Gifts in a Jar - An Easy Homemade Gift

Have you ever seen those decorative oil bottles filled with garlic and red peppers? They generally fill the shelves in department stores during the holiday gift giving season. In fine print there are usually the words "not edible" or "not for consumption." Well what kind of gift is that; food that you can't even eat?

Rather than give a gift that at best, will sit on a shelf and collect dust, give a gift in a jar that the recipient can use. Pre-measured ingredients in a jar enable to recipient to still prepare something homemade in a fraction of the time. In this fast paced, drive-through world we live in, convenience is king.

Common sweet treat jar gift include ingredients for muffins, breads, brownies, bars, and cookies. Although, not everyone has a sweet tooth; in that case prepare soup, herb and spice or beverage mixes. Lastly, body and bath products meant to pamper is another wonderful idea for a gift in a jar.

Simply fill the jars with the ingredients according to the recipes, seal, cover the top with a circle of pretty fabric and ribbon or raffia and attach a gift tag. The recipient of your gift will have the main ingredients plus the recipe for a tasteful and tasty homemade snack.

Most recipes require that the recipient add something to the dry ingredients to complete the meal. Beverages and soups often just need water. Some chili or stew mixes will require the addition of meat. Sweet treats may require butter, eggs or milk. Be certain to list the additional ingredients needed on the gift tag.

Mason jars make magnificent containers for your jar gifts. The wide mouth openings make it easy to stack the ingredients. They're reasonably priced and are sold by the case. Most recipes call for 1-quart or 1-pint jar. Regardless of what style of jar you use, it is important that you use one that has a tight fitting lid or seal.

The only other consideration left is what to put inside the jars. You do not need any special jar recipes. Simply measure all ingredients and pack down each layer inside the jar before adding the next. Usually you should add flour, sugar or grains in the bottom - otherwise they will filter through all the other ingredients. Place lighter ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit or cereal near the top.

For a nice added touch consider adding a wooden spoon to cookie mixes or a ladle for soups. If you make bath or body products consider attaching a scrunchy or tea light candle.

No wrapping paper necessary for these easy, fun and love filled gifts.

Sarah teaches others how to start and grow their own home-based candle business. http://www.start-a-candle-business.com