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I set aside extra jars when I’m preserving specifically because a jar of something homemade is the backbone of almost every gift I give. Birthdays, get well packages, the holidays, a reason to check in on a neighbor. A jar of something homemade fits most occasions and pairs naturally with whatever else I have on hand. Some muffins, a loaf of bread, a handful of dried herbs for tea, a book I thought someone would enjoy. The gift comes together from what’s already in the house that was handmade which is how I prefer it.
The Tried & True Favorite
We’ve all seen it, probably given and been given the jar covered with a piece of fabric and a canning ring. It’s basic, pretty, and easy. Nothing at all wrong with this, make it even better by tying on a pretty label.
Simply cut pieces of scrap fabric with scissors, pinking sheers if you have them for a more decorative edge, and place over the top of the jar. Screw the ring on top and done.
You can also use thick paper for this – so consider construction paper, scrapbooking paper, even brown Kraft paper.
The Upcycled Canning Lid Label
This is one of my favorite ways to upcycle old single-use canning lids. Simply use an awl to punch two holes about 1/4 inch apart into a canning lid. Thread ribbon or yarn through the holes and tie to the jar or ring for a lovely presentation. Add glitter or other decorative elements as desired.
The Basic Label
Use a printer and purchased labels for something no-fuss and always easy. A piece of plain paper, scissors, a marker, and some tape to adhere a label to the outside of the jar is also easy and generally things we all have on hand already. There are even labels that dissolve for easy clean-up. It’s simple and for the truly artistic it can be an amazing way to package up a jar of something homemade.
How to Package Home Canned Gifts
For easy local delivery, put the jars in a pretty basket or box and drop off.
For mailing, wrap those jars in bubble wrap and include plenty of padding inside the box. We save all the various packaging materials we get over the year and re-use it. If you know someone with a retail job, they likely have boxes and packing material to spare and are usually happy to pass it along. Shredded and crumpled newspaper works as well..
A jar of something homemade can be a gift all by itself with no need to make it more elaborate. However, it can also be just the beginning of something larger and more extensive.
- Pair jars of homemade apple butter with fresh homemade bread.
- Give pickles with crackers and cheese.
- Tomato sauce with pasta noodles and parmesan cheese.
Add things like books, boxes of tea, coffee mugs, etc. that match the personality and needs of the recipient.
There’s something wonderful about a jar of home canned goodness. Share it proudly with everyone you know for almost every occasion to make gift giving not only frugal but also full of heart-felt meaning.
I love those shrink wrap labels! We give canned goods for gifts quite often and those would really dress up the jars. Thanks for the opportunity!
As a canner, this would be a wonderful contest to win. I absolutely love the idea of the shrink wrap labels. No more sticky residue!!! Thanks for having the contest!!!
I just bought a rhubarb plant and look forward to preserving it.
Super giveaway, especially for someone just learning to can!!
Ok, those shrink-wrap labels, those are new to me, I give Jalapeno Jelly for Christmas every year (like if I show up without it, they might boot me out of the house), so this is a FANTASTIC idea!! Not to mention easy! I do have a question though, does the writing on the label smear like on other labels? Also, do you boil it, then write, or do you write then boil, with the boiling “setting” the ink. I’m going to have to do some more looking because I really like those! Thank you! Also, thank you for sponsoring the giveaway!
I used a permanent marker and it didn’t smear. You write on the label before slipping it over the jar and dipping.
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your reply! Gonna have to hunt some of those down :)
Love the shrink wrap labels…easier to remove when jar is empty.
Great giveaway
I really like the shrink wrap label .
I grew up eating homemade jam, and have made my own now for years. But I’m just now getting beyond jam into water bath canning. I’m still a bit leery of pressure canning, so I suppose that’ll be the next big step. Thanks for a great post and cool giveaway.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
Love learning about new things. The labels are a nice addition to gift giving.
Wow, nice gifts! I could use some new canning supplies.
I grew up watching my Granny can everything that she grew. I would love to be as skilled as she, but I’m not. Canning is something that I have always wanted to learn.
Thank you for this nice giveaway.
Wow what a Wonderful Idea…I like using fabric on top….Holiday colors…or what is in the jar…. Tomatoes or peppers…Everyone LOVES Hot pepper jam for Christmas! Carrot cake Jam is awesome for Easter too!
This gets me in the mood to start canning. I want to try canning tomatoes this year.
been wanting to try the pomona and love the labels
What a nifty idea. Like the suggestion to use for sending gifts. Thanks for the opportunity.
I have never heard of these, but what a great idea! Perfect for gift giving – no curling or falling off of labels.
I’ve never seen labels like these, I can’t wait to try them out!
These labels are new to me. Would love to try them. Thanks for the opportunity to win some.
My husband and I love to can and this contest would be very beneficial to us. Thank you for the opportunity!!
I would love to win this contest
I really really hope you ship to Canada. If not, it’ll need to be shipped to my Aunt in Maine, to wait for my mom to visit, to bring it across the border, to mail to me. Whew!
I love the Pomona pectin and it’s so hard to gt up here.
Those labels look like they would be an awesome addition to my canned goods this year! I love to preserve the bounty we are blessed with and this would definitely be a great prize to win! Thank you for the opportunity!
What a neat giveaway!
Very nice selection for home-canned gift giving!
Great gift for this giveaway.
Thanks for the giveaway
I truly enjoy your blog. I love the tips and recipes. I have learnt a lot from your site. Thank you
Misty
I have a new pressure canner that i am anxious to use so this is perfect!
I would love to win this giveaway! I’ve never used Pomona’s, but hear wonderful things about it. How exciting! Thanks for the opportunity!
I hate what’s left behind when you try to remove adhesive labels. These would be so easy to remove and leave a spotless jar!
What a lovely gift! I’m planning on canning pasta sauce this year, and lots of it!
This is something i definitely could use, What a great giveaway
This is my first year canning, never done it before, but I have extra tomatoes planted as well as peppers and Chilli peppers! So excited!
some creative ideas there. that shrink wrap sounds pretty good, not for everyday but would really jazz up the presents. staff at work love the idea that I add a home made item to their presents each year – jams, jellies, liqueurs, relishes, pickles, preserved fruit, all appreciated
What a great give away. I love these tips and tricks for canning gifts!
Great ideas for labeling. I am lucky if I get the date written on mine.
Great ideas and an awesome giveaway; especially for those new to canning.
I love giving home canned food gifts. These shrink wrapped labels would be a wonderful addition to the jars. Thank you for this giveaway.
I think even I, a noncrafty person, can make those glitter lids labels!