Easy DIY Mason Jar Holiday Gifts

Updated on November 10, 2021

During the holidays, you may have a long list of people to shop for. If you’re striking out at the store or are stumped about what to buy, consider making a gift instead.

When you take the time to craft a gift yourself, it shows the recipient that you care enough to put the effort into making something just for them. At a time of year when everyone seems busy and rushed, a homemade gift can send a message about your priorities and what you consider important. Homemade gifts can also help you save money this holiday season.

Mason jar gifts offer a unique and beautiful way to get your message across to your recipient. Some people may have empty ones at home available for use, but you can also find them at local art stores or buy them online.

The craft instructions in this infographic are for a single mason jar, so if you plan to make more than one, be sure to multiply the supplies to meet your needs.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License. If you like our graphic, feel free to share it on your site as long as you include a link back to this post to credit PSECU as the original creator of the graphic.

Tips for Mason Jar Gifts

Perhaps you’re a craft veteran, or maybe this is your first time on the DIY bandwagon. Either way, you can use these tips to make these mason jar holiday gifts for your loved ones.

How to Remove Labels from Your Jar

Any glass jar will work for these gifts, just make sure you adjust the material you need to the size jar you have on hand. Reusing your glass jars is a wonderful way to make your holiday greener. But how do you ensure the sticky residue from a label doesn’t mar the end result? Follow these steps to remove a label safely and thoroughly:

1. Fully submerge the jar with its lid off in a sink of hot water.
2. Add a few drops of dish soap to the water.
3. Add two cups of white vinegar to the water.
4. Let the jar sit for at least half an hour — the longer the better for the vinegar to work its magic on the glue, which gets neutralized by the vinegar’s acidity.
5. Remove the jar from the sink and peel off the label. It should come off clean, without any sticky residue. If a few pieces do get left behind, scrub gently with steel wool or spray the residue with WD-40 and rub with a paper towel.
6. Rinse the jar under cold water and place upside down. Make sure it’s completely dry before you start your project.

How to Sterilize Your Jar

You want to be sure your mason jar is as clean as possible, so you’ll want to sterilize it prior to getting started on your project.

The easiest way to clean your jar is to place it in your dishwasher and run a sterilize cycle.

You can also wash the jar by hand, then place open-side-up in a pot of hot water. Keep the pot lid off while you raise the temperature to boiling for 15 minutes. Let the water cool slightly before removing the jar with tongs. You can sterilize the lid by washing it with soap and hot water.

Have Fun Making DIY Holiday Gifts

Part of the fun of the holidays is showing you care. Enjoy making these gifts for your friends and family as a unique and budget-friendly gesture! Find more money tips and ways to save this season on our blog.

Learn how to create budget-friendly holiday decor.