If gift-giving stresses you out because of money—or you aren’t sure what the person will like—consider homemade food jar gifts! Whether it’s spices or a mix they can make for dinner, you will create a heart of gratefulness. As a mom, anytime someone gifts me something that makes dinner easier, I’m 110% all about it.

These days, people have a newfound appreciation for handmade gifts, which they deem more heartfelt and personal than store-bought items. With the rising trend of homesteading and frugal living, gifts in a jar have become an absolutely delicious idea.

Below is a list of 41 Homemade Jar Gift Ideas.

( Click each title for the recipe)

Before You Get Started With Your Gift Jars:

Choose your jar

Mason jars work great, but you can also reuse empty jars from around your home that have a lid. Check out your nearest thrift store if you don’t have enough mason jars.

Layer your ingredients

Layering the elements can create a beautiful effect in the jar for dry mixes.

Attach a tag or label

Write the instructions for using the mix or preparing the food, and attach it to the jar. You can also add a personal note!

There are also these cute dissolvable labels you can buy too! I’ve used them, and they are super simple to wash off with hot water.

Decorate the jar

A simple ribbon or piece of twine can add a nice touch.

Mason Jar Gift Ideas

Oatmeal Chocolate Chips Cookie Mix Jar

Put the dry ingredients of your favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe in a jar and decorate it with a ribbon or fabric tied to the lid. I like to splurge and get the delicious Ghirardelli Chocolate chips.

You can change it up by adding dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips. On your gift tag, add a personalized message letting them know this is a family-loved recipe.

Cinnamon Apple Pancake Mix in a Mason Jar

Mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a jar, and add dried apple chips or dried apple bits. Attach a label with instructions to add milk, eggs, and oil when the perfect pancake breakfast is desired.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Gifts

A cozy jar of hot chocolate mixed with peppermint bits is a wonderful gift idea for a special someone who loves getting snugly under the covers on a chilly winter evening.

Layered Soup Jar Recipe

Layered soup mix in a jar is the ultimate comfort food. Mix dried peas, lentils, barley, and spices together, and add your cooking instructions. Add a jar of pureed pumpkin to make it even more filling and delicious.

Brownie Fudge Mix in a Jar

Who doesn’t love brownies? This easy gift idea comes together in five minutes. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in a jar. All they need to add are eggs, oil, and water!

Bread in a Mason Jar

Fill jars with bagel or bread mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Don’t forget to add instructions!

Or even better, give a sourdough starter!

Apple Cinnamon Bread Mix in a Jar

Let your loved ones wake up to delicious gifts of fresh apple cinnamon bread smell. Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt in a jar, and add dried apple bits. Add instructions on how to make this tasty treat.

Homemade Soup Mixes

There’s something truly magical about Christmas gift-giving, especially when it involves sharing the warmth and comfort of homemade jar recipes.

Imagine your loved ones unwrapping a beautifully layered jar of dry soup mixes, their faces lighting up as they realize you’ve gifted them not just a meal but a heartwarming experience to be savored.

Check out our 50 cheap snacks to make on a tight budget!

Chicken Noodle Soup Mix

I don’t know about you, but nothing screams comfort to me like a bowl of chicken noodle soup. This mix is a quick and easy way to whip up this classic favorite.

Put some dried egg noodles, bouillon granules, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, and black pepper in a jar. When preparing, remember to add a note to the glass jar to add cooked chicken.

It’s like a hug in a jar.

Split Pea Soup Mix

Oh, split pea soup, the underdog of soups. This bean soup mix is often overlooked, but it’s a real showstopper.

For this mix, layer split peas, dehydrated onions and carrots, garlic powder, bay leaves, and thyme in a jar. And voila! You’ve got yourself a hearty, flavorful soup ready to go.

Chili Bean Soup Mix

Now, this one’s for those chilly nights when you need something to warm you up from the inside out. Layer kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and oregano in a jar.

And for a little extra kick, throw in some red pepper flakes.

Rosemary and Garlic Salt Mix in a Jar

It is a great idea to upgrade the pantry staples of loved ones with this flavorful herb and garlic salt mix. Put rosemary, garlic, and salt in a jar, and add a spice label complete with preparation and storage instructions.

Popcorn Kernel Mix in a Jar

Popcorn kernels make an inexpensive but thoughtful gift. Fill a jar with popcorn kernels and include instructions on how to cook them. I like to get the colored and special-colored kernels to gift.

Holiday Season Scone Mix in a Jar

Put the dry ingredients for their favorite scone recipe in a jar and mix in dried fruits for extra sweetness. Remember to attach the instructions for making these delicious scones.

Trail Mix in a Jar

I stumbled upon this sweet gift idea on Pinterest. Check out the Nativity Christmas story Trail jar mix! Mix almonds, peanuts, raisins, and chocolate chips in a jar and add a mix label.

Apple Butter in a Jar

This smooth, creamy apple butter spread is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It is made by simmering apples, cinnamon, sugar, salt, and cloves to a thick paste-like consistency, then pouring it into sterilized jars.

BBQ Rub Mix in a Jar Recipe

BBQ fans are sure to love this, and they fire up their grill with this BBQ rub mix. Put in a jar with a label.

Taco Seasoning Mix in a Jar

Delicious ground beef and tacos need this seasoning mix, and putting them in a jar for gifting makes it even better.

Granola Mix in a Jar

Granola in a jar is a great way to make breakfast easier. Mix in oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Seal with a lid, and decorate with ribbon or fabric.

Spicy Nut Mix in a Mason Jar

Make a spicy roasted nut mix by mixing and baking almonds, cashews, and peanuts with chili flakes or powder.

Vanilla Sugar in a Mason Jar

For a unique twist on sugar, infuse it with vanilla by sealing a bean into a jar filled with granulated sugar.

Chai Tea Mix in a Mason Jar

Chai tea is made easily by mixing tea and spices in a jar.

Chocolate Snack Bites Mix in a Jar

Munch on these gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free bites that still taste amazing. All you need to add is dates, almonds, cacao, and flaky salt.

Pickled Vegetables in a Mason jar

Lovers of pickles will appreciate a jar of pickled vegetables filled with carrots, radishes, and red onions infused with dill and spices in vinegar.

Nutella Spread in a Mason jar

Blend hazelnuts and cocoa powder together to make a homemade version of the well-loved Hazelnut spread. Pour the mixture into a jar and spread it on toast.

Pancake Mix in a Jar

A stack of pancakes starts with the mix. Add flour, sugar, and baking powder to a jar. Label the jar with instructions for adding milk and eggs.

Pizza Spice Mix in a Mason Jar

Give pizza lovers this pizza spice mix to upgrade their homemade pizza. Mix dried basil, oregano, and garlic in a jar, and attach instructions for how to use it!

Herbal Infused Honey Gifts In a Jar

Upgrade their honey game by combining honey and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and lavender in a jar. Let the flavor develop for a week or more.

Lemon Mug Cake Mason Jar Gift Ideas

For those who love lemons and a little sweetness, this mason jar gift is a perfect holiday gift.

Holiday Tea in a Mason Jar

Help them detoxify with this soothing mix of holiday herbs and lemon.

Candied Pineapple in a Mason Jar

Transform chunks of fresh pineapple into candied pieces for a sweet, delicious gift.

Homemade Cocktail Mixer in a Mason Jar

Gift cocktail enthusiasts with a jar filled with an exclusive mix of simple syrups, mixers, and fruit juices for a unique and tasty cocktail blend.

Gourmet Popcorn Mix in a Mason Jar

For another take on popcorn – mix in flavorings like truffle oil, grated Parmesan cheese, chili powder, and rosemary for a delicious gourmet popcorn in a jar.

Fruit Butter Mason Jar Gift Ideas

Slow-cooked fruit butter like apple, pear, and peach is a tasty and luxurious homemade present.

Dried Herb Blend in a Mason Jar

This is the perfect gift idea if your friends love to season their meats and veggies. Create a dried herb blend of your favorite herbs, like basil, thyme, sage, and rosemary, to add flavor to any dish.

S’mores Mason Jar Gift

For those friends who love a sweet treat! Layer the required s’mores ingredients in a mason jar and attach recipe instructions.

Dog Treats in Glass Jars

Combine oats, honey, and eggs with peanut butter or bacon grease and bake. Place finished treats in a dog bone jar and offer them to your dog lover friend.

Pickle mix

A personalized pickle kit includes vinegar, dill, garlic, vegetables, and spices, giving pickling enthusiasts a reason to celebrate.

Friendship Soup Mix Mason Jar Recipes

It’s a wonderful idea for a classic dry soup mix. Layer different kinds of dried beans in a mason jar, add some spices, maybe some dried veggies, and voilà! A hearty meal, ready to be cooked up and enjoyed. It’s like a warm hug in a jar.

Merry Minestrone Soup in a Jar

Similar to the friendship soup but with an Italian twist. Add pasta, herbs, and maybe a bit of Parmesan on top, and you’ve got a minestrone soup ready.

Horseradish sauce

Spice up anyone’s pantry with this tasty homemade horseradish sauce, perfect for cheese platters and appetizers.

Homemade food jars are wonderful gifts to show your love and appreciation to people important to you. Get creative and give your loved ones a great gift of homemade food.

Making and decoring food gifts in a jar is a simple but thoughtful gesture that can go a long way. Try any of these 30 ideas for homemade food gifts in a jar and spread the joy and love!