Things To Do With Mason Jars Around the House

Last Updated on April 9, 2022 by Ellen Christian

Are you looking for things to do with Mason jars? It probably wouldn’t surprise you at all that I have a few Mason jars lying around the house that I’m not using.  I love to garden and I love to cook. When you combine both of those things together, I love to can, make jams and jellies; and put up pickles, relish, and preserves. 

Things To Do With Mason Jars

I have one or two or six boxes of Mason jars that I don’t happen to be using right now. While I can certainly just leave them in their boxes until I need them, it’s a lot more fun to find things to do with Mason jars around the house. While there are lots of complicated craft ideas, I wanted a few simple ways to use up extra Mason jars.

What can I do with Mason jars?

Of course, the first thing I think of is to store food items in them. I have several jars in the pantry to hold things like baking soda and corn starch.  If you buy your herbs and spices in bulk bags, you can use the smaller Mason jars to hold them when you bring them home from the store.

And, since they have shaker tops and pour tops that are made to fit on top of Mason jars, you can use them to shake on Parmesan cheese and powdered sugar. We often buy these items in bulk bags so this is a simple way to make these easier to use. You can also use them to shake dichotomous earth or powdered eggshells in the garden.

I have even used a few to make gifts in a jar for Christmas.  Maybe you remember the post I did about Mason jar candle ideas or my Friendship soup gift mix? You can also use them to hold your homemade sugar scrubs and bath salts. And, you can use them for fresh flowers.

 

What can I put in a Mason jar as a gift?

There are so many things to do with Mason jars when it comes to gift-giving. Almost anything you make that is small enough can be given in a glass jar. Here are just a few examples of things that I’ve done.

• Hot chocolate gift in a jar
• Make homemade bath salts
• Jute wrapped succulents
• Make soy candles
• Make savory spiced pecans

Things to put in jars for decoration

Of course, you don’t have to use them for storage or give them away. If you’re looking for things to do with Mason jars for decoration, there are quite a few unique ideas. You can use them as part of a centerpiece like I did when I talked about decorating with burlap. I filed it with tiny rocks and seashells.

Or, you can use it for easy last-minute holiday decor when you fill it with Epsom salts and a tealight. You can use it as part of your table setting if you add ribbon around the top or add colorful glass gems. Use them outdoors on your patio as mini candle holders that are protected from the wind.

What kind of paint do you use on a Mason jar?

If you’re looking for things to do with Mason jars, why not paint it and use it to hold fresh or dried flowers? You will need to use acrylic paint and apply it with a sponge for more complete coverage. Be sure to seal it if you plan on using it somewhere where it might get wet or dirty.

Decorative Mason jars

If you’re crafty and are looking for things to do with Mason jars that are crafts, here are some great ways you can upcycle them.

• Make an oil lamp
• Create a terrarium
• Make a soap dispenser
• Make salt and pepper shakers

Recipes you can make in jars

Of course, there are lots of recipes that you can make if you’re looking for things to do with Mason jars. My easy loaded tuna salad is one of my favorite healthy recipes. You can also use them to hold your yogurt parfaits. Or, you can make my Mexican rice pudding in them. They work great as mini baking cups.

You can also get these tops and reusable metal straws so that you can drink from them instead of buying water bottles. Or, why not mix up your favorite homemade salad dressing, make your own yogurt, or use it to hold pens.