Homemade food gifts in a jar are perfect for any occasion and can be made quickly and easily if you know how.
Share your culinary skills with these deliciously simple food gifts in a jar. Perfect for any occasion.
Sometimes the best gifts I know of come homemade like my favorite: Strawberry Jam. But there are so many different types and kinds of foods that you can “jar” up to make lovely and tasty gifts for one and all.
And, with a little bit of planning, you can have an assortment to choose from and give to that special someone anytime the need arises.
Here are just some of my favorite ideas for gifting food gifts in a jar:
1. Strawberry Jam
This is a definite winner not only as a recipe but also as a gift. It takes a bit of time to make but the reward is that you’ll have something that can be stored until you need a gift at a moment’s notice like this Strawberry Jam.
2. Homemade Marmalades
Made similarly like jams and jellies, marmalade takes toast and cracker spreads to another level. Check out Alton Brown‘s version of this classic recipe: Orange Marmalade.
3. Honey
Honey comes in a number varieties, from the standard clear to the creamy to the one with real waxed cones. Give the gift of sweetness along with a honey spoon and you’re all set.
RELATED: Wisconsin Honey Producers Association
4. Hot Chocolate Mix
Gift to warm someone with this sweet hot chocolate mix. I like to add M&M’s, sprinkles, and, of course, lots and lots of marshmallows.
RELATED: Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas
5. Beans and Legumes
I’ve seen so many bean soup and lentil soup mixes in jars. Easy for getting the kids involved, as they can be a part of the assembly line. Or, if you don’t have time, how about jarring them up with a pretty label with your favorite recipe attached. Simple. Easy.
RELATED: Back to Her Roots Vegetarian 5 Bean Soup Mix
6. Herbed Olive Oils
Bet you didn’t know that you can infuse olive oil with herbs and spices? You can! In fact, you can repackage your favorite infused oils and give them away so that others might enjoy them too!
RELATED: Infusing Olive Oil from Olive Oil Source
7. Chocolate Nut Cookies – Midwest Living (Video)
8. Mint Jelly
Perfect with meats, so great as a hostess gift–you’re gonna love Mint Jelly. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make. This family favorite recipe comes from New Zealand’s Weekly via Wendyl Nissen and Wendyl Nissen’s Pantry.
9. Spice Mixes
I love getting dried spices. You can buy them in bulk and package them in beautiful sealed jars. Give several as a set for a housewarming, shower, or wedding gift. Perfect for teacher appreciation week, too.
RELATED RECIPES: Fish and Seafood Seasoning Blend Recipe and Wisconsin Homemaker Smoky Pork Rub Recipe
10. Canned Tomato Sauce
This is the perfect gift to someone who is homebound, newly married, just had a baby–the ideas are endless…Why? Because tomato sauce is the standard for so many delicious recipes and is easily heated up and served. I love Ball‘s Basil-Garlic Tomato Sauce. It makes about 7 pints and so delicious!
11. Infused Vinegars
You can give plain vinegar, but with a few simple ingredients, you can take it from ho hum to nom nom! Simple to make and it tastes out of this world. Be sure to use a decorative tag or label when giving it as a gift.
RELATED: Lemon Basil Infused Vinegar
12. Freshly Baked Biscotti
If you love coffee and tea, biscotti must come in a close second. And, getting this as a gift–well, let’s just say, you’ll have a friend for life. Biscotti normally take a two-bake cycle but it’s worth it. Just be sure to make enough for your friends, plus a hidden stash for yourself, too!
RELATED: 15 Biscotti Recipes from Martha Stewart
13. Old Fashioned Garlic Dill Pickles
I remember my own mom giving canned Dill Pickles away as gifts. She put plenty of love in each jar. You can share your love for pickling too with this delicious recipe from Taste of Home.
14. Salted Caramel, Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Sauces – The Domestic Geek (Video)
Perfect over ice cream, pancakes, even cheese cake…the options are endless!
15. Jarred Pumpkin Pie Muffin Mix {Gluten Free}
Kelly at The Nourishing Home offers this delicious recipe for those who love muffins but need it gluten free.
16. Homemade Salsa
Give the gift of summer with this hot, hot, hot Lone Star Salsa. Just follow these instructions for canning after you process the salsa. P.S. This is also a great hostess gift for the holidays or special events.
17. Seeds and Nuts in a Jar
Who doesn’t love to have their own stash of seeds and/or nuts to nibble on. This gift idea is super easy. Vary the jars you pack them in and you are all set. Now that’s gifting that is easy breezy!
RELATED: How to Roast Pumpkin and Squash Seeds
18. Canned Cherries
I have a favorite store that I love to buy my own canned cherries. But they are so easy to make at home, as Cheryl of Backstreet Gourmet will tell you. Her canned Sweet Cherries recipe is so simple to make that if you make enough of it, you’ll be able to give gifts of love well throughout the cold winter months.
19. Homemade Peanut Butter
I’ve made my own homemade peanut butter in the past. But I also love Alton Brown‘s version, too. All it takes is roasted peanuts and a food processor. It can’t get easier than that!
20. Oven Dried Tomatoes
Tomato season goes so quickly, so this recipe makes the perfect gift for someone who loves tomatoes as much as you do. The only difficulty is waiting for the tomatoes to dry–but it is oh, so worth the wait! Seal it in a swing lid jar with oil. Tie with a rafia bow and you’re all set.
RELATED: Oven-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Need more inspiration? Here are two great resources to whet your culinary appetite.
Meals in a Jar by Julie Languille | Gifts in a Jar by Kristina Newman
And, for more delicious food gift ideas and recipes, be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Recipe Section.
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