Move over gift baskets, because there’s a new easy gift in town… the gift JAR! A few years ago I wrote a post about simple gifts that can be assembled and given in a glass jar that became wildly popular, much more so than I ever would have anticipated.
It continues to make the rounds on Pinterest around Christmastime every year, so I decided it was time to do a follow-up to my original “Gifts in a Jar” post, with new ideas to keep the inspiration flowing. (And check out more great gift in a jar ideas by exploring the two posts below!)
Related: 10 Unique Gift Ideas For An Amazing “Gift In A Jar”
Related: 7 Easy “Gift In A Jar” Ideas You Can Put Together In No Time
The vital component of a great gift in a jar is, unsurprisingly, the jar itself. My very favorite jars for gifting are the 1-gallon and 2-gallon glass jars by Anchor Hocking, because they’re pretty inexpensive and extremely versatile. (I actually use the 2-gallon jar as a container for my homemade powdered laundry detergent recipe, both because it looks pretty in my laundry room and it makes it easy to tell when I need to make more.)
As for what to put inside the jar… the possibilities are virtually endless! Today I’ll be sharing 9 different ideas for themed gifts-in-a-jar, but feel free to use these ideas to get your own creative juices flowing. (And when you do come up with your own genius idea for a gift in a jar, share it with us in a comment at the bottom of this post!) :-)
Related: 7 Unexpected And Creative Ways To Give A Gift Card
Look for the video at the end of this post to see step-by-step instructions in action!
9 (More) Ideas For Gifts In A Jar
1. Christmas Morning Cocoa
This jar includes everything you’d need to make dressed-up hot cocoa (or coffee) for a crowd! I included hot cocoa mix (but you could do coffee if you prefer), as well as candy canes, mini marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and cookie straws.
2. Pancake Breakfast
This jar has everything you need to whip up a delicious pancake breakfast. I included my favorite pancake mix, a bottle of high-quality syrup, a cute whisk, and a new hot pad.
3. For The Handyman (Or Woman!)
This jar is packed with tools and handy knick-knacks. If you have a particular person in your life who you call when you need help fixing something, this jar would be perfect for them! I included Command hooks, a measuring tape, multitools, extension cords, and a pair of work gloves.
4. Relaxation Station
If you know someone who could use a relaxing night off, give them the gift of relaxation! In this jar, I included some ultra-soft wash cloths, scented bath bombs, a loofah, some bath salts, rejuvenating rose water, and of course, chocolate!
5. Game Night
A jar full of card games and board games is perfect for your ultra-competitive friends and family. ;-) You can find smaller games for just a few dollars at stores like Target and Walmart (check your local dollar store too!) so you can pack the jar full of new games without breaking the bank.
6. Chili Dinner
Who wouldn’t love a cozy bowl of chili on a frigid winter night? Many chili recipes call for canned beans, etc, so you can give someone everything they need to whip up a batch of chili as a delicious gift in a jar! I included everything you’d need to make The Pioneer Woman’s Seven Can Chili, including canned tomatoes, beans, corn, and more. Delish!
7. College Survival Kit
Students typically need all the help they can get, so get them a gift full of college student staples! I included notebooks, pens, energy drinks, instant noodles, and some cute dorm decor.
More Ideas You'll Love
8. Road Warrior
This is the perfect gift for the person in your life who is always on the go. I included auto glass cleaning wipes, a nice sponge for washing the car, and a handy USB car charger. (And some candy for snacking, of course!)
9. For Gamers And Binge-Watchers
Here’s a jar that’s perfect for anyone who loves video games, movies, or TV shows. I included some microwave popcorn, a new video game (swap for a TV series box set or new movie as necessary), a cozy blanket, and a few fun toys.
What your ideal gift-in-a-jar be filled with?
This is a great idea! I just finished making foot soak salts, and I could easily added the scrubber hand gloves, a top coat, and cute nail polish, plus a nail file to the glass jar! I think if I made up your cream from a previous post, that would make the gift jar complete! Thanks for the ideas! Yoga with Gail.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good Morning Jillee and fellow readers: This comment is in relation to the recipe for powdered laundry detergent and although I’m certain it’s great it’s also an “heads-up” to those of us who have septic systems and/or dry wells. We just encountered a problem which cost us nearly $1,000 to have fixed and it was because of clogged pipes mostly due to the buildup of soaps and grease over the period of over 60 years and the company who rectified our problem, in no uncertain terms, said stay away from powdered detergents for not only the washing machine but also the dishwasher. I only use liquid but years ago it was always powders. Also putting a treatment for septic systems down the kitchen sink and or bathroom drains monthly will help to prevent a problem like this again. Hope this information will be helpful.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Where did you get the small cocoa packets and small box of marshmallows for the Christmas Gift Jar?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My stove glass top is finally clean again! Thank you for vinegar/baking soda/warm towel cleaning directions. Awesome!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love these and thank you for sharing
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hmmm!!! Brainstorm breaking. Special friends work out of home and adopt damaged less likely to be adopted dogs. I think mugs cocoa mix, peppermint sticks, ink pens, post it notes, and rawhide chews would make a good start. Perhaps more if there is room, hmmm push pins, paper clips, and a Dawn detergent print out from OGT by Jillee with the URL so they can discover the treasure I have.
Big smile on my face Jillee Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great idea! Thanks so much and happy holidays! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Omg just finished putting long hose in 60oz. of dishwashing liquid jug for kitchen sink. So excited to know I don’t have to refill dispenser for a very long time! Thanks for the awesome tip. Keep them coming lol!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love these beautiful large jars – they are part of the gift! They are the perfect tool for storing K-cups on the countertop once the contents of the gift have been enjoyed:)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Not as fancy as yours, but my great aunt’s recipe for homemade hot chocolate makes such a big batch, that a mug, good amount of the mix and mini marshmallows (and sometimes a peppermint stick or two!) make a good sized gift, and much better than what you get in the store!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I did a ‘travel’ jar for our son. Travel size bathroom items, brochures of Flagstaff, a pine cone and cash. I think he will like it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How fun!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas. I love the little. Red cups in the pancake mix.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A jar of treats, tennis balls, toys, collar, leash, etc would make a great dog gift too. You could also put in some of the treat and dog cake mixes so the person could make “homemade” treats for their dog. You could make a cat version also!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How fun! I love that idea :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Love your ideas. Very unique
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