Homemade Christmas Gifts in a Jar

From LoveToKnow Christmas

Making homemade Christmas gifts in a jar allows you to give many people a thoughtful but cost-effective present.

Ideas for Homemade Christmas Gifts in a Jar

If you like to be creative, but need something easy to make, homemade gifts in a jar work well.

For example, mix all dry ingredients for your grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies in a jar. On a recipe card, list the wet ingredients still needed for the batter and directions for baking. Your recipient can save that jar of potential goodness until he or she really needs a cookie fix – and you’ll receive thanks again when those gooey treats come out of the oven!

Try picking up ingredients for delicious salsa while visiting neighborhood farmers’ markets in the summer. Make multiple batches of salsa in one afternoon, and store the jars in a cool, dark place. When the busy holidays arrive, all you’ll have to do is add some decoration to the jars. Within minutes, you’ll have a present with the fresh taste of summer to give to teachers, neighbors, and members of your book club.

Also, consider making a variety of gifts in a jar so in the event you need a gift at the last minute, you’re ready.

Sweet treats are a common favorite. These can be saved for later, after the flood of holiday goodies are gone.

  • Toffee
  • Cake
  • Muffins
  • Brownies
  • Candy
  • Pudding

Mix up some of your favorite drinks.

  • Cocoa
  • Flavored tea and coffee
  • Liqueur

Everyone likes snacks! A variety of these make great hostess gifts.

  • Gourmet popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Dip

Ease the rush of meal preparation with one of these ideas.

  • Pancake mix
  • Bread
  • Soup
  • One-dish meals

The original jar gift, these options are endless.

  • Jam
  • Chutney
  • Pickles
  • Flavored vinegar and oil

Try one of these for something a little different.

  • Spice mixes
  • Dog biscuits

All recipe gifts should include a decorative card with instructions for mixing or baking. This can be attached with a pretty ribbon or elastic. Keep in mind that you don’t want your recipient to have to work too hard for the gift; look for recipes that are flavorful, but simple.

Other Choices for Jar Gifts

While the most common homemade Christmas gifts in a jar are edible, you can also try beauty products such as:

  • Bath salts and beads
  • Lotion
  • Scented soap flakes

Or, delight your favorite crafter with a jar chock full of supplies, such as:

  • Buttons
  • Glitter
  • Strips of ribbon

Don’t forget about special hobbies!

  • Put an assortment of fishing lures in a jar.
  • Supply glass stones or plate chips for someone who works with stained glass or mosaics.
  • Pack a funky-shaped jar full of guitar picks in all shapes and sizes.

Recipes for Gifts in a Jar

Here are some recipes to try for your homemade Christmas gifts in a jar.

The site Mormon Chic has a wide variety of jar gift ideas, including this one for cinnamon pancakes.

Mix together:

  • 1-1/4 tsp. salt
  • 4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 TBS baking powder
  • 2 TBS granulated sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

Add these ingredients to a quart jar. On the recipe card, list the following wet ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 TBS vegetable oil
  • 1 egg

Then, add the instructions:

  1. Whisk milk, egg, and oil together in a medium bowl.
  2. Add 1-1/3 cups pancake mix and blend until moist and lumpy.
  3. Pour batter onto a greased pan and cook until golden.
  4. Makes about 12 medium pancakes.

Try this brownie recipe from LoveToKnow Recipes.

Layer the following into a quart jar:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup dates
  • 1/2 cup nuts of your choice
  • 1 level tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon

On the recipe card, list the following ingredients:

  • 1 level cup butter
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 TBS buttermilk

Then, add the instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients until batter is just moist.
  3. Grease an 8-inch by 9-inch baking pan.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Additional Resources

Fortunately, making homemade gifts is a popular topic. You’ll find a number of websites and books that feature recipes and ideas. In addition to the sites listed above, try these resources, too:

  • Gifts in a Jar is a comprehensive website with many recipe options for soups, sweets, and drinks, as well as non-edible gifts.
  • The Gifts in a Jar book series features everything from holiday treats to one-dish meals. Often the books have gift tags in the back you can cut out or copy, making your holiday gift-giving even easier!
  • You’ll find additional ideas in the Mason Jar Soup-to-Nuts Cookbook.
Retrieved from "http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/Homemade_Christmas_Gifts_in_a_Jar"

 


Comment on Homemade Christmas Gifts in a Jar



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Christmas Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles