10 Easy, Last-Minute Food Gifts in a Jar

I'm a die-hard fan of mason jar gifts. They are the greatest. Over the years we've been the recipients of some real winners - from homemade BBQ sauce and accompanying spice rub to homemade vanilla syrup to garden salsa and everything in between.

Food gifts can be a great idea for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a fun and unique way to show someone that you care. Instead of giving a typical store-bought gift, you can create something special and personal that they can enjoy. Homemade gifts also show that you've put thought and effort into the present, which can make the recipient feel appreciated.

Secondly, delicious gifts are always a good idea because everyone loves food! You can choose from a variety of options, such as cocoa powder or chocolate chip cookies, and package them in a way that's appealing, like in glass jars or mix-in-a-jar recipes. You can even add ice cream to make the treat even more enjoyable. And if you're looking for specific occasions, food gifts can be great for Christmas gifts or as a sweet treat for someone who needs a little pick-me-up. So, if you want to give the perfect Christmas gift that's absolutely delicious and memorable, consider making a mason jar gift with a special touch, like adding chocolate chips, homemade soap mixes or other mix-ins.

When it comes to gift giving, there's nothing more inspirational than a glass jar!

I've got 10 really easy last-minute food gifts and mason jar gift ideas that make great presents for neighbors, friends, teachers, coworkers, or just about anyone really.

Condiment Mason Jar Gifts

1. Homemade vinaigrette

Give the gift of yummier salads. Raspberry Thyme Vinaigrette is made with 4-5 fresh raspberries, a pinch of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon dijon mustard, ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar, and ½ cup avocado oil. Just put everything into the jar and shake well. It's the perfect mason jar gift.

The vinaigrette will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge, longer without the raspberries. Change it up by using different fruits, vinegars, and oils.

2. Flavored sugar

Vanilla is my favorite flavored sugar. And okay, not really a condiment. But still! It's a great mason jar gift.

Just mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. To make a big batch, use 4 cups of sugar and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract. Stir together. The mixture will look like damp sand. The extra moisture will evaporate and the sugar will dry out.

A split vanilla bean can also be used. Just place the bean into the jar of sugar and let it stand for a few weeks to infuse the vanilla with its essence.

The bean can be reused over and over, so it's a gift that can keep on giving! Just make note on the gift tag. It's great stirred into coffee or tea and sprinkled on top of just about anything. (Like a condiment.)

3. Chia Berry Jam

Who doesn't love homemade jam? Give a sweet gift to a special friend this year. This recipe comes from Hello Nest. It contains a few simple ingredients and is sweetened with honey or maple syrup. The chia seeds thicken the jam, but also add protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Homemade Mayo, Ketchup and Mustard

You can't go wrong with this all-purpose trio! The three recipes are vegan, packed with healthy ingredients, and a real treat on burgers and sandwiches. Ditch the extra sugar, salt and preservatives once and for all with this delicious mason jar gift.

5. Quick + Easy BBQ Sauce

Whisk together 1 ¼ cups ketchup or tomato sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. If using tomato sauce, you might need to add a little more honey or molasses.

It's a great all-purpose BBQ sauce. You can add extra spices, like chipotle, to make it hot and spicy, add an Asian twist by adding a little soy sauce and ginger, or make it extra tangy by adding fresh lemon juice.

Mason Jar Gift Snacks

Because who doesn't love salty snacks?

6. Popcorn kernels + homemade seasoning blend

I am in love with sprinkling nutritional yeast on popcorn. I made a little blend of 4 Tablespoons of nutritional yeast with 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. It's addictive and gives the popcorn a slightly "cheesy" flavor.

7. Roasted nuts

Another crowd pleaser! I like sweet and salt combos the best. Buy mixed nuts in bulk for the best value, but any nuts will work fine. My favorite recipe at the moment is this one made with rosemary and vanilla.

If you need an option for someone who's allergic to nuts, you might like these roasted chickpeas (sweet or savory).

Breakfast Gifts in a Jar

8. Instant Oatmeal

For friends who would appreciate something on the healthier side, give the gift of a healthy breakfast. Mix up a big batch of DIY Instant Oatmeal and put it in a pretty jar. (Make a batch for yourself too!)

9. Infused honey

Perfect for so many things! Drizzled on top of oatmeal, toast, fruit, and yogurt; layered in peanut butter sandwiches, stirred into a hot cuppa tea or mug of warm water and lemon. It's also a great way to end the day stirred into warm milk before bed.

See how easy it is to make infused honey here. It's a thoughtful gift that doesn't take much time to make.

10. Maple Cinnamon Butter

Hands down the favorite of many a recipient. Mix one 1 cup (2 sticks) softened salted butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1 tablespoon maple syrup powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Put it in a jar and give the gift that will make biscuits, bread, muffins, and other baked goods even better.

More Mason Jar Gift Ideas

Looking for mason jar gift ideas? Try these quick recipes:

Hot cocoa mix: Fill a mason jar with layers of hot cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Attach a free printable label with instructions for making the hot cocoa.

Bean soup mix: Layer dried beans, spices, and pasta in a mason jar to create a hearty soup mix. Attach a gift tag with instructions for cooking the soup.

Homemade salted caramel sauce: Fill a mason jar with homemade salted caramel sauce and attach a gift tag with suggestions for using the sauce (e.g. drizzling over ice cream, stirring into coffee).

Cookie mix: Layer dry ingredients for your favorite cookie recipe in a mason jar and attach a gift tag with instructions for baking the cookies.

Apple cider mix: Layer spices, dried apple slices, and sugar in a mason jar to create an apple cider mix. Attach a gift tag with instructions for making the cider.

Mason jar herb garden kit: Fill a mason jar with soil and include packets of herb seeds. Attach a gift tag with instructions for planting the seeds and caring for the herbs.

Mason jar candle: Melt candle wax and add your favorite scent. Pour the wax into a mason jar and add a wick. Once the candle has hardened, add a lid and decorate the jar with ribbon or twine.

Homemade vanilla extract: Fill a mason jar with vodka and vanilla beans to make your own vanilla extract. Attach a gift tag with instructions for using the extract.

Baking soda air freshener: Fill a mason jar with baking soda and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Punch holes in the lid of the jar and use it as an air freshener.

Mason jar snow globe: Glue a small figurine to the inside of a mason jar lid. Fill the jar with water and glitter, then screw on the lid. Turn the jar upside down to create a snow globe effect.

A few more food gift ideas here on Hello Glow:

What are your go-to last minute gifts?

Frequently Asked Questions: Mason Jar Gift Ideas

What are some good DIY food gift ideas that I can make at home?

Some popular DIY food gift ideas include mason jar gifts, homemade cookies, chocolate truffles, infused oils and vinegars, and hot cocoa mixes with chocolate chips. These gifts can be customized to the recipient's taste and can be made in large batches to save time and money.

How can I make my DIY food gifts stand out?

One way to make your DIY food gifts stand out is by adding a personal touch. You can decorate the mason jars or packaging, attach a handwritten note or recipe, or even add a small gift like a tea infuser or cookie cutter. Additionally, using high-quality ingredients like premium chocolate chips can make your gifts taste even better.

Are DIY food gifts a budget-friendly option?

Yes, DIY food gifts can be a budget-friendly option. Buying ingredients in bulk can save money, and making gifts at home can be more affordable than buying pre-made gifts. Additionally, using simple packaging like mason jars can be cost-effective while still looking stylish and cute.

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