10
Gifts in a Jar
Strictly speaking, you can make a gift from anything you can stuff into a glass canning jar. Embellish it with fabric, ribbon, or raffia; add a tag that gives the recipient specific instructions on what to do with the contents; and you’ve just made a jar gift. Some jar gifts contain ingredients with instructions for the recipient to finish the product; others are finished and ready to go.
The great thing about jar gifts, especially when the contents are edible, is that they become perfect repeat performers. People of all ages love these gifts, so you can give them year after year with confidence they will be received with rave reviews.You can buy new canning jars for about twelve dollars a dozen at grocery stores, department stores such as Walmart, and craft stores. Regardless of the jar size (this will vary from one recipe to another, although the recipes in this book use the quart size unless otherwise specified), always use widemouthed canning jars. You can also purchase replacement rings and lids for old jars. Always use new lids.
Jars also come in smaller sizes that are perfect for spice blends, herbed mixes, potpourri, and bath salts. Always prepare a tag for the jar gift that explains what it is and how to use it.
You can make jar gifts one at a time or take care of your entire gift list in one marathon-like event using the assembly line method. I’ve lined up as many as two dozen jars at a time and found that the assembly goes quickly and efficiently. Just make sure that you measure carefully and, in the case of layered jars, pack the contents tightly so there’s no room for shifting.
Jars containing the dry ingredients for cookies or other sweets can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months. To keep longer, store in the refrigerator or freezer.
You will help your recipients when you add a “best if used by” date. Of course, this will be determined by how long you have stored the finished product prior to presentation. It is best to err on the side of caution, suggesting the item be used within three months.
“Yep, worldwide virtual Christmas via high-speed broadband. Sorry, boys, I won’t be needing your service anymore. I’m gonna miss ya!”
Any item given in a jar can be dressed up and personalized. Cut a six-inch square of fabric with pinking shears. Center the fabric over the lid. Using a hot glue gun, attach the fabric to the lid. Tie a ribbon around the rim and finish with a bow. Cut a circle of paper to fit the jar lid, use gold rope or string, and a wax seal with an impression of your initial. The gift tag can describe the contents with suggested uses and include the recipe.
Jar gifts are perfect for singles, kids (even young children can follow the directions and make cookies with some adult supervision), seniors, teachers, co-workers—everyone on your list. The only problem you may encounter is a recipient who simply cannot bear to use the jar gift because it is so beautiful. In that case, I suggest you give another on the next appropriate occasion. And you know what that means? You’ve started a tradition!
Cookies, Brownies, and Sweet Treats
Layered to look like sand art, these fabulous mixes make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
| ½ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | chopped pecans |
| 1 cup | chocolate chips |
| 1 cup | firmly packed brown sugar |
| 2 ½ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and ¼ teaspoon salt |
Layer ingredients in the order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. Everything will fit if you are diligent to pack each layer tightly, particularly the brown sugar and flour.
Attach this message to the jar:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl and thoroughly blend. Add ¾ cup softened butter or margarine (not diet or tub variety), 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well. Shape into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for seven to ten minutes or until just slightly golden. Do not overbake. Cool ten minutes on baking sheet. Remove to racks to finish cooling. These cookies will not firm up until completely cooled. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Trail Mix Cookies
| ½ cup | packed brown sugar |
| ½ cup | white sugar |
| ¾ cup | wheat germ |
| ⅓ cup | quick-cooking oats |
| 1 cup | raisins |
| ⅓ cup | packed flaked coconut |
| ½ cup | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder |
Layer ingredients in the order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. It will be a very tight fit. Keep gift refrigerated.
Attach this message to the jar:
Trail Mix Cookies
Keep jar refrigerated until ready to bake. Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl and thoroughly blend. Add ½ cup soft butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended.
Shape into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for twelve to fourteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Easiest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
| 1⅔ cups | all-purpose flour |
| ¾ teaspoon | baking soda |
| ½ cup | white sugar |
| 2 cups | semisweet chocolate chips |
| ½ cup | packed brown sugar |
Combine the flour, baking soda, white sugar, and chocolate chips. Place one half of the mixture in a jar and pack firmly. Place the brown sugar on top, again packing firmly. Finish with the remaining flour mixture on top.
Attach this message to the jar:
Easiest Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large bowl. In separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of softened butter, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add to dry mixture. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for eight to ten minutes. Yield: 2 dozen.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
| ¾ cup | white sugar |
| ¼ cup | packed brown sugar |
| 1¾ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda |
| 8 | large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups cut into ½-inch pieces (wrap in plastic wrap) |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. The cut candy pieces should be wrapped in plastic wrap and then added as the final layer. This will keep them fresh and the other ingredients dry until use.
Attach this message to the jar:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
Remove candies from jar, discard plastic wrap, and set aside. Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Stir in candies. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for twelve to fourteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
| ¾ cup | packed brown sugar |
| ½ cup | white sugar |
| ¾ cup | raisins |
| 2 cups | quick-cooking oats |
| 1 cup | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ¾ cup softened butter (not diet margarine); 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll heaping spoonfuls into balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for eleven to thirteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 3 dozen.
Orange Slice Cookies
| ¾ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | packed brown sugar |
| 1¾ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda |
| 1½ cups | orange slice candies, quartered (wrap in plastic wrap) |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Orange Slice Cookies
Remove candies from jar, discard plastic wrap, and set aside. Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Stir in orange candies. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for twelve to fourteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Chocolate-Covered Raisin Cookies
| ¾ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | packed brown sugar |
| 1 cup | chocolate-covered raisins |
| ½ cup | milk chocolate chips |
| 1¾ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Chocolate-Covered Raisin Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll heaping spoonfuls into balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for thirteen to fifteen minutes or until tops are very lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Hawaiian Cookies
| ⅓ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | packed brown sugar |
| ⅓ cup | packed flaked coconut |
| ⅔ cup | chopped macadamia nuts |
| ⅔ cup | chopped dates |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Hawaiian Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Press cookie down slightly with the heel of your hand. Bake at 350°F for eleven to thirteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Raisin Crunch Cookies
| ½ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | raisins |
| 1¼ cups | packed flaked coconut |
| 1 cup | crushed cornflakes |
| ¾ cup | packed brown sugar |
| ½ cup | quick-cooking oats |
| 1¼ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Raisin Crunch Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 1 cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for ten to twelve minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 3 to 4 dozen.
Dreamsicle Cookies
| ½ cup | Tang drink powder |
| ¾ cup | white sugar |
| 1½ cups | white chocolate chips |
| 1¾ cups | all-purpose flour mixed with ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon baking powder |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Dreamsicle Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll heaping spoonfuls into balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for twelve to fourteen minutes or until tops are very lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
M&M Cookies
| 1¼ cups | white sugar |
| 1¼ cups | M&M’s |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour mixed with ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon baking powder |
Layer ingredients in order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
M&M Cookies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add ½ cup softened butter; 1 egg, slightly beaten; and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place two inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375°F for twelve to fourteen minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool five minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: 2½ dozen.
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
| ¾ cup | dried cranberries or cherries |
| ¾ cup | shelled green pistachios |
| 2 cups | all-purpose unbleached flour mixed with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons baking powder |
| ⅔ cup | white sugar |
Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Tap the jar gently on the countertop to settle each layer before adding the next, adding dried fruits or pistachios to fill any gaps. Make sure you compress the flour well using your fingers or the end of a wooden spoon.
Attach this message to the jar:
Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti
Beat ⅓ cup butter on medium speed for thirty seconds. Add 2 eggs and beat on medium until well combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in contents of jar until just combined. Divide into two loaves on a cookie sheet. Chill dough if necessary to make it easier to handle. Each loaf should be about nine inches long and two inches wide. Bake at 375°F for twenty-five to thirty minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on baking sheet for one hour. Cut each loaf diagonally into ½-inch thick slices using a serrated bread knife. Place slices on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325°F for eight minutes, then turn over and bake for an additional eight to ten minutes more or until dry and crisp. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Yield: 32 cookies.
Sand Art Brownies
| ¾ teaspoon | salt |
| 1⅛ cups | flour, divided |
| ⅓ cup | cocoa powder |
| ⅔ cup | packed brown sugar |
| ⅔ cup | white sugar |
| ½ cup | chocolate chips |
| ½ cup | white chocolate chips |
| ½ cup | walnuts or pecans |
Divide the flour and layer ingredients in the order given (and put second half of flour between the cocoa and brown sugar), pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Sand Art Brownies
Empty contents of jar into large bowl and mix well. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs. Beat until just combined. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Yield: 2½ dozen brownies.
Butterscotch Brownies
| ½ cup | flaked coconut |
| ½ cup | granulated sugar |
| 2 cups | packed brown sugar |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour mixed with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt |
Layer ingredients in the order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Butterscotch Brownies
Empty contents of jar into large mixing bowl and thoroughly blend. Add ¾ cup butter or margarine softened at room temperature (do not use diet margarine). Mix in 2 eggs, slightly beaten, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix until completely blended. Spread batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch metal pan. Bake at 375°F for twenty-five minutes. Cool fifteen minutes in baking pan. Cut brownies into 1½-inch squares. Cool completely in pan. Yield: 2 dozen.
Cinnamon Pancakes
| 3 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 4 teaspoons | ground cinnamon |
| 2¼ tablespoons | granulated sugar |
| 2 tablespoons | baking powder |
| 1¼ teaspoons | salt |
Layer ingredients in the order given, pressing each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.
Attach this message to the jar:
Cinnamon Pancakes
Empty contents of jar into large bowl. Mix thoroughly. Measure out 1⅓ cups of the mix and set aside. Return the balance of the mix to the jar for future use. In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add mix. Whisk until moistened but still lumpy. Prepare pancakes as usual. Yield: 5 to 6 small pancakes.
Savory Treats
Grilling Spices
| 3 tablespoons | whole coriander seeds |
| 3 tablespoons | cumin seeds |
| 3 tablespoons | dill seeds |
| 3 tablespoons | yellow mustard seeds |
| 6 tablespoons | whole fennel seeds |
| 6 tablespoons | sugar |
| 3 tablespoons | salt |
| 1½ teaspoons | fresh ground pepper |
Combine all seeds in a skillet over medium heat. Toast, shaking pan, about four minutes. Using a spice grinder or food processor, coarsely grind seeds. Transfer to a small bowl. Add sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Makes about 1½ cups.
Attach this message to the jar:
Grilling Spices
These grilling spices give meat, fish, or poultry an intensely flavorful, slightly crunchy outer layer while sealing in the meat’s juices. Simply rub in the spices and cook—no waiting time is required. Keep jar tightly closed and store at room temperature for up to six months.
Cajun Spices
| ¾ cup | salt |
| ¼ cup | ground cayenne pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | ground white pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | ground black pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | paprika |
| 2 tablespoons | onion powder |
| 2 tablespoons | garlic powder |
Put each ingredient into a separate cup or small bowl. While holding a pint canning jar at an angle, add ingredients to create a sand art look. The salt and cayenne may be divided into smaller portions and used to separate other spices, creating more stripes.
Attach this message to the jar:
Cajun Spices
Can be used on potatoes, eggs, and meat. Enjoy!
Corn Bread
| 1 cup | yellow cornmeal |
| 1 cup | flour |
| ¼ cup | white sugar (optional) |
| 4 teaspoons | baking powder |
| ½ teaspoon | salt |
Sift together all ingredients and place in jar.
Attach this message to the jar:
Corn Bread
Empty contents of jar into bowl. Add 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and 4 tablespoons shortening. Beat until smooth (about one minute with whisk). Pour batter into a greased 8 x 8-inch baking pan. Bake at 425°F for twenty minutes or until a knife inserted at the center comes out clean. Yield: 9 to 12 pieces.
Southwestern Fiesta Dip Mix
| ½ cup | dried parsley |
| ⅓ cup | onion flakes |
| ¼ cup | dried chives |
| ⅓ cup | chili powder |
| ¼ cup | ground cumin |
| ¼ cup | salt |
In a large bowl, combine the spices and fill small jars.
Attach this message to the jars:
Southwestern Fiesta Dip Mix
Combine 3 tablespoons of the dip mix with 1 cup mayonnaise (regular or low-fat) and 1 cup sour cream (or yogurt). Whisk until smooth. Refrigerate for two to four hours. Serve with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. Yield: 2 cups.
Hearty Friendship Soup
| ⅓ cup | beef or chicken bouillon granules |
| ¼ cup | onion flakes |
| ½ cup | split peas |
| ½ cup | alphabet pasta (any small pasta is fine) |
| ¼ cup | barley |
| ½ cup | lentils |
| ⅓ cup | non-instant white rice |
| Tricolor spiral pasta |
Layer ingredients in the order given. A funnel makes the job easier. Add enough tricolor spiral pasta to fill the jar.
Attach this message to the jar:
Hearty Friendship Soup
In large kettle, brown 1 pound ground beef (or stew beef or chicken that has been cut into bite-sized pieces in a little olive or vegetable oil). Remove the tricolor pasta from the jar and set aside. Add contents of jar to a pot containing 12 cups water. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer forty-five minutes. Add the tricolor pasta and simmer fifteen minutes longer. Serve with your favorite bread or rolls and a tossed salad. Yield: 8 servings.
Nonedible Gifts
Spring in a Jar
There’s nothing quite like crocuses or hyacinths opening on the breakfast table to cheer up a late January morning. In this jar gift, you provide everything necessary for your recipient to water-force beautiful flowers that will bloom indoors—in the dead of winter.
Bulbs that are easily water-forced—hyacinths, crocuses, paperwhites, narcissus, and tulips—are generally available summer through Labor Day. If you wait until December to get your supplies, you will be out of luck.
Store bulbs in paper bags in a cold (around 45°F), dark place until you are ready to make your jar gift. Note: The refrigerator is perfect, provided bulbs are not sharing space with fruit. Fruits emit a gas that is harmful to the bulbs.
These are the items you will need for the jar gift:
1-quart widemouthed canning jar with lid
Charcoal, gravel-sized (available in the garden department)
Small pebbles or gravel
Bulb(s) of choice
Small brown paper bag
Twine or ribbon
Other garden items (optional)
Place 1 to 2 inches of charcoal in the bottom of the jar. Follow with a layer of gravel or pebbles that are bone dry. The jar should be about half full. Wrap the bulb in a small brown paper bag, tie loosely with twine or ribbon, and set on top of gravel. Add other garden-theme items such as gloves or a packet of seeds for visual effect. These items are not part of the forcing process, and you should include a note to remove these items upon opening the gift.
Store uncovered in a cold, dark place until presentation.
Attach this message to the jar:
Spring in a Jar
Remove everything from the jar except the pebbles and charcoal. Remove the bulb from the bag and push it root side down into the pebbles just a little bit so it sits securely.
Fill the jar with water until the water almost touches the bottom of the bulb. Place the uncovered jar inside a brown paper grocery bag and keep it in a cool (50°F to 55°F) place.
Check often to make sure the water level remains steady. If no roots appear, add a little more water; if mold appears, keep the water level a bit lower. Roots should sprout in about two weeks, and top shoots will appear shortly thereafter.
When crocus shoots reach one inch (two inches in the case of hyacinths, narcissus, paperwhites, or tulips), take the jar from the grocery bag and place it in a cool, lighted place where you can admire its emerging beauty.
Get ready to enjoy a month of glorious spring!
Sewing Kit
This jar gift contains all kinds of sewing and mending supplies complete with a pincushion on top. Here are the items you will need:
1-quart widemouthed canning jar with lid
6-inch square of fabric
Fiberfill
Poster board
Tape
Fabric and jewelry glue
Hot-melt glue (optional)
To make the pincushion, center the ring of the jar on the fabric. Using it as a guide to trace, cut out a circle that is one inch larger than the ring all the way around. Cut out six circles of Fiberfill (stuffing material you can get at craft or fabric stores) that are decreasing in size. The first one should be the size of the jar lid. The second should be a bit smaller and so on until the sixth circle is only 1½ inches across.
From the poster board, cut a circle the size of the jar lid. Pile up the Fiberfill circles on top of the poster board circle. Place the fabric on top. Pick it up like a sandwich and carefully push the fabric and padding up through the underside of the ring and secure it by pushing the poster board over the bottom. Adjust the gathers so the fabric is smooth. Tape the loose ends of the fabric onto the bottom side of the poster board.
Use either fabric glue or hot-melt glue to stick the top side of the lid to the bottom side of the poster board, making sure the fabric edges are all tucked in between the two pieces. Hold securely until the glue cools or sets. If you are using hot glue, be careful because the metal will get very hot. Enough glue should push out from the edges to secure the poster board and fabric to the top under edge of the ring. Allow to set overnight.
Fill the jar with small sewing supplies such as buttons, safety pins, thread, hooks and eyes, scissors, a seam ripper, a tape measure, pins, and needles. Rather than buying all the “ingredients” at once, start watching for sales at craft and fabric stores. You’ll be able to fill your jars quite cheaply if you start early. This gift is self-explanatory, so the tag can carry your own personal message.
Play Dough
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 1 cup | salt |
| 2 tablespoons | cream of tartar |
| 1 or 2 packages | unsweetened flavored drink mix such as Kool-Aid (optional) |
Combine and pour the mixture into the jar. Embellish as desired.
Attach this message to the jar:
Play Dough
Pour contents of jar into large microwavable bowl. Add 2 cups water and 2 tablespoons baby oil. Mix well and microwave on high for four minutes, stopping every thirty seconds or so to stir. A ball will form. Cool the dough and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Caution: It smells good enough to eat, but please don’t.
Candy Cane Bath Salts
| 12 | 12-ounce jelly canning jars with lids and rings |
| 8 pounds | Epsom salt, divided |
| 4 pounds (6 cups) | sea salt or kosher salt |
| ½ teaspoon | glycerin, divided (nonedible, drugstore variety) |
| 16 drops | peppermint essential oil, divided |
| 12 to 15 drops | red food coloring |
Place 4 pounds Epsom salt into a large mixing bowl. Add 3 cups salt and stir well. Stir in ¼ teaspoon glycerin and 8 drops essential oil. Mix well.
In a second large mixing bowl, place 4 pounds Epsom salt and add 3 cups salt. Stir well. Add ¼ teaspoon glycerin, 8 drops essential oil, and food coloring. Stir until completely blended. Color should be even. Layer bath salts into jars alternating the white and red to create candy cane stripes. Embellish as desired.
Attach this message to the jar:
Candy Cane Bath Salts
Add several tablespoons to a warm bath. Enjoy!
Kitchen Potpourri
| ¼ cup | whole cloves |
| 1 cup | whole allspice |
| 10 | cinnamon sticks, each 3 inches long, broken into pieces |
| 8 | small bay leaves |
| 4 | whole nutmeg |
| 3 tablespoons | star anise |
| 2 tablespoons | cardamom pods |
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Pour into any size decorative jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Attach this message to the jar:
Kitchen Potpourri
Store indefinitely at room temperature. Remove lid, stirring occasionally to release fragrance, or pour into a small dish.
Bath Oil
| ½ cup | almond oil |
| ½ cup | castor oil or aloe vera oil or the oil from 6 to 8 vitamin E capsules |
| 25 to 30 drops | fragrance oil |
Mix all ingredients in a nonmetal bowl with a wooden spoon until combined. Pour into jar. Embellish as desired.
Attach this message to the jar:
Bath Oil
Add several drops to a warm bath. Enjoy!
Bubble Bath
| 3 cups | baby shampoo |
| oil from 6 to 8 vitamin E capsules | |
| ¼ cup | glycerin |
| 25 to 30 drops | fragrance oil |
| Food coloring |
Mix all ingredients in a nonmetal bowl with a wooden spoon until combined. Pour into jar. Embellish as desired.
Attach this message to the jar:
Bubble Bath
Add several drops to a warm bath. Enjoy!
Salt Scrub
Mix together Epsom salt and enough almond oil (better) or baby oil (cheaper) to resemble very wet snow. Add aromatherapy oil of your choice for fragrance and soap colorant if you desire. You can find oils and colorant at craft stores, online at Amazon.com, or at retailers that sell soap and candle-making supplies. Fill small jars and embellish as desired.
Attach this message to the jar:
Salt Scrub
Scoop out salt mixture and apply to damp skin, using circular movements. Rinse thoroughly to stimulate and exfoliate skin.
Journal in a Jar
A bit more complex than previous jar gifts, a journal in a jar requires the traditional jar plus a gift pack.
The idea is to give everything your recipient needs to write the story of his or her life, including appropriate and specific prompting questions such as: Why was your name chosen for you? What was happening in the world when you were born? What was your favorite hiding place as a child? What is your favorite hiding place as an adult? What is your personal secret to happiness?
You can include as many questions or prompts as you like, even 365 to make it easy for your recipient to pull out one at random each day and write about it.
At first I found this to be a terrific gift idea for a parent or grandparent. But then it dawned on me that this could be adapted for any age, even for a child just learning to read, write, and draw. Prompts can include instructing the child to draw a picture of a favorite animal, place to visit, and so on. For an older child or teen, the prompts can be more detailed, such as asking him or her to describe a favorite pet, band, vacation, or activity.
Attach this message to the jar:
Recipe for Your Life History
Combine a generous slice of your life history, a dash of nostalgia, several cups of facts and feelings, and [the number you come up with] deliciously interesting questions.
Draw one slip of paper. Take a few minutes to enjoy the memories. Paste or write the question at the top of a blank page. Fill in your answer. Don’t worry about your handwriting or spelling—just tell your story.
The purpose of this gift is to help you preserve a written account of your life. Enjoy the homemade memories that celebrate something very important . . . you!
Include with this jar gift a notebook or some writing paper, an appropriate binder, and a nice pen. Include everything required to get started. If your recipient is computer savvy, include an appropriate binder that will fit computer-printed pages.
This is an idea that can be adapted in so many ways. The more you can personalize it, the better. Adapt your questions and prompts to the specific recipient so the result will be more detailed and the answers more complete and specific. Make it fun by including questions you know will make the person laugh because the answers are so hilarious.
To help you get going, you will find a few idea starters below. If you need more, I have posted hundreds for all age groups—as young as 5 and as old as 105—on our website. Just log on to www.debtproofliving.com and click on Mary’s Web Desk. You can copy and paste them into your word processing program or write them longhand. Add your own unique questions. Cut them apart and drop them into the jar.
Journal in a jar is not a gift you can make on Christmas Eve. You need to get started now. While you’re at it, make one for yourself. It will become a legacy for your children.
Questions for Adults
Why was your name chosen for you?
What was happening in the world when you were born?
What is your earliest memory of home?
What was your favorite hiding place as a child?
What is your favorite hiding place as an adult?
What was your favorite store as a child, and why did you like to go there?
What were your chores?
What did your mother do during the day?
What did you do on summer days?
What did you enjoy in the winter?
What was your favorite fairy tale or bedtime story?
What was your favorite doll or toy?
What was your favorite treat?
What pets have you had?
What pet did you always want?
Do you remember what an ice-cream cone cost when you were a child? What does one cost today?
What kind of car did your family have?
How did people dress when you were a child?
What was your favorite outfit?
How were children expected to behave?
How did you learn about God?
Who set a good example for you?
What was your favorite Scripture passage as a child?
What is your favorite Scripture passage now?
What was your favorite television show as a child or youth?
Describe getting a Christmas tree with your family as a child.
Questions for Older Children
Tell about your favorite pet. When did you get him or her? Why do you like this pet?
What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer? Why?
What was your favorite family vacation? Where did you go? What did you see?
What’s your favorite movie? Why do you like it? What’s it about?
What do you enjoy doing with your grandma or grandpa?
What is the best Christmas present you have received? What is the best one you have given?
What is your favorite thing to play at the park?
If you could have your favorite dinner for your birthday, what would it be?
Who is your favorite friend, and why is he or she special to you?
What are your best and worst subjects in school? What do and don’t you like about them?
If you could have any animal as a pet, what kind would you choose and why?
Write something nice your family does that makes you happy.
Tell your favorite joke, or write about something that makes you laugh.
What is your favorite board game or computer game and why do you like it?
If you could watch a movie over and over, what would it be and why? What’s it about?
Tell about the house you live in. Have you lived anywhere else? If so, do you remember the addresses, and phone numbers?
Tell about a special birthday party you’ve had.
How do you like being the oldest, middle, youngest, or only child? Does it have any particular advantages or disadvantages?
Activities for Young Children
Draw a picture of your favorite pet or animal.
Draw a picture of your favorite thing to do in the summer.
Draw a picture of your favorite place to go.
Draw a picture of your favorite thing to do with your grandma or grandpa.
Draw a picture of what you want for Christmas.
Draw a picture of what you play with at the park.
Draw a funny picture about something that makes you laugh.
Draw a picture of the house you live in.
Draw a picture of your favorite birthday present.
Draw a picture of your favorite toy.
Draw a picture of your family.
Draw a picture of anything that you are afraid of.
Draw a picture of what you would buy if you had all the money in the world.
Draw a picture of your favorite outfit to wear.
Draw a picture of your room and what makes it special.
Draw a picture of your favorite holiday using your favorite color.
Christmas has always been a big deal with my family, no matter how short of money we might be. When I could not convince my family to skip gifting for their sake, I decided to opt out of Christmas—a very radical step, met with rolled eyes and raised eyebrows. I told them I was going away and didn’t want to participate in any gift exchange. My boyfriend at the time, always thrifty and disciplined, also insisted we not exchange gifts. Gift-giving with a girlfriend always made him nervous. Instead of going away, I secretly made arrangements to work in a local soup kitchen both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and my boyfriend and I planned a late-night traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. He even gave me his mother’s secret recipe for calamari.
Working at the soup kitchen on the 24th was both sobering and inspiring, and I came home ready to prepare our romantic supper, thanking God for being kind enough to do so. When my boyfriend arrived, he asked me repeatedly if I’d cheated and bought him any gifts, but I assured him I had not. Finally, he relaxed.
We had a lovely, peace-filled evening together, and over a particularly decadent dessert I glanced at my Christmas tree and saw two tiny wrapped boxes that did not look familiar. I was puzzled until I saw my boyfriend’s pleased expression. He had been convinced he would never have the pleasure of giving me something without receiving something in return. From this man who shied away from gift-giving I received a beautiful pair of pearl earrings and a tiny bottle of my favorite perfume.
The next day at the soup kitchen, as I took up my position behind the drinks station, I realized anew how truly blessed my life was and how much more meaningful Christmas had become when I removed myself from the stress of mass gift-buying and instead chose to spend my time doing something to bring pleasure to others.
I now tailor my gifts to things I can do for people, such as monthly dinners cooked at my parents’, memory albums with funny anecdotes, or letters telling the recipient how much he or she means to me. It’s a lot more work this way, but it’s a gift I give myself as well.
Susan G., Connecticut