Everybody loves a homemade gift. So instead of spending big, it makes sense to use a little creativity to make a big impression. Here’s our DIY guide to 10 gifts you’ll love to give.

The humble Mason jar has come a long way since it was invented as a vessel for storing preserved fruits. These days the little glass jar can be found everywhere – from fashionable cafes and restaurants filled with cocktails, to hanging casually from leafy boughs lit up with brightly glowing candles.

Their wide mouths and screw-top lids have excited many a crafty-inclined person. We’ve compiled our top 10 list of innovative ways these jars can be used as the basis for inexpensive and quirky handmade gifts. Coupled with a wide range of printable label templates that you can find online, these little gifts are perfect for teachers, girlfriends, Father’s Day and Kris Kringles.

Sewing Kit

Filled with a few colourful rolls of cotton thread, a small pair of scissors, dressmaker’s chalk and some pretty buttons, the jar becomes a fabulous little sewing kit. It really comes into its own with a homemade pin cushion nestled on the top of the lid.

Manicure in a Jar

Some jars of nail polish, nail polish remover, cotton buds and a mini manicure set, topped off with a pretty ribbon tied around the jar. How easy is that? Make a funky label, or attach a swing tag to personalise it.

Recipe in a Jar

Add the dry ingredients for your favourite recipe into the jar. Think chocolate chip muffins, orange butter cake, muesli, or cookies. Attach a beautifully printed recipe, and perhaps tie a ribbon round the lip with a wooden spoon attached.

Lolly Jar

This one speaks for itself! We’d go for a colourful jar of jellybeans, but the possibilities are endless. Finish with a ribbon and a gift tag.

Mummy Survival Kit

This would involve chocolate of course. Lip balm. Panadol. A cosy pair of socks. Tissues. Handcream or bath salts. Don’t forget some organic tea!

Bath Jar

Fill the jar with bath bombs or sweet smelling soaps. Add a colourful facewasher.

Herb Planter

Layer some potting mix on top of a bed of small pebbles. Plant a small herb, such as coriander, mint, or parsley. Make a pretty label, with instructions not to over-water! Make three for an eye-catching kitchen window display.

Jam Jar

If you’ve got home-grown fruit even better! Make up a big batch, cover the lids in pretty fabric, and print out some gorgeous labels. You’ll always have a lovely personal gift to hand out to friends and family.

Mini Terrarium

Place some pebbles on the bottom, a little bit of potting mix, and some tiny plants. Moss works particular well, or cacti. Add some tiny figurines to give it a quirky charm, and you’ve got a great little gift for someone’s office desk.

Snow Globe

Stick plastic figurines onto the inside lid of a jar. You might want to paint the lid with oil-based paint to make it look finished. Let it dry. Fill the jar with water, adding a little glitter and a dash of glycerine to stop the glitter from clumping. Screw on the lid tightly, being careful not to dislodge the figure. Turn it over and back again, and watch the snow fall!