6 Fast Jar Gifts + Printable Gift Tags

Feeling a tad busy this season? Join the club. But in spite of our harried schedules, we can all still give heartfelt, homemade gifts the recipients will love.

So, we did the work for you. Here are 6 simple ideas that take just a few minutes, easy recipes and even the printable gift tags. We had a blast whipping up these simple, yummy jar gifts in our office, and we think you’ll have fun with them, too. Rest assured, you won’t break the bank, and of course, everyone will love not only what’s in the jars, but the jars themselves!

Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix in Mini Glass Milk Bottles

We just can’t get enough of these little glass milk bottles. They’re the perfect size — 1 pint — and shape for serving milk (with cookies, of course), juice, sodas or even smoothies.

This simple mix makes a rich, creamy cup of cocoa that’s not too sweet (so a few mini marshmallows are the perfect addition). The cinnamon gives it a little flair. If you want to go really “Mexican,” add a dash or two of cayenne pepper, but you may want to warn the giftee!

RECIPE for Mexican Hot Cocoa Mix

Spiced Citrus Cheer in 1 1/2 Pint Wide-Mouth Jars

This hot drink mix is a take-off on instant wassail mixes. It requires just a few ingredients and is caffeine-free, so it’s kid-friendly, and it packs a Vitamin C punch, too. Adjust the sugar to taste – using the full amount this recipe calls for results in a pretty sweet drink. You can also increase the spices if you want a “spicier” flavor.

RECIPE for Spiced Citrus Cheer

• 2 C. orange powdered drink
• 1 1/2 c. sugar (can cut sugar to taste for a less sweet and more tart flavor)
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. ginger
• 1/3 C. pre-sweetened lemonade mix
• cinnamon sticks (for jar decoration)

Layers of Popcorn

Because c’mon, who doesn’t love popcorn? Mix different varieties and colors together or pick your favorite kind and go plain and simple. We layered GMO-free purple and white popcorn for a festive look.

Old-Time Hard Candy

Sweet hard candy is always a favorite. We layered Claey’s old-fashioned sugared wild cherry and green apple candies. Old-fashioned peppermint puffs would look gorgeous, too.

For the Licorice Lover: Little Black Bears

Know someone who LOVES black licorice (and we all do, right)? Fill a pretty clip-top jar with little black anise bears or gummy bears and add our “Beary Merry Christmas” tag. Voila – done and delicious!

Calming Bath Salts

An easy and thoughtful way to say, “I love you. You’re important. Take some time for yourself and relax.” Mix 1 cup Epsom salts with 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup natural sea salt, then add 8-10 drops of their favorite essential oil – we love lavender. Mix well in a small bowl, then pour into a mason jar (we used Ball’s cool blue Elite jars). Add a small scoop and our “Merry Christmas” wood ornament as final touches.

BONUS – We couldn’t resist filling an ADORABLE Kilner round clip-top jar with some Chocolate-Drizzled Potato Chip Caramel Corn (but any sweet treat will work). It truly doesn’t get any easier. Seriously though, these jars are so attractive, you could fill them with anything and they’d make a great gift!

Helpful Hints When Making Jar Gifts:

• Make sure ALL jars, lids and bands are clean, either washed in the dishwasher or by hand with hot, soapy water and COMPLETELY dry before filling.
• Use a large batter bowl to mix your dry ingredients (such as wassail mix and cocoa mix). This makes it easier to pour the mixes into jars.
• When filling your jars, use a canning funnel or other funnel. No spills!
• Put on some festive Christmas music and enlist the help of the children to mix dry ingredients in the bowl.
• Slow down, take your time and have FUN.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2016. By popular demand, we’re sharing it with you again – enjoy!