Homemade gifts never go out of style, and jars make them even more charming. They’re easy to fill, fun to decorate, and perfect for everyone on your list. Here are dozens of creative Christmas gifts in a jar that are just as delightful to make as they are to give.
Edible Frugal Christmas Gifts in a Jar
1. Hot Cocoa Jar
A basic cocoa mix looks better when you stack it. Spoon in cocoa powder, sugar, and a handful of marshmallows. Add crushed candy canes if you want color. Write quick mixing instructions on a small tag and tie it to the lid.
2. Cookie Mix Jar
Start by layering flour, sugar, and chocolate chips in a glass jar. A thin layer of brown sugar keeps the colors clean. Close it tight and tie a recipe card with baking time. It’s cheap and looks store-bought.
3. Pancake Breakfast Jar
Flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon go first. Seal the jar, then tape a small syrup bottle to the top. Add a label that reads, “Mix with one cup milk and an egg.” Quick to assemble and everyone likes it.
4. Brownie Mix Jar
Sugar first, cocoa next, flour last — it stays layered and pretty. Shake gently to settle it. A handwritten card with oven temperature completes it. You’ll spend maybe three dollars total.
5. Chai Latte Jar
Powdered milk, instant tea, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom give a spicy, warm flavor. Spoon everything into a jar and add one cinnamon stick for scent. Include a label that says, “Two spoons per mug of hot water.”
6. Soup Mix Jar
A stripe of red lentils, then rice, then split peas makes a nice pattern. Toss a seasoning cube in last. Screw the lid tight and tie rustic twine around the top. Print “Add five cups of water and simmer 45 minutes.”
7. Cinnamon Roll Jar
Mix dry ingredients — flour, yeast, sugar, and cinnamon — and pour into a jar. Add parchment between each layer to keep it neat. Write down simple dough instructions and tape them to the lid. Easy and practical.
8. Sugar Cookie Jar
Christmas sprinkles do all the decorating. Fill the jar with flour, sugar, and baking powder, then top with the sprinkles. Include a small cookie cutter tied with ribbon. Add a card: “Mix with butter and egg before baking.”
9. Granola Jar
Oats, almonds, cranberries, and a spoonful of brown sugar make this one wholesome. Toast it lightly before packaging if you want crunch. Once cooled, pour into jars and seal tight. Great for teachers or coworkers.
10. Caramel Popcorn Jar
Spread caramel-coated popcorn on a tray and let it cool. Once crisp, pour into jars and mix in red and green candies. Screw the lid tight. A small paper tag that reads “Movie Night Snack” makes it gift-ready.
11. Reindeer Chow Jar
Muddy Buddy mix always hits the mark. Combine Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Fill small jars halfway, shake to coat evenly, and tie a “Reindeer Chow” tag on top.
12. Homemade Jam Jar
A saucepan, some fruit, and sugar — that’s all it takes. Cook until thick, then pour hot jam into sterilized jars. Let them cool so the lids seal naturally. Cover the tops with gingham fabric and string.
13. S’mores Kit Jar
You’ll need graham crackers, chocolate chunks, and marshmallows. Layer neatly, close the jar, and attach a short note that says “Microwave for 10 seconds.” A ribbon makes it look finished.
14. Trail Mix Jar
Mix whatever’s in your pantry: nuts, raisins, cereal, and candy pieces. Scoop into jars and screw on lids. Add a plain kraft-paper label and call it done. It’s the easiest edible gift you’ll make all season.
15. Peppermint Bark Jar
Spread melted white chocolate on parchment, sprinkle with crushed candy cane, and let it set. Break into small shards. Stack the pieces in a jar and decorate with a red ribbon. Looks fancier than it is.
16. Fudge Bites Jar
Make a basic fudge from chocolate chips and condensed milk. Once cool, slice into cubes and separate layers with parchment paper. Fill jars and write “Keep refrigerated” on a tag.
17. Cookie Decorating Jar
Sugar cookies, a pouch of frosting, and small bags of sprinkles fit perfectly in a wide jar. Wrap the lid with colorful tape. A label reading “Ready to Decorate” adds instant fun.
18. Chutney Jar
Cook chopped apples, sugar, and vinegar until thick, then add ginger. Pour the hot chutney into jars and seal. Stick a label that says “Great with cheese or roast meats.” Works for savory food lovers.
19. Pancake & Cocoa Jar
Half pancake mix, half hot chocolate mix in one container. Close the lid tightly and tie a spoon to it. A small card that explains both layers completes the idea.
20. Mocha Jar
Instant coffee, cocoa, sugar, and powdered creamer go in. Give it a gentle shake and seal tightly. Add a cinnamon stick for decoration. “Mix three spoons per mug” is all the tag needs.
21. Gingerbread Jar
Blend flour, sugar, ginger, and cinnamon, then fill the jar. Tape a gingerbread man cutter to the lid. Add a tiny note listing butter and molasses as wet ingredients. It’s classic and inexpensive.
22. Spiced Nuts Jar
Roast nuts with sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crisp. Cool completely before packing into jars. Label them and tie with a small bow. Keeps well for a week or two.
23. Hot Apple Cider Jar
Powdered apple drink mix, sugar, and nutmeg make this one smell festive even unopened. Drop in a dried apple ring and a cinnamon stick. Tighten the lid and attach brewing directions.
24. Festive Oatmeal Jar
Pour oats, brown sugar, and raisins into a small jar. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top. Screw the lid and write “Add boiling water and stir” on the tag. Great for quick breakfasts.
25. Holiday Snack Jar
A bowl of popcorn, pretzels, and candies mixed and scooped into jars makes bulk gifting easy. Lids on, ribbons tied, done. It’s simple and fits any budget.
Non-Edible Frugal Christmas Gifts in a Jar
26. Peppermint Bath Salt Jar
Combine Epsom salt with peppermint oil and a drop of red coloring. Stir until streaked like candy cane stripes. Fill jars, screw tight, and label with “Add three spoonfuls to warm water.”
27. Sugar Scrub Jar
Mix white sugar, coconut oil, and a touch of lemon zest. Stir until it feels grainy but soft. Spoon into jars and close well. Add a line on the tag reminding them it’s for hands, not dessert.
28. Mason Jar Candle
Pour melted wax into a jar and set a wick in the center. Let it cool before trimming. Decorate the lid with twine and a small pine sprig. No one will guess how little it cost.
29. Candle Holder Jar
A handful of Epsom salt turns into fake snow at the bottom. Add a tealight and a sprig of evergreen. Looks festive and glows beautifully at night.
30. Body Butter Jar
Whip shea butter with coconut oil and a few drops of vanilla extract. Fill each jar and let it set. Keep it plain or tie a tag that says “Store in a cool place.”
31. Bath Tea Jar
Dried lavender, chamomile, and coarse salt mix easily. Pour into jars and include a muslin sachet. The note can read “Scoop into bag and steep in bath.”
32. Coffee Lovers Jar
Fill with small coffee samples, sugar sticks, and chocolate-dipped spoons. Decorate with kraft paper and string. It works for coworkers who already have everything.
33. Mini Sewing Kit Jar
Tuck spools of thread, needles, buttons, and safety pins inside. Glue a small pincushion to the lid if you want detail. Label it simply “Emergency Kit.”
34. DIY Lip Balm Jar
Melt beeswax with coconut oil and add peppermint oil. Pour into jars while warm and let it set firm. Cap and label. These last for months and look professional.
35. Lemon Scrub Jar
Sugar and coconut oil make the base; lemon zest adds scent. Mix by hand and spoon into jars. A twist of yellow ribbon around the lid finishes it nicely.
36. Simmer Pot Jar
Dried orange slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks create a fragrant mix. Pack them in layers. Add a tag that says “Simmer with two cups of water.” Costs nearly nothing and smells amazing.
37. Spa Soak Jar
Combine Epsom salt, baking soda, and lavender oil. Shake lightly before sealing. Add dried petals if you want color. Tag: “One handful per bath.”
38. Mini Gardening Jar
A little green project fits easily in a jar. Pour a thin layer of pebbles, then a scoop of soil. Add a small succulent cutting or a packet of herb seeds, and screw on the lid loosely for airflow. Tie jute around the rim and label it “Grow Me.” It’s inexpensive, mess-free, and keeps a hint of life on any windowsill.
39. Cozy Candlelight Jar
Fill halfway with salt for fake snow, drop in a tealight, and tie a plaid ribbon. Works as table décor or a small hostess gift.
40. Herb Blend Jar
Dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano look neat layered. Screw on the lid and add a “Holiday Kitchen Blend” tag. Easy gift for people who cook.
41. Sewing Notion Jar
Pins, thread, and tiny scissors go in first. Glue a soft pad to the lid for holding needles. Add a strip of red fabric for a handmade touch.
42. Office Supply Jar
Paper clips, binder clips, and sticky notes fit snugly inside. Wrap the lid with tape that matches their office colors. Tag it “Desk Survival Kit.”
43. Art Jar
Mini sketchpad, colored pencils, and brushes make this a small creativity kit. Pack tightly so nothing breaks. A handwritten label finishes it.
44. Craft Bits Jar
Fill with leftover ribbons, buttons, or beads. It’s a good way to use supplies and still give something charming. Screw the lid tight and call it done.
45. Cozy Home Jar
Matches, a tealight, and a cinnamon stick arranged simply. Wrap in a scrap of plaid fabric. Looks better than the effort it took.
46. Potpourri Jar
Mix dried pine, cloves, and citrus peel. Fill halfway and shake lightly. Cover with breathable fabric instead of a lid. The scent lasts for months.
47. Nail Care Jar
Cotton pads, a nail file, and travel-size polish remover fit in easily. Add a tiny bottle of lotion. A short label is all it needs.
48. Stationery Jar
Folded notecards, stamps, and pens make this one useful. Secure with elastic before screwing the lid. Simple gift for teachers or writers.
49. Relaxation Jar
Slip in tea bags, chocolates, and a lavender sachet. Add a card that reads “Five minutes for yourself.” A jar that reminds people to pause is always welcome.
50. Home Repair Jar
Small screwdriver bits, screws, and a tape measure make this one practical. Screw the lid and wrap with plain rope. Label it “Tiny Toolbox.”
