It’s time to put a lid on it. Stocking stuffers, presents under the tree, gifts for friends, gifts for teachers, and gifts for everyone else on your holiday gift list can all add up to mega moolah. Before you know it, you’ve got the spending ‘sads’ from trying to please everyone.
So why not put a cap on costs this year by giving a few gifts in a jar? You won’t hit the glass ceiling with these jarring gift ideas and you may just uncork some great ideas for that special someone. By being a little creative, rescuing a few jars from your recycling bin, and thoughtfully thinking of ways to gift those on your list, it’s possible to give generously without breaking the bank. Plus, each present comes self-contained in it’s own packaging so there is no wrapping paper required. (And they’re cute.)
Here are 12 gifts in jar for under $15:
1. Plush Pet in a Jar
Have you ever seen a ship in a bottle? Why not stick a stuffed animal in a jar? Or better yet, bottle a goldfish in a bowl! Seriously?
This is a Webkinz fantail goldfish. Each Webkinz stuffed animal comes with a secret code which unlocks a virtual online world. Not only do the kids get a toy to play with, but they get to interact with its avatar in an online game — two gifts in one! Layer in a little candy (fish food) and tell that fish where to go. Bottoms up! Gulp!
Kids love this kind of gift. It’s mostly silly, kind of funny, and the jar is filled with tasty candy.
2. Truck in a Jar
If your little tyke is less into stuffed animals and more into trucks, then go ahead and drive a fine automobile right into a glass jar.
I dare you to open your pantry and look at the glassware you’re storing. Over the years I’ve made gifts in a jar from reused mustard jars, Ikea jars, dollar store jars, quart mason jars, and super cute 1/2 pint wide-mouth canning jars.
You may need to paint the lids, so be sure to use food safe paint.
3. Unique Gifts for Men
Enough with the toys for kids. Let’s look at some toys for the big boys. In 50 Gift Ideas from the Dollar Store I rounded up a few frugal gifts for the fellows, including: a multi-bit screwdriver, bungee cords, and a tape measure.
Add a little coffee in a used mustard jar and you’ve got a simple stocking stuffer for the man (or men) in your life. If you have the budget, go ahead and add a Swiss Army Pocket Knife or a Leatherman MultiTool to cap off this great gift.
4. Gifts for Her
Go ahead and treat the gal in your life with a Spa Day in a Jar. Big spa days get a quart mason jar, while smalleressions deserve a pint sized container.
5. Gifts for Gardeners
Gift the gift of a green thumb by helping someone special start a DIY square foot garden. Those living in smaller spaces can also grow veggies using the container gardening method. Yum!
Use a jar for this gift or find yourself a small planting pot and fill it with seed packages, gardening gloves, and smaller sized tools. Any garden supplies store will carry these gardening essentials to get your gift growing. If you’re a seed saver, give a more personal gift by adding your garden bounty to the basket .
6. Crafty Gifts in a Jar
Craft supplies can range in price from the super inexpensive to the super pricey. You’re paying a mint for anything with Martha Stewart’s name on it, and next to nothing for dollar store finds.
This is a gift where you can really cut costs or go full out. The trick is finding the right sized jar for the task. Craft supplies are great stocking stuffers for kids and can be given as gifts for teachers too.
7. Jar Gifts for Athletes
Some sports are easier to stick in a jar than others. For example, please don’t try to gift a hockey stick in a mason jar. A fully inflated football is another toughie to fit, but one of those squishy Nerf footballs is probably a go.
Gifts for runners, walkers, marathoners, swimmers, and cyclists are easy to fit into a jar. Smaller items like energy bars or gels (I like Clif Bars), swim caps, goggles, race laces, and tire tubes are handy items most endurance types would appreciate. You could even skip the jar by placing these items in a wide-mouth water bottle.You don’t need an athlete in the family to give fitness gear. Those living a healthy lifestyle through walking, yoga, and other fitness activities would enjoy this gift too!
8. Pet Stuff in a Jar
Dog walkers, pet owners, and other furry friends can be gifted with a jar and some gear. Dog collars, cat toys, and pet treats all fit neatly in a variety of different sized jars.
9. Pie in a Jar
Looking for a unique hostess gift? Bake up a tiny pie in a jar.
10. Food Gifts in a Jar
This one is easy. Promise. Give the gift of chocolates, candies, nuts, or dried fruit in a jar.
11. Recipes in a Jar
Why not give a recipe in a jar this year? There are endless ideas and ingredients to layer in a simple mason jar. Soup mixes are super for those who like savory ingredients, while jars containing layered mixes for cookies, muffins, S’mores, and brownies are yummy for those with a sweet tooth.
12. Cook in a Jar
Don’t laugh me off the internets, but in case you haven’t noticed I have a serious love of mustard. Dijon, sweet, honey, and seedy are all types of mustard I enjoy daily. So gifting food that sells in a jar is not a bad present for those foodies who love something specific.
Or just give a bottle of wine for $15 or under — most come corked in a bottle. Carl often comes home on a Friday night with a $10 Malbec for fun, so finding a budget vino is very possible.