15 Unique Gift in a Jar Ideas They'll Love
There's no gift more appreciated than one that comes from the heart, and taking time to put together a homemade gift shows you really care. But you don't have to be a crafting superstar to whip up a highly personalized and thoughtful DIY gift: You just need a jar and a bit of inspiration.
These gift-in-a-jar ideas show how magical a few simple supplies can be when assembled in the glass. Whether you choose to upcycle jars you have around the house for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option, source clean mason jars or other specialty jars for these projects; they come together quickly and with few supplies. Some of the gift ideas on our list don't even require crafting skills — just an eye for curation to pull together a theme-y collection. While some gift jar ideas are holiday-centric, most can be adapted to create a perfectly thoughtful gift for any occasion year-round.
Still, looking for more budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing gift inspiration? Don't forget to check out our roundups of DIY gifts, gifts under $20, stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, and White Elephant presents.
Sewing Kit in a Jar
Spend next to nothing to whip up a charming sewing kit in a jar — with a look similar to Anthropologie's $48 version. Scrap fabric or a drop cloth tops the sweet pin cushion in the lid.
Get the tutorial at It All Started With Paint.
Pumpkin Spice Sugar Lip Scrub
Give a homemade lip scrub in a jar using a few simple, cheap, and widely available ingredients. This pumpkin spice version comes with a free printable label, but you can customize the flavor using any spices or essential oils of your choice.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted.
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Create these ultra-adorable mini gingerbread houses using jars as the foundation. Then fill them with candies or other trinkets for gorgeous and conversation-starting little holiday gifts.
Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor.
Snow Globe Mason Jars
Use a clear ornament to create a mini snow globe atop a jar lid. Then, fill the jar with candies, bath salts, or whatever you like for a perfectly cute gift idea.
Get the tutorial at Jennifer Maker.
Teacher Appreciation Candle
Red glitter makes a dazzling presentation in a jar for this apple-theme candle, perfect as a teacher appreciation gift at any time of year.
Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor.
Unicorn Slime Jars
Little paper flowers and glitter paper decorate these slime-filled jars for a cheerful gift or party favor idea for kids.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Snowy Candle
Use what you already have in your kitchen — kosher salt or regular salt — to give upcycled jars a snowy touch. Then fill them with votives for a gift so much more personal and thoughtful than a candle from the mall.
Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow.
Confetti Jars
Fill jars with confetti for a pretty and oh-so-celebratory gift ideal for a birthday, New Year's Eve party, or any other festive occasion.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Hot Chocolate
Use mug-style mason jars with handles to take these hot-cocoa-in-a-jar kits to the next level. Festoon with a decorative spoon tied with twine to finish the look.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog.
S'mores
Combine Golden Grahams cereal, M&Ms, and mini marshmallows for a s'mores-like snack. Attach the printable tag for a cheeky, punny finishing touch.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog.
Troll Planters
Turn jars into colorful little planters for Trolls-inspired gifts. Or use a similar method for more grownup gifts in any style and color combo you love.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids.
Pedicure Jar
Putting together a pedicure in a jar kit is as easy as assembling nail polish, a file, a brush, and other coordinating accessories. This one has a cheeky ”smell my feet” theme for Halloween (and a free printable to go with it). But the idea works for any holiday or occasion you like.
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
Peppermint Bath Salts
Use this simple, 10-minute method to whip up a range of jarred gifts from homemade potpourri to bath salts.
Get the tutorial at Bless'er House.
Snowy Luminary
These little luminaries make equally pretty holiday or hostess gifts as they do decorative accents for your mantel or table.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin and a Princess.
Motherhood Survival Kit
Assemble a jarred gift for a new mom and fill it with essentials like wipes, lip balm, tissues, and a Starbucks gift card. The low-effort, high-impact gesture will be appreciated more than you know!
Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft.
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