Need some affordable, last-minute-gift ideas? Consider giving a gift in a jar. Glass Mason jars make great vessels to carry homemade treats from the kitchen. Scroll down for 21+ simple gift-worthy ideas.

1: Granola In A Jar

Try one of these simple granola recipes:

Homemade granola in a jar makes a great, last-minute cheap gift!

2: Homemade Mulling Spices

Use these mulling spices to flavor apple cider.

Homemade mulling spices make a great gift, when placed in a glass jar.

3: DIY Cocktails In a Jar

Dehydrated fruit, herbs, spices, and other ingredients are placed in a jar. Add alcohol, let it infuse for a few days – and you have the starter for a mean cocktail.

Get the recipe: DIY cocktails in a jar

Cocktails in a jar: Make your own DIY cocktail jars to give as a gift!

4: Homemade Limoncello

Only 3 ingredients are needed to make homemade limoncello at home.

5: Salted Chocolate Sauce

Eat this straight out of the jar, use it to fill sandwich cookies, make homemade hot chocolate or use it as a fruit/cracker dip.

Get the recipe: Salty hot fudge

Salty hot fudge recipe. Makes a great gift. Easy to make. Click through for recipe!

6: Homemade Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Use this homemade bourbon caramel sauce as a fruit dip, an ice cream topping or drizzle on top of apple crisp.

Homemade bourbon caramel sauce - makes a great last-minute gift from the kitchen!

7: Homemade Chai Tea Concentrate

This syrup is used to make homemade chai tea lattes at home. 

Get the recipe: Homemade chai tea concentrate

Chai Tea Concentrate makes a great gift. Make your own Chai Tea Lattes at home! Click through for recipe.

8: Gluten-Free Cookie Mix In a Jar

Don’t forget the gluten-free eater on your list! Make this toffee chocolate cookie mix in a jar.

9: Cinnamon Walnuts

Making candied walnuts at home is so much cheaper than buying them at the store! Snack on them, or use them as a salad topping.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon walnuts

Homemade cinnamon walnuts: Place in a cute jar and give as a gift!

10: Taco Soup In a Jar

Take a break from the sweets and try this savory homemade soup mix. Get the recipe: Taco soup in a jar

11: Homemade Dried Spices and Herbs

Dried herbs and spices make a practical gift for the foodie on your list.

Get the recipes: DIY dried herbs and spices

How to dry your own herbs, spices, and vegetables to make great DIY holiday gifts!

12: Spiked (Or Spiced) Apple Cider

Give your recipient everything needed to make a spiked apple cider at home – or keep it non-alcoholic and give a spiced apple cider gift.

DIY spiked (or spiced) apple cider kits in a jar.

13: Sangria In a Jar

Give this fruity holiday drink to your recipient: A ready-made sangria in a jar!

Sangria in a jar: Give your recipient a fruity homemade drink - in a convenient jar!

14: Pickle Vodka

Make your own pickle-flavored vodka at home, and give it to the cocktail lover on your list.

Homemade pickle-flavored vodka: A simple gift for the cocktail lover on your list.

15: Homemade Pancake Mix

Make your own pancake mix at home out of pantry staples. Keep some, and give some away as a convenient gift for the breakfast lover on your list.

16: Dried Orange Slices

There are so many ways to use dried orange slices, from flavoring cocktails to eating as a snack to decorating.

Dried orange slices: So many uses - makes a great gift!

17: Homemade Nut Butters

Use your favorite nut – or mix and match different nuts for a more unique nut butter.

Get the recipe: Homemade nut butters

Make homemade nut butters for a gift! 3 recipes here. Repin to save.

What Size Mason Jars To Use

What size jar you use will depend on what you’re putting inside the jar.

Some of the recipes below require a certain size jar, but in many cases, you can use whatever size you want (or have on hand). 

  • 4 ounce: For homemade jams or candied nuts
  • 8 ounce/half pint: For homemade sauces 
  • 16 ounce/pint: For granola, cookie mixes, brownie mix, etc.

I always have new Mason jars stocked in my kitchen for last-minute gifts. In addition to the ideas listed above, there are so many ways to festively fill these jars, from candy to cookies to dog treats to soup mix. Get creative as you come up with affordable gift-in-a-jar ideas.