If you're searching for a perfect small homemade gift idea, you'll love today's craft. Learn how to make this Christmas elf jar gift idea – it's the perfect small gift for any Christmas occasion!
How To Make Elf Jar
Christmas crafts are so much fun! The season is practically bursting with inspiration to make everything from ornaments to holiday cards, decor, food, and more!
I find that we often need a small, simple holiday gift to give to teachers, neighbors, the mailman, etc. Nothing too big, but something that shows our appreciation.
Knowing how much I love using mason jars for just about everything, when we need a small gift, I tend to pull out one of my trusty mason jars and fill it up. But, I don't like to just give plain, everyday mason jars as holiday gifts, so I decorate them (and they're so much fun to decorate!)!
Today, we're decorating mason jars to look like a Christmas elf. My elf mason jar gift idea for Christmas is perfect for anyone on your gift-giving list! It also makes a great hostess gift for holiday parties.
Plus, my favorite part is that it only takes a few minutes to decorate, then you simply fill it with the gift of your choice. Here are some delicious and fun ideas if you don't want to use candy!
Supplies Needed For Elf Jar
- Green button “buckle”
- Tree button for the hat (from Buttons Galore and More)
- Pom pom ribbon in red and white, plus ivory
- Woven burlap ribbon (from May Arts)
- Mason jar with lid (mine is the tall quilted variety)
- Styrofoam cone (from FloraCraft)
- Sparkle pom pom
- Felt (red and tan used)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step 1: Wrap The Cone With Red Felt
Wrap your cone with red felt. I had to play with the felt for a while to get complete coverage from one sheet, but it is possible. Cut off any excess and use hot glue to secure.
Step 2: Hot Glue Lid To The Bottom Of The Cone
Use some hot glue to add the lid to the bottom of the foam cone.
Step 3: Add Pom Pom Trim
Start adding a pom pom trim to the bottom of your felt, covering up where the lid meets the felt.
Step 4: Add More Pom Pom Trim & Ribbon
I then added a second row of pom pom fringe as well as the woven ribbon around the lid itself.
Step 5: Cut Elf Ear From Felt
Cut tan felt to an “elf ear” like shape.
Step 6: Glue Elf Ears To Cone
Fold the ear and use hot glue to secure it to both sides of the cone.
Step 7: Add Finsing Touches To Hat & Jar
Add the finishing touches: a belt with a belt buckle and a decoration to the elf hat.
The variety pack of buttons from Buttons Galore and More has a wide variety of button shapes and sizes. There was a green one in my package that had two large holes. These were just right for threading through the ivory woven ribbon.
Yep. It looks just like a belt buckle!
I wrapped the entire thing around my jar and secured it with hot glue. Then, I added a fun Christmas tree button to my elf's hat. I liked the way just one button looked – sort of like a “pin” in his hat.
Y'all, don't forget to add a sparkly pom pom to the top of your elf hat as well. (Forgot a picture of that one!)
Step 8: Fill Your Jar With Treats
Add your gift (candy in my case) to your jar and then screw on your lid.
Who will you give your elf mason jar gift to? Make this quick and easy mason jar gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. It is sure to put a smile on their face!
FAQs About Elf Jar
Here are a couple of common questions I get from readers about this elf jar. If you have a question but don’t see it down below, please leave it in the comments so I can answer it for you.
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Glue For This Elf Jar?
I personally find hot glue to be one of the best glues to use for these types of crafts. It's easy to use, less messy than other glues, and it holds really well.
However, if you don't have a hot glue gun, you can use craft or tacky glue for this project. Please be aware that your project will probably take longer to complete due to longer drying times.
How Can I Customize This Elf Jar?
You can customize this elf jar in a variety of ways! Below are just a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless!
- Change the color of the hat
- Change the color of the elf's ears
- Change the color of the pom pom, ribbon, etc.
What Do You Put In A Mason Jar Gift?
You can put almost anything (that will fit) inside! Food gifts are always a fun go-to. But, if you want to stay away from sugary treats or know the recipient has food allergies, you can fill your jars with small toys or useful items such as decorations, chapstick, little soaps, etc.
5 More Mason Jar Gifts
If you loved learning how to make this elf jar and want even more mason jar gift crafts, then check out the projects below!
- Mason Jar Christmas Craft Snow Globe Toppers
- Angel Christmas Mason Jar Gifts
- Food Gift in a Jar: Christmas Granola
- Christmas Mason Jar Gifts
- Hot Chocolate in a Jar Gift Idea
You are master of the mason jar universe!
This would be a great teacher’s gift!
I think his little ears are totally adorable. I want to whisper in them, “Can I have one of your mints?”
This little guy is just too adorable! And full of sweetness to boot!
Now that’s an elf on a shelf I can enjoy. So cute. Your projects are always so fun.
So cute and what a great idea,Thanks for sharing and hugs:)
this is so cute. I had to smile when I saw the elf. The jar would be the hit of any party. People would be wanting to sneak it home with them. thanks for sharing.
Great gift for my daughters teacher 🙂
cute tutorial–thanks for the idea!