Mason jars were invented in the 1850s to preserve food, by a man named John L.—you guessed it—Mason. Some 150 years later, they have the world right where they want it.
Thank sites like Pinterest and Etsy for the proliferation of these glass containers, and their accompanying fitted lids, as planters, storage containers, and cocktail glasses. The world is powerless against the allure of tiny, self-contained kits and wide-rimmed vessels. (Just ask our recent beer pong championship.)
They also double up as the most clever receptacle for a DIY gift. Because the only thing better than receiving a customized gift is the ability to reuse its packaging in any number of ways. Here are 25 gift ideas starring a mason jar:
1. Vanilla Sugar
Fill a jar with several cups of granulated sugar, and stick a split vanilla bean in the center (or two if you're feeling extra generous and/or owe someone a big apology). Let everything mingle at least a week before gifting—the longer it sits, the better.
2. Tiny Terrarium
Check out a guide like this one, from Gardenista, to put together a closed terrarium—aka a self-sufficient ecosystem of tiny plants that, when displayed prominently, makes it look like you've read one of those trendy design magazines at least twice. (Go on, make an extra one to keep.)
3. Infused Olive Oil
Combine high-quality olive oil—the good stuff you'd break out for salad dressings—and a flavoring agent, like toasted red pepper flakes, roughly ground peppercorns, lemon rind, or chile peppers. Let it sit covered in a cool spot for about a week before straining out the solids, and rebottling the oil. Don't forget to let your recipient know it should be kept refrigerated.
4. Limoncello e Pepe
"Adding slightly crushed peppercorns along with the lemon peels adds some spice and warmth, a little tickle at the back of your throat, which I really love in a digestif," writes Recipe Developer Emma Laperruque. "I call it limoncello e pepe. Or, after a glass, ’cello e pepe!"
5-9. DIY Baking Mix for Cakes, Cupcakes, Pancakes, Muffins, or Waffles
It's like giving the gift of baked goods, but better, because in this instance they come with some flexibility! Combine the dry ingredients for your favorite cake (or cupcake) batter, and bottle them up in an airtight jar for gifting. You could do the same with a pancake mix, muffin mix, or waffle mix. Don't forget to include a note with the fine print on which wet ingredients need to be added, and how long to bake.
10. Spiced Nuts
Nothing says "you should invite me back for next year's holiday party" quite like a jar full of homemade spiced nuts. Make them by tossing a few cups of your favorites (or a mix—I like cashews and walnuts) with oil and a spice mix you're into, and toast on a sheet pan until the nuts become fragrant.
11-16. Handmade Candy, Like Tootsie Rolls, Chocolate Bars, Brittle, Cow Tails, Truffles, or Caramels
Pre-solve someone's last minute dessert emergency. (Psst: If you choose something sticky, separate layers with a swatch of parchment paper.)
17. Paperwhites
Paperwhites defy everything we thought we knew about flowers. Their bulbs can bloom indoors, in partial or filtered light, and without any soil. Add a few inches of pebbles to the bottom of a mason jar, fill with water to the top of the pebbles, and nestle the bulb on top so the roots are dangling down into the water. As the paperwhite blooms, it'll shoot up above the lip of the jar and produce big, white flowers.
18. Mood Lighting
Add a freestanding candle to a jar for an attractive, oversized votive. You can secure the candle to the floor of the jar by melting the bottom of the candle before pressing it in.
19. Custom Snack Mix
Channel your inner Chex-Mix expert and come up with your own ideal ratio of salty things to crunchy things to cheesy things. Or, take a cue from one of our favorites:
20. Coffee Beans
A mason jar makes a handsome house for those fancy coffee beans you were going to give everyone anyway.
21, 22, & 23. Cookies, Marshmallows, or Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
We're talking a literal cookie jar. No further questions.
24. Jam
Your recipient's future toasts, yogurt bowls, and scones will thank you. Follow a recipe, or riff freely:
25. A Spice Blend
Bestow upon your loved one the gift of speedier weeknight cooking, with a premixed spice blend. Chicken everywhere will benefit.
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