The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, get creative, and give from the heart. Whether you’re crafting cozy décor for your home or making meaningful gifts for loved ones, mason jars are one of the most versatile and affordable tools you can use. Their simple charm fits right in with the season’s cozy, homespun feel, and the possibilities are endless! Even better, you can find mason jars, ribbon, craft supplies, and even baking ingredients at your local Goodwill NCW store, making your holiday crafting both budget-friendly and eco-friendly. Repurposing and reusing items for the holidays is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet. Check out these 5 simple mason jar crafts and gift ideas from repurposed mason jars this holiday season.

1. Scented Simmer Pots

One of my favorite mason jar projects for the holidays is creating simmer pot gifts. These smell absolutely amazing and are so easy to put together. You can use a dehydrator or your oven to dry the fruit. I like to use apples, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and cranberries. Once dried, just layer them in a clean mason jar. Add a small tag with simple instructions: “Pour contents into a pot of water and simmer for a cozy holiday scent.”

Each time your recipient simmers their pot, their home will fill with the warm, nostalgic aroma of the season. You can personalize each jar by adding a festive ribbon, a sprig of evergreen, or even a hand-drawn tag. It’s a small, thoughtful gift that feels big on comfort and care.

2. Candle Holder or Vase

Another beautiful way to use mason jars is to turn them into a candle holder or vase. For a touch of sparkle, lightly brush the inside of the jar with Mod Podge and sprinkle in some glitter or Epsom salt “snow” add a tealight or a battery powered candle, tie a length of twine or ribbon around the top, and you have a rustic yet elegant piece that’s perfect for your mantel, holiday table, or as a handmade hostess gift. 

3. Cookies and Brownies in a Jar

Few gifts are as universally loved as cookies or brownies in a jar. These are both fun to make and fun to give! Simply layer your dry ingredients in the jar – flour, sugar, cocoa, chocolate chips, oats, or sprinkles – and make sure to pack them down neatly so the layers are colorful and distinct.

Attach a recipe card with the remaining wet ingredients and baking instructions. Add a festive label and a bow, and you’ve got a sweet treat that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a great way to share a bit of homemade love without spending all day in the kitchen.

4. Water Globe

Create a touch of magic with your own DIY water globe! This charming craft is simple, affordable, and perfect for adding a whimsical accent to your space or gifting to someone special. All you need is a clear jar, distilled water, glycerin (to make the glitter float slowly), and a few tiny figurines or decorations.

Start by securing your figurine to the jar lid, fill the jar with water and a few drops of glycerin, then sprinkle in glitter or confetti for sparkle. Once sealed tightly, give it a gentle shake and watch your miniature world come to life in a swirl of glittery snow!  

5. More Ideas to Try

Once you start crafting with mason jars, it’s hard to stop! You can also:

• Create DIY hot cocoa kits with layers of cocoa mix, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes.
• Turn a jar into a holiday memory jar, where family members write down their favorite moments from the season and read them together on New Year’s Eve.

Bringing It All Together

The beauty of mason jar crafts is that they encourage creativity and togetherness, all the things that make the holidays special. With these 5 mason jar gifts, you can make meaningful presents that feel personal and festive. By getting your items from Goodwill NCW, you’re not only finding unique treasures and keeping costs low, but you’re also giving back to a mission that strengthens our community.

So, this season, grab a few jars, some ribbon, and your imagination. Whether you’re crafting gifts for friends or adding a handmade touch to your home, your creations will be full of warmth, creativity, and purpose.

After all, the best holiday gifts aren’t always the most expensive. They’re the ones made with love, care, and a little bit of glitter in a jar.