35 Best Mason Jar Gift Ideas for All Ages

Need a gift that shows someone how much you care but don’t have a lot of money to spend?

These fun and festive mason jar gift ideas are just the thing.

Mason jars are cute and functional. But instead of gifting empty jars, why not fill them with fun recipes?

From dry soup mixes to cookies, it’s so easy to layer ingredients and print off cute recipe cards.

Then, give them away for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

These mason jar gift ideas are adorable, thoughtful, and budget-friendly. And there’s something here for every age and palate.

Enjoy!

35 Easy Mason Jar Gifts for Christmas

1. M&M Cookie Mix in a Jar

Chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies loaded with M&Ms are always a lovely gift.

But instead of making a huge batch at home, why not give the gift of a cookie-making experience?

That way, your friend still gets delicious cookies. But they can also make memories by baking them with their kids or spouse.

2. Christmas Cookies in a Jar

Christmas cookies in a jar are a super sweet holiday gift – literally and figuratively!

The gorgeous, layered appearance makes them extra fun and Insta-worthy.  

Plus, the resulting cookies are scrumptious. They’re super chocolatey with just enough minty goodness to make them awesome.  

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar

Here’s another pretty option for cookies in a jar.

It, too, features several lovely layers. But the resulting cookies are more classic.

Gooey chocolate chip cookies without measuring ingredients? That’s a gift I’d love to get! 

Of course, you have to add an egg, some butter, and vanilla. But it’s still a lot faster than a from-scratch recipe.

4. Homemade Brownie Mix

Have a friend who prefers thick, fudgy brownies to cookies? Try this homemade brownie mix in a jar instead. 

It looks plainer than other options here, but that’s no big deal. You can dress it up with ribbons, bows, and a pretty card.

And seriously, who doesn’t love brownies?!

5. M&M Brownies in a Jar

Of course, if you want a pop of color, you can always make these M&M brownies in a jar!

They’re just as decadent and chewy, but they’ll look prettier in your holiday pictures.  

Plus, there’s M&Ms in every bite! That always makes things better. 

6. Homemade Cake Mix

Homemade cake mix in a jar basically looks like a jar full of flour.

But the cake your giftee can bake from it is light, fluffy, moist, and mouth-wateringly good.

That makes up for the plain appearance, don’t you think?

And if you want, you can always go all out when decorating the jar. So break out the Cricut and add some festive pictures and a heartfelt message.

Any baker is sure to appreciate this simple gift. Or just keep it on hand for yourself! You never know when you’ll need a cake in a hurry.

7. Chocolate Chip Toffee Blondie Mix

Chocolate chip toffee blondies.

Let me say that again. Chocolate chip. Toffee. Blondies.

If that doesn’t sound drool-worthy to you, then you and I have very different tastes. 

These thick, melt-in-your-mouth blondies are rich, sweet, and oh-so-flavorful. Also, they’re ready in 40 minutes or less – and most of that is oven time. 

8. Beefy Bean Soup Mix Jar Gift

Contrary to what the above recipes suggest, sweets aren’t the only things you can pack in a jar.

So if you know someone trying to avoid desserts, you can still give them a mason jar gift.

And this beefy bean soup mix is an excellent option.

It’s colorful, fun, and all the green and orangey-red ingredients make it ideal for Christmas. 

Oh, and the soup itself is phenomenal. It’s hearty and full of things that are good for you, including lentils, split peas, barley, and more.

It’s a beautiful soup to break out on a cold winter’s night. So be sure to make one for yourself.

9. Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

Friendship soup mix is similar to the beef and bean soup mix above.

But the primary difference is that this one uses more seasonings. And water is the only extra ingredient it needs.

Add beef, chicken, or another protein to the recipe card if you like. But it’s more than hearty on its own.

10. Five-Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

This vegetarian soup in a jar is one of the prettiest options on the list. And luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to make.

All you’ll do is layer different beans and add a spice mixture to the top. 

It’s filling, flavorful, and fantastically easy for the giftee to make later. 

11. Lentil Soup in a Jar

Need a last-minute gift for out-of-town guests? You can pull together lentil soup in a jar in no time.

It’s an inexpensive, easy-to-assemble gift that anyone would enjoy. It’s also a great choice for any vegetarians or vegans in your life. 

12. Make-Ahead Chicken Noodle Soup Mix in a Jar

I don’t know about you, but I have one friend who’s always sick around the holidays.

So what better gift for that person than chicken noodle soup in a jar?

Sure, you could bring them pre-made soup. But it’s not always possible. And this way, they’ll have it ready to go in the pantry.

13. S’Mores Mason Jar Gift Idea

If you’ll be near an open fire this holiday season, why not treat your loved ones to some indoor s’mores?

If you make them up as seen in the picture, you’ll know exactly how many you have and how many you can sneak when nobody’s looking!

This is especially cute if there are any kids around. Just be sure to watch them as they toast the s’mores (or use an oven!).

14. Christmas Morning Muffins in a Jar 

This muffin in a jar recipe is ideal for anyone spending the holidays away from their own family.

For example, if you’re going to a friend’s house or to your in-laws, you might not feel comfortable raiding their pantry.

But if you bring this along, you’ll not only have a tasty treat for Christmas morning, you won’t have to worry about your host not having a key ingredient!

15. Banana Bread Mix In A Jar

Who doesn’t love banana bread? It’s great all year and ideal for gift-giving.

But this mason jar recipe might be a bit easier to transport if you’re traveling to friends and family.

Be sure to check if anyone has nut allergies, then fill those jars with flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and mini chocolate chips.

You can pick up the bananas when you arrive!

16. Pumpkin Spice Mix in a Jar

If you have a hardcore PSL fanatic in your life, save them a few bucks with this pumpkin spice mix in a jar. 

That way, they can make their own lattes, pumpkin bread, and more – and skip the line to boot!

It’s the best gift you could ever give to a true fan. 

17. Gingerbread Spice Mix

Here’s another terrific spice mix that’ll be welcome around the holidays. It may not be as popular as pumpkin spice, but it’s just as classic.  

I must make a million gingerbread recipes in December, so this comes in so handy.

I like to include recipes for cookies and cakes, plus a few cute cookie cutters attached with a ribbon.

18. Healthy Low-Carb Paleo Trail Mix

This nutritious mason jar gift is one of the most customizable on the whole list.

You can pick anything you want from a wide variety of potential ingredients. And it’ll last a long time in the pantry.

I like a mix of almonds, pine nuts, hemp seeds, and berries. However, you can choose between any of the following: 

• Pistachios
• Pecans
• Brazil nuts
• Macadamia nuts
• Walnuts
• Sesame seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pepitas
• Chia seeds
• Raisins
• Acai berries
• Apricots
• Coconut
• Figs
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Cherries
• And so much more! 

When I tell you the possibilities are endless, that’s precisely what I mean. Whip these up individually, catering them to everyone’s specific tastes. 

19. Christmas Trail Mix in a Jar 

This trail mix isn’t as healthy as the one above, but you can’t deny it’s cute as heck!

Christmas trail mix combines pretzels and pecans with sweeter ingredients like M&Ms, Reese’s mini peanut butter cups, and Muddy Buddies Chex.

It’s the perfect combination of rich, indulgent, salty, and crunchy. 

20. Pasta Fagioli Soup Mix in a Jar

Fagioliis a traditional Italian soup that makes another fantastic option for make-ahead mason jar gifts.

The many dried beans give it a gorgeous appearance. And the final product tastes fantastic. 

It’s filling, flavorful, and vegetarian-friendly. Plus, the extra ingredients needed are also minimal.

21. Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix

Does your friend prefer robust chili to savory soups? Then mix up a batch of homemade chili seasoning instead. 

It’s a colorful, fragrant mix of spices with bold, tasty flavors. And best of all, you likely have everything you need on your spice rack right now! 

I suggest playing around with the flavors and maybe trying some things you might not expect.

For example, I like to add a dash of cocoa and espresso powder. Try it, and let me know what you think!

22. Instant Mac and Cheese Mix in a Mason Jar

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. So that makes it the ideal gift for practically everyone. 

You’ll need a pretty, well-decorated jar, some macaroni, and cheddar cheese powder.

When your friend is ready to make it, they’ll add milk, salt, and butter. 

(FYI: If anyone is looking for gift ideas for me, I’m a total mac-n-cheese junkie. Hint hint.) 

23. Santa’s Christmas Cookies in a Jar

Santa’s Christmas cookies are another colorful and sweet gift the kids will love.

They look great in the jar, and the cookies are incredible when baked.

Soft, chewy, and full of bright M&Ms and gooey chocolate chips, they’re hard to resist. So make extra, or you might not have enough for Santa!

24. Grinch Cake Mix Cookies in a Jar

The ingredients for Grinch cookies in a jar are simple. You’ll need white cake mix, red sprinkles, powdered sugar, and green food gel. 

With those four things (and a couple of add-ins), your friend can make gorgeous green cookies.

The sparkly red sprinkles add a little extra, heart-growing pizzazz. And since they’re a gift, go all out!

25. Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar

Bottling gingerbread spice for your friends is wonderful. But why not go a step further and give them gingerbread cookie mix in a jar instead?

It doesn’t get more holiday-themed than that!

As well as cookie cutters, you could also attach some little piping bags with colorful icing!

26. Mason Jar Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix

Does your friend prefer snickerdoodles to gingerbread? Then this mason jar gift may better suit them.

These cinnamon- and sugar-dusted cookies are another holiday favorite. They’re thin, soft, and chewy and smell as good as they taste.

They’ll make your friend’s house smell amazing while they’re baking, too. 

27. Gluten-Free Cookie Mix in a Jar

Love the idea of cookie mix in a jar but need a gluten-free option? This one will do the trick.

They’re yummy, gluten-free cookies you can tweak to suit your giftee’s tastes. 

Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, peppermints, or whatever else you like. It shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to pull together, either way. 

28. M&M Oatmeal Cookies in a Jar

I’m a huge fan of oatmeal cookies. I just can’t get enough of that chewy texture and sweet cookie flavor.

Of course, they’re even more scrumptious when you throw in M&Ms!

29. Lemon Cookie Mix in a Jar

Do you love the bright, vibrant taste of lemon cookies? If so, this mason jar gift is the one for you.

It’s ridiculously easy to pull together, and it all starts with a box of lemon cake mix.

Add that to the bottom of the jar, then top it off with white chocolate chips, and voila! You’re all set. 

30. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies in a Jar

These double chocolate cookies are supremely chocolatey and just a bit minty.

They also bake up to a perfect texture with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. 

I love them in the jar because they look incredible with those layers. Tape a candy cane to the front for an extra bit of flair. 

31. Apple Butter Crumb Cake Mix in a Jar 

Apple butter crumb cake is another nostalgic mason jar gift option I make at least once a year.

There’s just something about this cake that makes me think of my grandma’s kitchen. 

It’s sweet, full of apple yumminess, and features a decadent crumb topping.

Plus, the mason jar gift has plenty of fun and lovely layers. So it’s a fantastic option all around. 

32. Hot Cocoa in a Jar

Food and spice mixtures are just some of the things that make great mason jar gifts.

But did you know you can also bottle up a homemade cocoa mix in a pretty jar? 

Then give it to your friends for an extra-sweet beverage to warm up with when the weather turns cold.

You’ll need sugar, unsweetened cocoa, and powdered milk. Top those with mini marshmallows and brown and white chocolate chips, and you’re all set.

I like to gift this to families with cute mugs all around.

33. Mason Jar Cappuccino Mix 

Do your friends prefer caffeine to sugar? Forego the cocoa mix in favor of this cappuccino mix instead.

It’s still sweet, warm, and chocolatey but has an extra caffeine boost. 

And the only thing your friend will need to make it is water! 

34. Pickled Red Onions 

Sometimes, the best mason jar gifts are the ones that don’t require any extra work at all. Typically, these include homemade jams, jellies, canned soups, etc. 

But why not do something different this year?

Give the gift of tangy, bright, and crispy pickled red onions. They’ll be a real hit if you have a friend who loves Mexican food, sandwiches, or burgers.

After all, many people love pickled veggies, but not everyone has the patience to make them.

It’s a thoughtful gift that everyone is sure to appreciate.

Just be sure you don’t wait until the last minute. Genuine pickling takes at least a couple of weeks to get right. 

35. Homemade Hot Pepper Jelly 

Hot pepper jelly is another ready-to-eat, straight-from-the-jar holiday gift. With it, your giftees can add a little heat and sweetness to any meal. 

It’s sweet, spicy, and downright addictive.

This recipe uses honey as the base. However, you can also make it with your favorite fruits or berries.