Christmas gifts don't have to be expensive. Sometimes all you need is a little DIY session and you will be able to give out as many beautiful gifts as you wish for less cost. Here’s a collection of ten DIY Christmas gift ideas using recycled small jam jars. Each idea is simple to create and inexpensive as well.
1. Snow Globe Centrepiece
Create beautiful snow globes using small jam jars in a few easy steps. Start by gathering jam jars of varying sizes and filling each with some faux branches, red berries, faux snow, and a sprinkle of glitter. Once filled with your chosen decorations, pour water to fill the jar, leaving a little space at the top, and secure the lid. Arrange these beautiful snow globe jars together in the centre of your table to create a perfect centrepiece. These snow globes will make an excellent Christmas gift for your little relatives.
2. Mystery Candy Jar
This gift idea is perfect for grandparents who like giving out money to their grandkids. Get your clean screw top glass bottles and fill them with candies. Then get some dollar bills or coins and hide them inside the candies such that you can only see them when you open the jar. This gift will be most appreciated by your grandkids.
3. Family Photo Snow Globe
Similar to making snow globes, you can also create family photo snow globes. Firstly, print out and laminate small photos of loved ones, then cut them to fit inside a jam jar. Hot glue the photo to the inside of the jar lid, ensuring it stands upright. Fill the jar with water, leaving some space at the top, then add glitter for a festive touch. Apply a bead of hot glue around the inside of the lid before screwing it back on to prevent leaks. Finish by decorating the outside with ribbon or tape.
4. Candle Jars
No DIY glass jar project is complete without candle jars. With your used screw top glass bottles, you can make excellent candle jars that would be nice gift items for Christmas. Begin by melting your candle wax then pouring it into your small jam jars. Next add the wick to the centre of the wax. Do well to add some different scents and colours to different jars. When the candle is lit, it gives off a soft glow, in addition to a sweet smell, filling the room with love and elegance.
5. Festive Jar Ornaments
Start by filling the jars with small seasonal items like mini pine cones, cinnamon sticks, or tiny ornaments. Add some glitter or faux snow. Next use a hot glue gun to attach a loop of twine or festive ribbon around the jar lid so it can hang as an ornament. For a personal touch, add a small photo or handwritten note inside.
6. Jam Jar Lanterns
Turn jam jars into sparkling lanterns that add a festive glow to any room. Firstly, paint the inside of each jar with any colour of your choice, then add glitter in holiday colours like silver, gold, or red. Next add a battery-operated light inside. The light will catch on the glitter, creating a beautiful sparkle that is perfect for holiday decor. These lanterns can be arranged as part of a table centrepiece while they make great gift items for christmas.
7. Mini Jar Herb Planter
A homemade herb planter would make a perfect christmas gift for a relative or friend who loves gardening. Add some pebbles and potting soil into the jar. Pick your herb of choice and plant it. Then decorate the outside of the jar with a festive ribbon or a homemade label. There you go! The best gift for less than a dollar.
8. Cookie Jar Gifts
Cookies are an important part of every festive season. Giving our cookie jars is an amazing gift idea for Christmas and thanksgiving. All you have to do is fill the jar with freshly baked cookies. Choose small, homemade cookies that fit neatly into the jar—like chocolate chip, ginger snaps, or shortbread. Pack the cookies carefully to keep them fresh and intact, and seal the jar tightly. You can decorate the jar with festive ribbons, a tag, or even a piece of fabric over the lid.
9. Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Create thoughtful Christmas gifts by layering hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes inside a jam jar. Attach a tag with instructions for making the cocoa mix and decorate the lid with a ribbon or small bell. This hot cocoa mix jar is not only a festive and delicious gift idea but also a delightful addition to any holiday table.
10. Flower Vases
A flower vase is an easy, thoughtful gift that you can easily make using jam jars. Simply fill a clean jam jar with fresh flowers, add a bit of water or floral foam, and decorate with a ribbon or twine. Add a note for a more personalised touch.This simple, but charming gift is perfect for your loved ones and anyone you consider gift-worthy.