Gifts in a jar typically include all the ingredients to make or bake something that are stored in jars (like mason jars or jam jars, etc.) and presented as gifts.

They can be cookie mixes, cake mixes, bath & beauty ingredients (like bath salts and foot soaks), hearty soup mixes, bread, buns, pastry ingredients, seasoning mixes, hot beverage recipes (like Homemade Spiced Mocha Mix), any recipe that will keep well in a jar pretty much works.

Sometimes the ingredients are all layered in the jar and this can look quite appealing if there’s some contrast between the colors, other times the recipe ingredients are fully mixed together before being placed in the jar.

After filling the jars, you can decorate the lids to look pretty and more festive. Make sure to include the list of ingredients and recipe directions for cooking or baking the mix or how to use the gift.

Here’s a collection of resources that share hundreds of free recipes for these lovely homemade gifts. I also added a few treats at the bottom for how to decorate the jar lids.

Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes

• Nikibone.com - Gifts in a Jar
• JoycesFineCooking.com Recipes - Gifts in a Jar
• Recipes To Go - Gifts In A Jar Recipe Category
• Heart4Home.net - Jar Mixes
• Gifts From Your Kitchen - Gifts in a Jar or Bag (click categories to view all the recipes)
• Craftbits - Jar Gifts Category
• Mary Mae’s Jars and Mixes

Decorating Ideas For Gift Jar Lids

• Martha Stewart: Decorative Jar Lids
• Snowflake Jar Topper Pattern (pdf)
• Directions to Sew Fabric Canning Jar Covers
• Canning Jar Lid Covers

And here are some tips if you’re new to making gifts in a jar: Giving Dessert Making Ingredients in Jars and Containers (About.com).

Homemade gifts in a jar are easy to make and they’re great frugal gifts, they’re also nice additions to homemade gift baskets.

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