Canning Jars for "GIFTS IN A JAR" recipes

[SplshMtn99]

OK, last night we decided to add some more people to our Xmas gift list. Seems these people get us something every year, even though we are supposed to buy for the kids only.

So, I decided, everyone is getting a "gift in a jar" --probably soup.

WHERE can I find 1-quart canning jars? And if I can't find them, what do I do?

We have the usual Walmarts, Kmarts, Target, Dollar Store, Michaels Crafts, AC Moore.......

Will I be able to find these at this time of year?

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Have you done a google search?

 

[noodleknitter]

Walmart, or a hardware store should have them. I am pretty sure I was in that aisle of Walmart today!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Have you done a google search?

lol, of course I did. And I'm still searching there.

Why, did you find something there? All I'm finding is buying online. Too close to Xmas to go that route I think.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Walmart, or a hardware store should have them. I am pretty sure I was in that aisle of Walmart today!

Cool! Guess I better head out & start searching. I just figured canning season was over...so odds were slim they would still have them.

 

[canwegosoon]

Walmart usually has them...but sometimes you can find them in a Supermarket(they are a seasonal item, and probablly in a clearance area by now) also check your local True Value. Other options would be making those Hot Chocolate Cones(in plastic bags) or check your local Thrift store and sterilize the jars.

 

[KristaBelle]

Our Big Lots usually has them and they are the cheapest I've found. If you don't have a Big Lots then Walmart does have them as well.

 

[mickeyfan2]

By us the local hardware store carry them all year round.

 

[SplshMtn99]

ohhhhh, all excellent suggestions!! thanks.

I'm making my Walmart list & heading there first since I need other house stuff too.

 

[Benducci]

All of the places you named should have them, even at this time of year. They just might not have them prominent. It is a great idea!

 

[cseca]

Meijer if you have one.
Just go to their baking section and they will be right around those aisles.

 

[DisneyGal358]

I purchased them at AC Moore previously. I also think most large craft stores will sell them. Good luck!

 

[dizcrazy]

I just bought some last week at my Target. They were located near the kitchen utensils, on on of the shelves near the floor. I had to really look for them.

 

[bevtoy]

Dollar General

 

[stczt]

I just stepped in to Ingals to grab something, I never shop there. Anyways, they had buggies at the door with clearance stuff and they had 6 mason jars for .31 each. I told the guy I had 6 and he charged me for 1 so they were .05 each . now I need to find something to put in them and be done with my gifts.

 

[kelleigh1]

Two years ago, I bought some at Target. I never got around to using them though, so if you can't find any, let me know and maybe we can meet up somewhere and I can give you mine since we do live in the same state.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Geesh, you would think with all the stores you guys listed, I would have had better luck.

Walmart had the lids ....but no jars. I looked everywhere.
Kmart - nothing.
Dollar Store - only had some holiday decorated jars, but I didn't trust the seals.

Aubuchon Hardware - had the 1 qt wide mouth jars with lids....12 jars for $11.49.
By this point, I was tired because I ended up shopping in each of those store too.

I decided to go back to Walmart & just buy the pre-made jars they had for $4.88 each. I figured by the time I bought the jars at Aubuchon, the stuff to decorate them, ingredients to make several different types of jars, and make instructions....... my time was worth $ too.

So I got some Hearty Chicken Noodle mix, Hearty Texas Chili mix, Apple Cinnamon muffin mix, Chocolate Chip muffin mix, & Blueberry Muffin mix. I bought a total of 8 jars. They also had cookie mixes, but I figured after the holidays, no one wants more cookies. I had planned on making soups, but I have a few vegetarians, so they get muffins. lol

They are nicely decorated & have small wooden spoons attached too.

I'm happy. Next time I'll plan earlier & watch for sales & it would come out better for me to make it I think.

My DSIL works at ACMoore. I'll have her watch the after Xmas sale & use her employee discount.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Just make sure on the muffins, etc that the recipe does not require milk/eggs if they do not eat those.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Just make sure on the muffins, etc that the recipe does not require milk/eggs if they do not eat those.

Oh, good point on the vegetarians. I didn't think of that. But I think they do eat those.

 

[blackforest]

Hi!

I ran into this one year when I couldn't find the jars, and yes it was costing more to do the jars, plus no one REALLY needs a canning jar lying around!

So, I went to Micahels' and bought the clear plastic cello bags (in the food/cake decorating aisle). I then made a "cardstock" funnel that filled out the bag and made it stand up right, then I proceeded with my layering of ingredients. I slipped the clear bag into a decorated cello bag (found at the dolar stores). I did this for soup mix, but believe that any type of "receipe in a jar" would work.

One a side note, I included a package of cornbread mix to make a meal. Our friends & family with lots of kids received 2 boxes of the mix!