Get inspired by 16 Christmas gifts in jars filled with treats, mixes, and more. These easy DIY gift ideas are perfect for holiday giving.
There's something extra fun about turning a simple jar into a cute homemade gift, especially when you can fill it with almost anything.
These Christmas gifts in jars are perfect for neighbors, coworkers, teachers, friends, or any family member you want to surprise with a little holiday cheer.
I love that you can tuck in treats, a gift card, money, or a small surprise and make each jar feel completely different.
I've gathered 16 of my favorite jar gift ideas to make your Christmas gift-giving a little easier and a lot more fun!
Jump to:
Gifts in Jars
One reason I love jar gifts is how easy they are to personalize for the recipient. Fill a glass jar with something delicious, turn it into a cute Christmas character, or layer the dry ingredients for a recipe they can make later.
They also work for just about everyone on your Christmas list. Below are ideas for teachers and colleagues, homemade gifts for friends and neighbors, and fun treats kids will love too.
Visit the linked website for the complete tutorial, recipe, or instructions for each project.
1. Elf Jar from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Turn a mason jar into a cute Christmas elf and fill it with candy, a gift card, or a small surprise for an easy homemade gift.
2. Christmas Potpourri Homemade Gift from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Fill a jar with oranges, cranberries, cinnamon, and rosemary to create a beautiful homemade gift filled with cozy Christmas scents.
3. Santa Mason Jar from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Turn a mason jar into Santa and fill it with candy or small treats for a festive homemade Christmas gift that's almost too cute to give.
4. Gift Desserts in a Jar from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Layer brownies and creamy chocolate filling in individual jars for a delicious homemade dessert that's perfect for Christmas gift-giving.
5. Mason Jar Snow Globe from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Turn a mason jar into a snowy Christmas scene with this handmade snow globe that's fun to personalize and display year after year.
6. Peppermint Scrub from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Make peppermint sugar scrub and package it in a cute jar for a festive homemade Christmas gift that smells as good as it looks.
7. Mason Jar Gift Card Holders from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Make a gift card feel more special by tucking it inside a decorated mason jar finished with festive fabric, twine, and a handmade tag.
8. Chocolate Brownie Trifle Jar Gift from The Crafty Blog Stalker
Layer brownies and creamy chocolate filling in a glass jar for a delicious homemade Christmas gift that's ready to share.
9. Lavender Bath Salt Gift in a Jar from Tator Tots and Jello
Fill a mason jar with homemade lavender bath salts and add pretty Christmas details for a simple gift that's perfect for a little relaxation.
10. Christmas Mason Jar Treat and Printable Tags from Uncommon Designs
Fill a mason jar with chocolate treats, then add festive ribbon and a printable tag for a quick and easy Christmas gift.
11. Friendship Soup in a Jar from Oh My Creative
Layer the ingredients for a cozy friendship soup in a jar and add the recipe instructions for a thoughtful and useful homemade Christmas gift.
12. DIY Stovetop Potpourri Simmer Pot Gift Jar from XOXO Bella
Fill a jar with dried fruit, cinnamon, pine, and warm spices for a beautiful simmer pot gift that brings the cozy scent of Christmas home.
13. Homemade Irish Cream Recipe from Our Tiny Nest
Package homemade Irish cream in a jar with festive ribbon and greenery for a delicious Christmas gift the adults on your list can enjoy.
14. Countdown to Christmas Jar for Kids from Gluesticks
Fill a jar with 24 candies and add a cute plush reindeer for a Christmas countdown gift that gives kids a sweet treat each day.
15. Snowman Pretzel Jars from Moms Who Save
Fill snowman-decorated mason jars with white chocolate pretzels for a cute Christmas gift that combines a festive craft with a sweet treat.
16. Peppermint Brownie Mix in a Jar from I Heart Naptime
Layer peppermint brownie mix ingredients in a mason jar and add baking instructions for an easy homemade Christmas gift.
Tips for Giving Christmas Gifts in Jars
One of the best things about jar gifts is that they can be as simple or elaborate as you want. A glass jar filled with someone's favorite candy can be just as thoughtful as a layered recipe mix or handmade bath product.
Think about the person you're giving the gift to and choose something they'll actually enjoy. Someone with a sweet tooth may love brownies or cookies, while another recipient might prefer bath salts, potpourri, or a gift card.
Presentation doesn't need to be complicated either. A little ribbon, twine, fabric, or a cute gift tag can make a simple jar feel ready for Christmas.
If you're giving an edible jar mix, make sure the instructions are easy to read and include any additional ingredients the recipient will need. That way, they won't have to guess when they're ready to make it.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can fill a jar with candy, cookies, dessert, recipe mixes, gift cards, bath products, potpourri, or small favors. The best filling depends on the recipient and how you want them to use it.
The best size depends on what you're putting inside. Smaller jars work well for bath salts, candy, and small treats, while quart-size jars give you more room for layered jar mixes and larger gifts.
Ribbon, twine, fabric, gift tags, bells, greenery, and cardstock are all easy ways to decorate a jar. You can also turn the jar itself into a Christmas character like Santa, an elf, or a snowman.
Yes. Jar gifts are especially useful when you need several affordable gifts during the holiday season. You can make a batch at once and still personalize the tag, filling, or decoration for each recipient.
That depends on the recipe. Dry jar mixes can often be assembled well ahead of time when all ingredients are shelf-stable, while prepared desserts and other perishable foods need to follow the storage instructions provided with the individual recipe.
Include clear preparation instructions and list any wet or additional ingredients that aren't already in the jar. A gift tag tied around the lid is an easy way to keep the instructions with the gift.
Need help with this project?
Click a button below to ask AI what to put in your Christmas gift jar.
More Christmas Gift Ideas
Can you have too many bookmarks? I don't think so! Here are a few more fun ideas.
Hi, I'm Katie!
I'm so glad you're here. Want to make something fabulous? I'm here to help!
Melinda @Home.Made.Interest
Thanks for sharing our Apple Pie in a Jar. Happy Holidays!
Debbie
Idea: Last year I made up pancake and syrup baskets. You can find some nice decorative individual syrup jars and you can use a Ball Mason Jar for the pancake mix. Attach the directions with a ribbon and a nice tag.
Katie Adams
That is a great idea! Thank you for sharing.