Homemade gifts that are created with time and care are distinctively special and unique. Those that come from the kitchen are tasty as well! Making gifts in a jar is surprisingly easy and inexpensive. To make your gift jars extraordinary, the key is all in the presentation.

To Start
Unlike many homemade gift projects, gift jars require very few materials to create a polished product. You will first need to purchase clear glass widemouth jars like those used in canning. The one-quart size is a good choice.

Next, you will need craft supplies to decorate your jars, such as fabric and ribbon. You will also need recipe cards and labels to affix to your finished product.

A funnel will help to keep your work area clean and help to precisely layer your ingredients where you want them. A wooden spoon or small meat tenderizer is need for tamping ingredients down.

And, of course, the ingredients for your recipe of choice.

Jar Decorating
To showcase the layered ingredients in the jar, just decorate the jar lid with scrap fabric cut with pinking shears. If you are using canning jars with bands and lids, just lay your fabric over the lid and place the band over both the fabric and lid to secure it. If you are working with a one-piece lid, lay the fabric on top of the lid and secure with a ribbon.

If you can sew, you can make a nice, soft drawstring bag to slip the jar into instead. Tying a wooden spoon to the side of the jar is a nice touch too.

Recipe Tags/Labels
Make sure you affix baking or cooking directions to your food gifts. A decorative recipe card with a hole punched in the corner can be tied with ribbon to the top of the jar. Labels also add a homespun touch. Be sure to add the date that the jar was created and the date that it will expire.