Gifts in a jar

At the holidays, there are so many people you want to acknowledge with a gift—teachers, the mailman, your hairdresser.... Give them all a beautiful and reusable jar filled with the delicious dry ingredients to make pancakes (or other baked goods) from scratch. They’ll love this shortcut to a quick, homemade breakfast, and you’ll love how easy and inexpensive it is to make multiple gifts.

Prep Your Jar

Find a container. Use a mason jar to showcase these multilayered baking mixes—or reuse and recycle jam, mayonnaise or peanut butter jars or cereal canisters. We suggest using quart-size jars or larger.

Clean it up. Before you start, thoroughly wash and dry the jar, including the lid. Place the lid on the jar and close it to protect the clean interior.

Create a keepsake. Browse your local craft and stationery stores to find an inspiring assortment of decorative accents. Check out the scrapbooking section, too. Decorate the container to add a personal touch to each gift you give. Any of the following decorating ideas can be used separately or together.

Glitter or metallic holiday stickers, like snowflakes or stars, make any jar glisten. Position them like polka dots. Or use letter stickers to spell out JOY, CHEERS, or TREATS.

Paint pens are a fast and easy way to embellish plain glass. Try gold or silver to add instant sparkle. Add a simple, festive message like HAPPY HOLIDAYS or something more personal, right on the jar.

Or use a stencil and glass paint or a paint pen to create bold designs.

Add Ingredients

Put it all together. Remove or open the lid on your decorated jar. Place the ingredients into the jar, one layer at a time, in the order listed below. After each layer, gently shake the jar to level the ingredients. After the berries are added, secure the lid.

Finishing Touches

Add the recipe card. To complete your jar, download our recipe card (PDF)* and print it on heavy paper. Then use a pretty ribbon or bow to attach the card to your decorated jar. Don’t forget to add the recipient’s name and a thoughtful note inside the card!

Try other treats. Maybe you have favorite recipes that your friends would be thrilled to receive. Our amazing recipes for Muffins in a Jar, Classic Sugar Cookies, Sugar and Spice Cookies and Chocolate Coconut Bar Cookies are also excellent choices to give as holiday gifts in a jar.

* Adobe® Reader® required