How to Make Gourmet Gift Jars for Your Fave Foodies

These foodie-approved chai tea, mulled wine and fiery spice rub kits taste even better than they look.

Chai Tea Jar

Materials Needed

  • For packaging: 16-ounce glass jar, 3 muslin tea bags, 5”x5” fabric square, gold twine, scissors
  • 3 tablespoons fennel seeds
  • 18 green cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 heaping tablespoon whole cloves
  • 3 large cinnamon sticks, broken into thirds
  • 6 pieces of crystallized ginger
  • 6 tablespoons Darjeeling tea

Measure out and layer your spices in the jar in the following order: Fennel, cardamom, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, ginger (Image 1). Fill each muslin bag with two tablespoons of the Darjeeling tea (Image 2). Tie each tea bag shut, then place them atop the layered spices and seal the jar (Image 3).

Packaging

Top the jar with the fabric square, then tie in place with the gold twine and trim as necessary. Tip: Add an accent like this teak demitasse spoon (available at kitchen-supply stores). Include the following instructions on a gift tag: In a sauce pan, combine 1/3 of spice mix with 7 cups of water and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then steep for 10 minutes. Add one tea bag, bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. Strain out and discard the spices and tea, then stir in 4 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 cup milk. Serves 8.

Mulled Wine Jar

Materials Needed

  • For packaging: 8-ounce glass jar, 5”x5” fabric square, ribbon, scissors
  • 4 candied orange slices
  • 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in halves
  • 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
  • 6 star anise pods

Measure out and layer your ingredients in the jar in the following order: Orange slices, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, anise pods (Images 1, 2). Seal the jar.

Packaging

Top the jar with the fabric square, then tie in place with the ribbon and trim as necessary. Tip: Add a sprig of greenery as an accent. Include the following instructions on a gift tag: In a large sauce pan, combine spice mix with 2 750-ml bottles of full-bodied red wine. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste. Serves 12.

Spice Rub Jar

Materials Needed

  • For packaging: 8-ounce glass jar, 5”x5” fabric square, ribbon, scissors
  • 1 tablespoon pimentón (smoked paprika)
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
  • 2 tablespoons granulated onion
  • 2 teaspoons ground white pepper
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons turbinado sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt

Measure out spices in seven small vessels as follows: Pimentón, cayenne and chili powder (together); cumin; garlic and onion (together); white pepper; black pepper; sugar; salt. In the same order, pour spices into the glass jar (Image 1). Add each layer slowly and evenly to distribute the spices (Images 2, 3). Seal the jar.

Packaging

Fold the fabric square in thirds, then tie in place with the ribbon and trim as necessary. Tip: Add an accent like this ceramic scoop (available at kitchen-supply stores). Include the following instructions on a gift tag: Stir to combine spices, then apply dry rub before grilling beef, pork, fish, chicken or portobello mushrooms.

Next Up

How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

How to Make a Christmas Catnip Toy

Don't forget your furry best friend when making handmade gifts for the holidays. With just basic sewing skills, you can whip up a catnip-filled stocking-shaped toy as a surprise for your favorite kitty.

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

A great winter or Christmas craft to make with kids, you can let it snow inside by creating your very own wintry flurry of snowflakes out of paper.

Recycled Sweater Scarf

Create a knit-style scarf without actually knitting by cleverly repurposing sweaters.

Homemade Gift Idea: Lavender Bath Fizzies

Give the gift of a luxurious home spa day with these homemade lavender bath fizzies. Package them in a pretty glass jar with a custom tag to make the gift even more special.

Handmade Gift Idea: Make a Classic Tic-Tac-Toe Board

With family gathered for holiday festivities, it's the perfect time to pull out board games. This homemade wood tic-tac-toe set is fun for all ages and makes a thoughtful handmade gift.

How to Make Lemon-Thyme Salt

This homemade citrus and herb salt will be a welcome handmade gift for any foodie on your gift list and is also an excellent host/hostess gift. This flavorful salt adds a delicious extra kick to poultry or fish and can be added while cooking or tableside. 

Homemade Treat: Snowman Chocolate Bark

Delicious, adorable and easy to whip up even for a big group of people, these sweet snowmen will delight everyone on your Christmas gift list. 

Edible Christmas Ornament Cookie Pops

Festive and oh-so-tasty, these colorful ornament cookie pops are almost too pretty to eat -- almost!

Handmade Gift: Craft a Healthy and Edible Wreath

Clementines are a favorite seasonal fruit around the holidays as well as a popular gift basket filler. Take this tasty gift to the next level by turning them into a gorgeous wreath. It’s the perfect present for neighbors, teachers and a healthy alternative to all the holiday sweets.

More from:

Handmade Holidays

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.