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    Home » Gift Ideas

    52 Things ~ A Year In A Jar

    Updated: May 9, 2023 · by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    This Gift In A Jar is filled with 52 Things making it A Year In A Jar. It’s a handmade gift idea for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Father’s Day or Mother’s Day.

    52 Things A Year In A Jar Mason Gift

    I love Valentine’s Day because I think it is a great reminder for us to really think about those we love.  But I don’t like that it lasts only 1 day…because love lasts the whole year!

    So, that got me thinking of a way to keep us reminded of our love throughout the year.  Want to know what I am giving Brian for Valentine’s Day?  A year of reasons why I love him.  Yep, 52 reasons (I will refill it next year with more reasons).

    I put them all in a jar and he is to open one a week.  Don’t you think it would be fun for a bride and groom to give each other as wedding gifts?

    Or how about a shower gift that will become 52 Things from the first year of a babies life?  It would be like a Baby Book In A Jar!  Or what about giving a jar to your mom on Mother’s Day?

    mason jar gift supplies

    They are easy and super cheap to make.  Cut out 52 rectangles of kraft paper (I picked mine up at the dollar store) about 2 inches by 4 inches each.

    If you are giving this as a gift for someone else to complete such as a bride-to-be or new mother, put the kraft paper, baker’s twine and a couple of colored pencils in a glass mason jar.  Be sure to add instructions as to what is to be done with the gift!

    strips of paper with writing on them

    If you are the one giving the gift, fill out 52 things on the pieces of kraft paper.  Mine are 52 Things I Love About You.  Yours could be 52 memories or 52 wishes or whatever you want!

    rolling paper around a pencil

    Cut 52 – 6 inch pieces of baker’s twine.  Roll up each piece of kraft paper.  I rolled mine around the colored pencil I used for writing.  Tie a piece of baker’s twine around each roll.

    tie label to mason jar

    Randomly toss the rolled up notes into the mason jar and put the lid on.  I wound some additional baker’s twine around the mason jar and added a tag that says 52.

    So, what kind of 52 Things jar are you going to make?

    52 Reasons I Miss You
    52 Memories of Us
    52 Ways You Are A Great Friend
    First 52 Weeks of Your Life
    52 Reasons You Are A Fantastic Kid
    52 Things To Photograph
    52 Ways You Are The World’s BEST Mother/Father
    52 Things To do This Year
    52 Date Ideas

    ******

    Some of you have be complaining 😉 about not being able to think of 52 things so I am going to give you some ideas/topics for the “52 Reasons I Love You” jar to get you started: {I’m keeping it G Rated}

    Personality Traits You Love: Sense of humor, Outgoing, Quiet, People Person, Reserved, Helpful, Thoughtful, Cooperative, Stable, Impulsive, Organized, Disciplined, Random, Spontaneous, Unique, Sympathetic, Resourceful, Committed, Loving, Sociable, Talkative, Positive, Sarcastic, Curious, Adventurous, Emotional, Energetic, Calm, Laid Back, Focused, Driven, Unconventional, Straightforward, Subtle, Enthusiastic, Honest, Decent, Trustworthy, Generous, Supportive

    Physical Traits You Love {Color, Texture, Size, Etc}:  Eyes, Hair, Lips, Smile, Eyelashes, Hands, Fingers, Legs, Feet, Ears, Height, Petite, Muscles, Shoulders, Skin, Scar, Mole

    I Love The Way You _____:  Play With Our Kids, Make Breakfast In Bed, Kiss Me Goodbye, Get Up With The Kids In The Night, Kiss Me Hello, Remember My Birthday, Complete My Sentences, Know What I Am Thinking, Laugh, Sneeze, Care About Your Health, Love To Learn, Make Me Laugh

    You Are An Awesome ______:  Person, Husband, Wife, Mother, Father, Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, Lover,  Leader, Cook, Photographer, Provider, Artist, Singer, Friend, Uncle, Aunt, Mechanic,Techie, Runner, Teacher, Listener

    You Are My _____:  Best Friend, One and Only, Sunshine, Anchor, Helpmate, Forever and Always, Favorite, World, Bliss, Strength, Comfort, Star, Soul Mate, One in 6 Billion, Everything, Happy, Home, Family, Nest, Buddy, Number One, Inspiration, Match, High, Type, Heart, Dream Come True

    You Are _____:  Beautiful, Handsome, Gorgeous, Pretty, Special, Kind, Important, You, Mine, Amazing, Larger Than Life, Fascinating, Loved, Fabulous, Fantastic, Adored, Brave, Breathtaking, Incredible, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Always On My Mind, Everything I Ever Dreamed Of, A Miracle, A God Send, A Gift, The Icing On My Cake, Cream In My Coffee

    Here are a few more Gift In A Jar ideas to love:

    • This Peppermint Pampering Jar is filled with items like body butter, foot, and sugar scrub.
    • Valentine’s Day gift in a jar is full of pampering spa items and sweet treats.
    • A Spa In A Jar with some home spa treatment recipes and pampering items.
    • A Unicorn Spa Jar is for girly girls who love all things sparkly and colorful.

    More Gift Ideas

    • Assorted candies and free printable valentine cards for kids on a countertop.
      Printable Valentine Cards For Kids
    • Simmer pot ingredients in a glass jar.
      Simmering Pot Recipes
    • Spiced orange tea mix.
      Spiced Orange Tea
    • Bean Thinking About You Test Tube Valentine
      Valentine’s Day Ideas Test Tubes and Treat Bags

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 14+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    1. The Creative Princess says

      February 16, 2012 at 5:27 am

      Tonia! I LOVE this! I am trying to perk up my marriage and I think this is a GREAT way to start!

      Reply
    2. Marilyn says

      February 16, 2012 at 1:30 am

      WOW.. This is SUPER cute..I LOVE it.. Would LOVE if you could please link it up via my Pin’Inspirational Thursday’s linky party happening now pweeease.. ? http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com/2012/02/pininspirational-thursday-21-linky.html I would sincerely appreciate it.. : )) ps: I have a free blog review happening if you are interested ~ http://www.theartsygirlconnection.com/2012/02/blog-loving-better-blogging-series-1.html .. Wishing you an amazing evening.. Happy rest of the week.. ~Marilyn

      Reply
    3. Laura says

      February 15, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      LOVE this idea! I think it’s going to be a gift I give every member of my family on their b-days! Thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
    4. Renewed Upon a Dream says

      February 15, 2012 at 6:10 pm

      This is such a great idea, and a way to help the V-day feeling last year long! I love that you provided some helpful times on things to say you love about them too. Even though we all love our husbands a ton, sometimes it’s hard to think of ways to put it on paper, let alone 52 things!!! Thanks for the help!

      Reply
    5. Jessica Smith says

      February 15, 2012 at 3:28 pm

      What a wonderful idea! This is great for so many occasions as gift options! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    6. sherri lynn says

      February 15, 2012 at 3:18 pm

      Tonia this is SUCH a good idea! I’m going to keep this in mind for next year. And I love the idea of giving the idea as a gift!! I want to give all the supplies at the next bridal shower I go to!

      Reply
    7. momto8 says

      February 15, 2012 at 4:35 am

      this is such a thoughtful gift…because you have to be specific 52 times..I love it!!I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

      Reply
    8. Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted says

      February 14, 2012 at 6:16 pm

      What a wonderfully, sweet idea! I will have to remmember this for next year. I adore that you wrote it out on kraft paper….it’s the little touches that make a difference!

      Reply
    9. Katie says

      February 14, 2012 at 3:47 pm

      I love this idea, especially your thought about a bride/groom giving it as a wedding gift!

      Reply
    10. Anne @ Domesblissity says

      February 14, 2012 at 12:19 pm

      Great idea Tonia. You might have to help me with the 52 reasons as well! LOLAnne xx

      Reply
    11. Tenille @ My Family Table says

      February 14, 2012 at 12:03 pm

      That’s a really lovely idea, and the styling is gorgeous.

      Reply
    12. Holly Lefevre says

      February 14, 2012 at 5:44 am

      This is brilliant. I pretty much love (almost) anything you put in a jar…but this is so special!

      Reply
    13. Cameron Meerdink says

      February 14, 2012 at 4:30 am

      Had to pin this! And congrats on 1,000 followers – woot woot!

      Reply
    14. 2busy says

      February 14, 2012 at 3:51 am

      Cute idea! I’ll have to remember that for next year. I’ve got something else up my sleeve for this year…

      Reply
    15. Theresa says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:58 am

      Such a cute idea! Sorry I misspelled your name earlier. I am bad at that! No spell check for names lol! Happy Valentines! xo

      Reply
    16. Lindsay says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:48 am

      This is so great! I love the idea of coming up with a list of 52 things that are important to you! And it looks super cute!

      Reply
    17. Stephanie @ henry happened says

      February 14, 2012 at 1:01 am

      What a clever idea! Did you seriously come up with 52 things for your hubby? I swear this would take me a year (and I’m happily married :)), haha!

      Reply
    18. Michelle Paige says

      February 14, 2012 at 12:53 am

      Such a lovely idea…perfect!

      Reply
    19. Bliss says

      February 14, 2012 at 12:28 am

      I’m doing this. THIS I can do! I maybe failed at cake pops, but I can write from my heart no problem. GREAT IDEA!!!!!~Bliss~

      Reply
    20. Kristin says

      February 13, 2012 at 11:49 pm

      Love this idea!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »
    Tonia Larson from The Gunny Sack.

    Hi, I'm Tonia! Welcome to The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 15+ years! Meet Tonia Larson →

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