DIY Holiday Gifts: Easy and Healthy Mason Jar Mixes

Twenty-four percent of Americans consider holiday spending their most stressful one-time expense of the year. Making gifts in mason jars is a budget-friendly way to show someone you care about them during the holidays.

Packing the mix and extra goodies into the jars neatly ensures visible layers, minimal shifting and lots of visual appeal for a cute gift.

The best part about these homemade gifts is that your friends and families are guaranteed to use the gift again. Energy balls are the perfect snack to have on hand that is tasty and kid-friendly. A healthier cookie mix is a great way to spread health and wellness around the holidays when constant over-eating and indulging is frequent. You can also help your loved ones stay warm with a delicious soup mix that is low in sodium and is full of fiber-packed ingredients.

Photo Credit: A Healthier Michigan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 1/2 cup raw pistachios, shelled
• 12 dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tsp. matcha powder
• 1 Tbsp. coconut oil

Matcha Energy Bites Mix

Instructions
Place coconut oil into snack bag. Place all ingredients layered into mason jar with coconut oil on top.

Include the following instructions on a gift tag: "Place all the ingredients in the food processor. Process for one minute or until well blended and fully combined. Roll into about 14 balls. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!"

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Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

Wet Ingredients  (to be added by gift recipient)

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 egg
• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a 1-qt. glass container, layer flour mixture, brown sugar, ½ dark chocolate chips, cranberries, walnuts, oats and remaining chips. Cover and store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months. Yield: 1 batch (about 4 cups total).


Include the following on a gift tag
To prepare cookies:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter, applesauce, egg and vanilla until blended. Add cookie mix and mix well.
2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. (Makes about 2 ½ dozen cookies)

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Ingredients

• 1/4 cup red lentils
• 1/4cup great northern beans
• 1/4 cup red kidney beans
• 1/4 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup split green peas
• 1/4 cup green lentils

Spice Mix

• 1 Tbsp. dried basil
• 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp. dehydrated onion
• 1/2 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 cubes of bouillon of choice
• 1 bay leaf

Bean Soup Mix

Instructions
Layer beans and lentils in mason jar. Put spices, bouillon cubes and bay leaf in a small baggie. Place on top of beans.

Include the following on a gift tag: "Rinse and strain beans. Add 6 cups of water to beans and boil. Turn off heat and let stand for 1 hour. Rinse and drain. Add 7 cups water and one (14 oz.) can of diced tomatoes and seasoning package. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for an hour."

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