non-food ideas, too.  You could fill your gift jars with potpourri, homemade laundry soap, homemade bath soaks, homemade aftershave, and more!

Dressing Up The Gift Jar

Remember that the jar is your packaging! Spend a little time and dress up your pickles or preserves as a special gift at Christmastime. Here are some ideas:

• Cover those little metal tops. Start with a circle of colored paper or fabric that is two inches larger than the jar top.
• Secure it with several turns of fine gold cord and knot the cord, leaving an inch or so hanging below the knot.
• Secure the knot with sealing wax for a special touch. Or tie on a frilly fabric or paper doily, using a fancy ribbon and a small bouquet of dried or paper flowers.
• Traditional checked gingham gives your gifts a country look; use pinking shears to cut the circles. Or glue lace onto fabric for another look.
• For a delightful touch, draw and cut out appropriate stencils (a strawberry for strawberry jam), and apply them to muslin with fabric paint.

Illustrated by Margo Letourneau

Check our pages on Canning and Preserving for more ideas for your gift jars!