You’ve been eating pasta and don’t know what to do with those Mason jars. Lids have gone wild and throwing jars away seems like such a waste. Pinterest boasts tons of D-I-Y projects from hanging chandeliers to wall storage. But for now, let’s stick with a few simple do it yourself projects that are kid-friendly and won’t need mega tools. So open up those cabinets and pull out those jars. If you’re decluttering or organizing, here is a great piece by one of our mamas with ideas and hacks.
Here are a few easy ideas to reuse and recycle those Mason jars:
(1) “Piggy Bank”
Here’s a great way to teach your little ones about saving money for that toy they want. You can find coin lids on Amazon in a variety of styles and colors for under $10. Let them decorate their jar with paint pens or stickers. Mom, you can help them out by setting goals. Use one jar for quarters, another for dimes, you get the idea. Next, draw lines: $5, $10. For your younger ones, teach them the value of each coin. Show them that once they reach the line they’ll reach their goal. Consequently, Mom may have to add or subtract a few coins but the overall idea is learning to save. Once they’ve filled a jar, they’ll learn how easy saving those pennies can be! Also, get creative and use easy stick-and-peel chalk labels, name one a “Disney Trip Fund” or “Vacation Money,” you get it.
(2) Lavender
Trader Joe’s sells inexpensive lavender and eucalyptus. Grab a bunch of each, trim the stems, and place in the jar. Looks romantic and will fill your home or guest bathroom with a fresh scent for weeks. Tie with a piece of ribbon or raffia to complete the look.
(3) Storage
If you kept the Mason jar lids, they’re a great place to store beans (or anything for that matter). You can find lid replacements online easily. We make it fun with pinto beans and black beans, paying homage to our cultural backgrounds. For Mommy, they’re a great place to store extra buttons. For kids, they’re also great for arts & craft supplies. I used some for my mom and her hot glue gun sticks. For a desk, think paperclips, rubber bands, and other homework supplies.
(4) Plant a Mini Garden
Basil, mint, rosemary. Place some pebbles or marbles you may have lying around on the bottom, layer with some potting soil, and plant the seeds. Next, cut some fun shapes out with your kids (while you supervise), label, and tie on with some ribbon. Alternatively, you can use cute chalk labels like these.
(5) Simple Flower Vase
Make it a family affair. Grab your kiddos, spouse, or partner and head outdoors for a nature walk. Let your kids have fun picking their favorite flowers and stems, Mommy or Daddy can trim them (at an angle), add some water and voila! Saves you a trip to the market.
(6) Reed Diffuser
Find your favorite essential oils and simply add some reeds. They’re easy to find online or at Walmart. Then, you can decorate with ribbon and place in the corners of your bedroom or living room for relaxing or invigorating scents. For the baby’s nursery, think lavender and chamomile. I always like a musky-tobacco-like scent, reminds me of Dad’s pipe. If the kids are a bit older, let them choose the scents, it’s like creating their own fragrance! Let them name it and create a label for it. Well, you may have the next Chanel No.5 on your hands.
(7) Soap Dispensers
We did this when we moved into our new home for the guest bathroom. I love clean, organic-looking things. We went to Joann Fabrics, bought some soap dispenser lids, and made our own for the guest bathroom. You can find these easily on Amazon as well.
(8) Hot Cocoa Bar
This is really fun for the holidays, use your mason jars for a build-your-own hot cocoa bar. Each jar can hold different yummies like chocolate powder, cinnamon, crushed candy cane, marshmallows, etc. Label with some chalk labels or glass markers. Let your kids pick the fixings (we get grande-mocha-whatever-no-whip creations) and let them have theirs. These are also great for an outdoor summer BBQ! Use each jar for utensils in the different grab and go jars. Ok, maybe we need to do a winter edition of this post!
(9) Candlelight
If you gather a bunch together, they make a beautiful cluster of candle holders. Don’t worry if they’re not the same size or style, the more variation the more unique it looks. Also, you can use some stencils and non-toxic paint to add some flair and color to the jars. You can involve the kiddos in the decorating part, which will look even more unique on your dinner table. Let them use finger paint and get creative. Again, if they’re a bit older, give them a few tools, glitter, paint, and glue – you’ll be surprised at what they can create.
(10) Bugs, Insects oh my!
This may not be Mama’s favorite, but the kids will love it! To start, Mom or Dad will have to punch some holes in the lid. Or, you can find a screen to attach with an open Mason jar lid. Similarly, a piece of light cloth with some rubber bands to tie around the top works fine, just make sure the top is breathable. The rest is up to your little one. They’ll go on an adventure in the backyard catching ladybugs, butterflies, and (eew!) worms and build their bug farm.
There are tons of quick and easy ideas for Mason jars, the only problem now is what to do with all of those extra carbs from pasta nights. Here are some other quick ideas: kitchen utensil holder, smoothie or lemonade drinking glasses, and overnight oats. (Oh I have an amazing vegan overnight oats recipe to share!) Eventually, once you tap into your creative side the possibilities are endless. Be sure to share your mason jar creations by posting and tagging us on Instagram @MiamiMomsBlog and #MamaMasonJar.
Love these ideas, Sandra! Thanks so much for sharing!
Love this! I save mine and use them for overnight oats or for propagation of veggies but I’ve needed new ideas! This is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing.
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