Christmas in a jar

Gifts like cookie and cake mixes in aesthetically pleasing jars have been popular for a few years now.

While they sometimes cost over £10, the ingredients inside are usually worth just a few quid. And finding dairy- or gluten-free options can be tricky.

Making your own mix is a great alternative. You can customise each jar to fit the dietary needs of your friends or family. Use one of your favourite recipes – or one of theirs – to add a little extra layer of thoughtfulness.

Getting your jars ready

• Use empty coffee jars or ask a coffee-drinker to save theirs for you. Douwe Egberts jars are perfect for this (especially if you buy it on sale).
• If you can't find those, any large glass jar with a screw top will work. Just make sure it's big enough for all your ingredients.
• If your jar still has a strong smell after washing, try leaving coffee grounds in it overnight. They’re a natural deodoriser. No fresh coffee? Used coffee grounds do the trick too, and many coffee shops give them away for free.
• Remove the label. You can use a bit of oil and wire wool to get rid of any sticky bits.
• Wash it with hot water and washing up liquid. You may need to do this a couple of times, but your jar will come up sparkling.

Cookies

Layer your dry ingredients, starting with the flour.

Use a funnel and a spoon to push each layer towards the edge of the jar – you’ll start to see layers forming. Try to alternate colours, for example pop any cocoa powder or brown sugar between flour and white sugar. Tapping the bottom of the jar on a tea towel can help too. Do this for each layer.

Finish up with toppings like choc chips, mini marshmallows or dried fruit before fastening the lid.

Tie some ribbon around the jar neck and curl it. Attach a list of wet ingredients the recipient will also need and the cooking instructions – you can write these on a label and stick it to the jar or on a fancy tag attached to the ribbon.

If you have chalk or paint pens that work on glass, you could even write on and decorate the jar. Stick a small metallic gift bow on the lid and you’re done! Attach a novelty cookie cutter for an extra festive touch.

Here are a few recipes you can use:

• triple chocolate cookie mix
• vegan dark chocolate and cranberry cookie mix
• gluten-free chocolate chip cookie mix

Hot chocolate

Forget spending a fortune at somewhere like Hotel Chocolat or Thorntons – you can make your own fancy hot chocolate mixes at home.

Layer cocoa powder and sugar before topping off with chocolate buttons, choc chips or chunks and mini marshmallows for an indulgent treat. Vanilla sugar is even better if you have it – and it’s easy to make too.

Stick to a white chocolate theme for a melted snowman (kids love these!). Tie on a candy cane to use as a stirrer, or add a layer of crushed ones to your mix. Tesco has a great recipe to get you started.

Decorate the jars to fit your theme and add some instructions.

Soup and spices

If your loved one doesn’t have a sweet tooth, opt for a savoury gift instead.

Dry soup mixes or homemade herb and spice blends are equally thoughtful for foodies. Smaller jars are perfect for this – try to use jars that match for best results.

Mix and match cuisines or stick to a theme for a truly personal gift.