Last-Minute Christmas Gift Ideas 'in a Jar'!

Hey everyone! As I am writing to you today there is only 4 days until Christmas :0 This being said, you might have still forgotten about a couple of loved ones presents and are in desperate need of something fast, cute and cheap! If you're in this sticky situation then this post is the perfect thing for you. If you are well-prepared and all your X-mas presents are wrapped under the tree-then keep reading because these gift ideas may come in handy for other holidays and birthdays nearing. All 4 of the gifts are in the form of a jar and are Christmas-themed; however, the basic concept can be used for every holiday. Everyone loves a thought-out, homemade gift that is sentimental so that's why these jar gifts are great for giving to friends, family, boyfriends, etc. I hope you enjoy this post and continue reading to the end for some helpful last-minute Christmas shopping tips!

Gift Idea #1: Christmas Cookies in a Jar
This first gift is perfect for any one who loves cookies or sweets and is so quick to make yet I personally thinks look cuter than a store-bought gift. It's also very cheap-you will most likely have all these ingredients at home.

You also don't need the fancy decorations on top but they look pretty cute and festive too! Also, make sure to include or tell them instructions on how to make the cookies and the three extra wet ingredients that need to be added since we obviously can't crack open an egg and live it in the jar sitting under the Christmas tree!

Ingredients (Cookie):

• 1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup m&ms (I used the Red & Green Christmas ones)
• 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Layering Order:

1. Flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
2. Oats
3. M&Ms
4. Chocolate chips
5. Brown sugar
6. White sugar

Once all the ingredients are layered inside your mason jar you are all set! You can also download printable 'extra step' stickers to stick onto the jars for the receiver to get. 

The pictures from this idea + printable stickers were taken from Larson Lingo


Gift Idea #2: Candy Cane Body Scrub in a Jar
For all you beauty lovers this is amazing and so festive looking. It also looks like it took you forever when really it was super quick and easy-which is the great illusion to DIY gifts. Some ingredients are a little complex but your mom probably has them stored away somewhere for cooking/baking.

Ingredients (Body Scrub):

• 2 cups white sugar 
• 1/4 Almond or Coconut Oil 
• Drops of Peppermint Oil
• Red Food coloring (optional-but it's what adds the 'candy cane' look)

Instructions:

1. Use 2 cups of white sugar 
2. Mix in a 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup Almond Oil or Coconut Oil if preferred. Add the oil slowly till it reaches a soft consistency but not so that it becomes too oily
3. Add a few drops of peppermint oil
4.  Separate mix evenly into 2 bowls
5.  Add a few drops of red food coloring into one bowl and mix thoroughly
6.  Use a funnel or make one out of paper and add a layer of white on bottom (optional-you can also just layer normally but the colors may slightly mix)
7.  Then add a layer of red and continue alternating between colors until jar is full

There you have it! An inexpensive and festively fun gift for your mom, sister, or best friend!

Picture taken from: http://savingmoneylivingsmart.com

Gift Idea #3: Hot Chocolate in a Jar
Everyone loves a nice cup of Hot Chocolate on a winter's day so this gift idea is very ideal and also looks really unique when put together. It can be dressed up to a more fancy hot cocoa for an adult or parent or a more simple and classic hot chocolate!

Ingredients:

• Hot Chocolate Mix
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows

Begin by assembling the hot chocolate mix at the bottom of the jar so it packs down nicely. Next, add a layer of chocolate chips and marshmallows at the top since they are the lightest and most fluffy. There are no exact measurements for the chocolate and marshmallows since it is real just based on how many toppings you think the person would enjoy. 

Feel free to finish this tasty treat with some holiday ribbon or a printable sticker! Overall, I think this is a really cute gift idea which is great for both genders since I think we all love hot chocolate. 

Pictures and recipe came from Spark and Chemistry

Gift Idea #4: Spa Day in a Jar

This last gift idea is the most luxurious and takes probably the most time/money; but it's definitely worth it! It's also quite neutral so is not only directed towards Christmas. What you put in the jar is completely up to you but the one I found and would probably use includes products such as: nail polish, face masks, nail kit, etc! Basically anything that would be helpful in an at-home spa day! Also feel free to throw in their favorite candy or a gift card which I think would add an extra sentimental feeling to the gift. This idea can also be made into a 'movie day in a jar' which is less gender specific and would include movies, candy, popcorn, etc!

There are no set ingredients for this one so just have fun with it and fill it with as many or as little goodies as desired! You could also transform this gift into a large bucket which can be used as a bucket for a pedicure. 

Pictures came from http://www.classyclutter.net/2014/02/spa-and-pampering-in-a-jar.html

I hope you enjoyed this post and hopefully it lifted the panic burden inside that you still haven't bought gifts or maybe helps out in the future when you're in need of a gift idea. Thank you for viewing and check back up frequently for extra posts and also some posts about our upcoming trip to Dubai!