Gift Jar Ideas for Christmas
Primary Image
Caption
You’ve canned your goodies—now find out how to make beautiful gifts.
7 Edible Gifts That You Can Put in a Jar
For daily wit & wisdom, sign up for the Almanac newsletter.
Body
Try making your own gift jars this year, because one of the nicest presents you can give is a gift of food from your own kitchen.
Advertisement
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:
- Candy Cane Bark
- Apricot and Pistachio Bark
- Cranberry Chutney
- Christmas Granola
- Spiced Nuts
- Toffee Popcorn
- 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!
Get Almanac’s Daily Updates
BONUS: You’ll also receive our free Beginner Gardening Guide!
Comments