Gifts in a Jar Presentation and Decorating

Jar Gift Ideas

See also: Craft of the Week Gift Idea , Meal Gift Baskets, Individual serving sz Mug Mixes

View some Various Jar Decorating Ideas
		How do I layer my Jar ingredients?
Attach Raffia Ribbons	Add a Square of Cloth	Layer Your Ingredients	Attach Whisk/Spoons etc

There are a number of ways to decorate your Gifts in a Jar.

Paint a Design on your Jar before filling it.

Layer the ingredients in the Jar like Sand Art

Wrap the entire Jar in Tulle or Fabric

Attach a Tag using ribbons or Raffia

Wrap the entire Jar with Colored Cellophane or Fabric

Simply add a finish tag & Pretty Label

Place several different size mixes in a Themed gift basket

Purchase odd shaped jars at dollar stores & fill them

Attach small whisks, wooden spoons, mini garden trowel, jute, etc to spruce up your jar

Decoupage photos to your jar, or pieces of Tissue paper for a stained glass effect

Attach a cookie cutter with some ribbons or raffia

To create a star effect with you layers, slide a toothpick or Kebob Stick down the sides, allowing the ingredients to "Star": See below


Before: Ordinary layers	Use Knife or Kabob Stick	Star all the way around, add fabric & tag

Use hot-glue to add Flowers, spice ornaments.
If making a jar for a grandparent, let the kids use different colors of paint and "Handprint" the jar
Decorate with stickers
Make your jar sparkle with Glitter Paints
Use Babyfood Jars for Dip mixes & Single serving "Mug" Mixes
Create a Raffia Bundle by cutting 6" pieces, bundle the center with a twistie tie. Fluff it out a bit & attach to jar with hot glue
Create a Victorian "feel" to your jar by attaching dried flowers and a drapery tassel
Top jar with a doily & paint the lid, glue on a fabric heart, bat, christmas tree etc
For western theme, wrap bandana around jar & attach mini straw hat
Decorate jar or bottle with natural materials such as mini pine cones

How should I layer the Mixes?

There is no right or wrong way to layer your jar mixes. However, to make the jar most appealing, try using various textures & contrasting colors. For instance in a Butterscotch cookie mix, place a layer of flour first, brown sugar second, nuts third , butterscotch chips fourth and so on. The variety will add appeal to your gifts and make them visually enticing.

Here are several tips for successfully layering your jars.

Start with the lightest ingredients first: Flour (be sure to mix your baking soda, powder, salt if listed). This will ensure that the mix incorporates smoothly.
Pack down each layer firmly. I've used the bottom of a cup, back of a spoon, small ladle, etc to be sure each layer is packed tightly.
Add your nuts, raisins, chocolate pieces, candies and other larger, more coarse ingredients.
Items such as flour, cocoa powders, powdered milk often leave a light powdery residue on the jar. To remove this simply wipe the inside of the jar with a paper-towel before adding your next layer.

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Jar Gift Ideas

View some Various Jar Decorating Ideas

Here are several tips for successfully layering your jars.

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