Learn how to make unique mason jar gift ideas to share with friends and family. Organized by season, you can find the best gift ideas for those jars you have lying around!
Unique Ideas
You know I am always looking for creative, thoughtful gifts for friends and family. I especially like giving away something they haven’t seen before. Don’t get me wrong, I like holiday treats, and I will never criticize a gift! However, I like to share unique and new ideas that won’t overwhelm my friends with more holiday cookies.
I use jars all year long to share goodies and gifts with loved ones. They’re simple, cheap, and easy to decorate. I organized this post by season, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for for the upcoming holiday, or event!
What kinds of jars are best for gifting?
Although I called this post “best mason jar gifts,” I usually reuse other jars I have saved throughout the year (think: store-bought jam, apple butter, coconut oil, etc.) My mason jars are typically in use, and it’s not always financially savvy to buy brand new mason jars to hand out to friends.
Mason jars have such a cute, simple, look to them, but no worries! I have a post on the way for you on crafting with your jars to add some extra charm.
So let’s jump in! Here are my best unique mason jar gift ideas!
Fall
- Pumpkin Trail Mix – You will see a few repeats on this list, and one of them is trail mix. In the fall, I love making a seasonal trail mix with candy corn, candy corn pumpkins, or Reese’s Pieces to add some fall color.
- Holmes Snack Mix – This homemade snack mix is a family favorite from my dad’s side of the family. From my grandma, to my dad, and now to me, it runs in the family! We even served it at our fall wedding. Check out the recipe here.
- Salted Caramel Coffee Creamer – I categorized this one as “fall,” but it can (and should be) given in any season. This winner from The Prairie Homestead Cookbook, is always a hit! I wrote about it here.
- Dog treats – yes, you read that correctly! One year, my son had the idea that not only our neighbors needed gifting, but so did our neighbor dogs. Thus, we added dog treats to the list. They’re in this section because of their fall flavors! We like this recipe because it’s so simple, my kids can do it!
- Fall simmer pot – with just a few ingredients, you can have your entire house smelling like fall! This recipe is a great one to try.
Winter
- Granola – A yummy snack, but something different! I like to add cranberries and white chocolate chips to give it some color. Check out my favorite recipe here.
- Vanilla – You have to think ahead on this one, but small jars of homemade vanilla are such a thoughtful gift!
- Winter Trail Mix – Add some reds and greens to give your trail mix that holiday look!
- Hobby Jar – When the holiday season has ended, and the New Year has arrived, people are looking to try new things AND beat those post-holiday blues. Painting, sewing, crafting, cooking, the possibilities are endless!
- Winter Simmer Pot – all you need is some cranberries, oranges, spices, and your house is smelling like Christmas!
Spring
- Simple Bouquet – spring means flowers! I like to buy a large flower bouquet, then split it among jars to share with friends.
- Plant – Did you know you can plant directly into a mason jar? With some good soil, stones, charcoal, and seeds, you can pass along plants to your friends!
- Spring Trail Mix – similar to my fall trail mix, but instead I add pastel M&Ms for those spring colors!
Summer
- Strawberry Lemonade – One of our favorite drinks is homemade, fresh-squeezed, strawberry lemonade. I love it so much, I wrote an entire blog post about it!
- Spices – Taco seasonings, steak seasoning or some basic herbs are a thoughtful gift that everyone uses!
- Homemade salsa – We use this recipe from The Prairie Homestead.
- Homemade jam – homemade jam is so much better than what we buy at the store. (And if you can pick fresh berries for your jam, even better!)
- Summer First Aid – Every year at the start of summer, I realize I am out of everything we need for all the sunshine and play. Pack a jar with small sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, band aids, etc. and start your friends off on the right foot!
How to clean mason jars?
- Soak empty jars in hot, soapy water to remove the label.
- OR Wash your jars in the dishwasher and use “sanitize” mode.
- I find that potent food items (think salsa), are not great for this. It’s hard to get the scent out, and no one wants salsa-smelling treats unless you’re gifting homemade salsa. Just save these for your fat/oil drippings.
Find Other Gift Ideas Here:
If you tried one of these mason jar gift ideas, or even created one of your own, tag me on Instagram @homesweetharps
