A gift in a jar will not only impress the recipient but it is also fun to make! I am taking the gift jar idea a bit further by combing it with Valentine’s Day ideas. Last week, I shared the Ice Skating Date In A Jar. This week I am showing how to make a Spa In A Jar so you can have a relaxing spa date at home! I have some home spa treatment recipes from previous posts so I included them in this mason jar.
A Spa In A Jar could be given for many occasions besides Valentine’s Day! My teen saw me making it and said she would love to have it when I was done. If you are making this for a date, be sure to make two jars so that you can each use all the treatments!
Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.
Spa In A Jar Items
Start with a Kerr wide mouth, quart size mason jar to hold everything. I tried to stick to a blue color scheme to make the jar look pretty but it isn’t necessary if you can’t find matching items.
- travel size face cleanser
- Nivea lip balm
- hair treatment packet
- travel size lotion
- blue razor
- mini pebble candles (no longer available)
- nail clippers
- nail file
- bath bomb
- chocolate truffles
I also included the following home spa treatments that I made myself: Lavender Bath Salts, Maple Brown Sugar Scrub, Sugar Hand Scrub and Peppermint Tea Foot Soak. You can click on each one for the recipe and links to the printable labels.
Slowly add the items to the jar with the content labels facing the outside so that the recipient can easily see what is in the jar. It took several attempts to get everything to fit into the jar and I kept adjusting it until it looked right. Once it was all in, I printed the Spa In A Jar label and cut a length of ribbon which I attached to the jar. You can download the free printable here. I printed it by choosing “wallet size” and it was perfect.
Let’s take a little spin around the jar so that you can see it from all sides.
Wondering what else you could put in this jar? How about a face mask, lip scrub, foot scrub, pore strips, massage oil, perfume, hand cream, foot lotion, socks, eye mask and tea light candles. I am going to try to find some mini sized spa items for men so that I can assemble a jar that is specifically for men. Not that any of these items are too flowery or girly but I’m sure a guy would appreciate receiving products with scents geared toward men.
There have been a lot of questions about the exact containers I used so I purchased another package for this photo. I should’ve taken a picture before I painted the original ones but I didn’t even think it of. I found these containers at the Family Dollar in one of the food aisles as a hanging extra. You know the little things that are hanging between the items on the shelves? Each container holds 2.4 oz and they cost $1.00 for the 8 pack.
The foot soak jars are these bead storage containers.
A fluffy bathrobe and cozy slippers would be the perfect things to give along with the Spa In A Jar!
Peppermint Pampering Gifts In A Jar
Nicole says
I think the spa jars are wonderful, thank you so much for sharing. I was considering trying them out as a door gift this year for thanksgiving so I’ve been shopping around and I’m having a hard time with the bath bombs, all the ones that I’ve come across are a little large. Did you order yours from someplace or did you make them yourself?
Tonia says
Hi Nicole,
Yes, I made mine but they didn’t turn out very good so I didn’t share my recipe. They kept expanding and expanding and I had to keep smashing them back into a ball. ๐ If you can’t find a bath bomb and don’t want to make your own, I would say just leave them out. Best of luck!
~Tonia
krissi says
This is the best idea for our naughty Santa !!!!
Tricia says
where do i purchase the test tubes??
Tonia says
I found the test tubes at Michaels on clearance for 38 cents each. They had Halloween candy in them and they only had these 6 left. I threw away the candy, washed the test tubes and spray painted the lids silver. You could also check Amazon and Etsy. Best of luck! ~Tonia
brookelynn says
I would like to think you. I’m 13, and this year I’m tired of receiving without giving back for Christmas. I have used almost every single one of your gift ideas for every single member of the family. They were super easy, cheap, and fun to make. This will definitely be a Christmas to remember. Thank you.
Tonia says
You are so very welcome! My Vanessa is 13 and she often feels the same way. It’s hard to make money to buy gifts when you are a teen. I am delighted that I could be a help!
Sarah says
I was looking through the family dollar website and could not find the 2.4 ounce containers. I need the containers tomorrow so i cant order them. Do you know anywhere else i could buy them? Thank you! This is a really great idea!
Sarah says
I cannot get them from hobby lobby ๐
Tonia says
Hi Sarah,
Thank you! I’m not sure what stores you have available, but go look through the food storage containers, baby food storage, bead storage and even paint storage aisles. They can be any size/shape as long as they will fit into the mouth of the jar. The last time I was at Michael’s I noticed these containers on the way to the cash register: http://www.michaels.com/artists-loft-storage-cups/10122053.html#q=paint+storage&start=4 If you have a Joann’s try: http://www.joann.com/loew-cornell-acrylic-storage-cups-1in-12-pk/10903342.html or http://www.joann.com/bead-organizer-65inx5in/9035858.html At Walmart and Target you can get disposable mini condiment containers. They aren’t as durable, but might work in a pinch: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Diamond-Multi-Purpose-Mini-Cups-With-Lids-2-oz-50ct/17056809 Best of luck! ~Tonia
Lindsay says
What size is the ribbon and where did you get it from? I like that specific one and only found a tiny version ๐ Thanks in advance!
Tonia says
Hi Lindsay! It’s been a couple of years since I made this jar and I don’t have that specific ribbon package anymore. I believe it measured 7/8″ and that I bought it from Joann Fabrics. But since they change what ribbon they keep in stock, they might not sell it anymore. Here is on available online though: http://www.ribbonfactory.com/store/display_item/667.html Best of luck! ~Tonia
Jessica says
I can’t find the storage tubes from Hobby Lobby. Please Help!!
Tonia says
Hi Jessica! There are usually lots of bead storage options so I would start there. Also, check for paint storage containers and notions storage. Here are several products to look. Best of luck! ~Tonia
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/5-piece-stackable-box-value-set-220889/
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/round-containers-with-hot-pink-lids-318774/
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/5-piece-bead-stacker-258566/
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/clear-button-and-notion-storage-jars-767772/
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/empty-storage-jars-with-lids-439232/
http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/short-embellishment-storage-jars-584904/
Sharon says
Awesome love this. What paint and how did you paint the lids of the mini containers with?
Tonia says
Thanks Sharon! I spread all of the lids out on newspaper and spray painted them with multiple coats until I could no longer see the color beneath. You can use any spray paint that is made for plastics. Choose whichever color goes with the other items you put in the jar. Best of luck! ~Tonia
Tara McCurry says
Tonia
We spoke earlier this year regarding how wonderful your recipes are!!! My church GA’s made these for mother’s day and they were a HUGE hit. I ahave a few questions for you. I wanted to know if we need to use B&BW lotions for the best results or if we can use any peppermint scented lotions? Also, can we use the same recipe and change the scent? I am thinking pumpkin for fall.
Thanks,
Tara
Tonia says
Hi Tara,
Yes, you can use any scented lotion brand or scent! I am going to be posting a pumpkin one soon! ๐
~Tonia
Jordan Silberman says
Love the jars! You can get the little containers from the 99 cent store for a pack of 10! 1 cent cheaper and has two more containers!
Karen Burns says
What great gift ideas. I’ve been collecting mason jars and the cupboard has runneth over! I’m going to start making gifts using some of your ideas and recipes. Karen
Brooke says
Love this so much! Our church group girls are making these for their Mom’s for Mothers Day! Thank you for sharing everything! I printed all the labels on sticker paper! ๐ So glad I came across this on Pinterest.
Brooke
lร m bแบฑng ฤแบกi hแปc says
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Fallon says
I’ve seen something similar to this before, but never so well executed as this! I LOVE it ๐ it is an adorable AND practical gift! I was inspired by yours, and made one to give to my friend for her birthday! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us!
Jessi says
I tried to make the maple brown sugar scrub and it came out lumpy and very oily. I followed the recipe correctly but it looks nothing like yours. Why?
Tonia says
Sorry that happened and I’m not sure why. Was your brown sugar lumpy to begin with? It needs to be loose sugar. I would suggest adding more brown sugar, a little at a time, until it is the consistency that you prefer. Best of luck!
Lori says
I absolutely love this idea! I’m the director of a pageant, and I’d like to make these for all my contestants, and give them out at dress rehearsal. Where did you find the tubes for the bath salts? Thanks soooo much for this fabulous idea!
Tonia says
Hi Lori,
I found the test tubes at Michaels on clearance for 38 cents each. They had Halloween candy in them and they only had these 6 left. I threw away the candy, washed the test tubes and spray painted the lids silver. I would suggest looking on Amazon for plastic test tubes. Best of luck!
~Tonia
Gina Godinho says
Hey I was wondering if you make the spa in a jar for favors for a bridal shower. I would need like 50 of them.
Tonia says
Hi Gina,
Sorry, I do not sell them. Best of luck with the bridal shower!
~Tonia
Amanda says
This is so fun, what a great gift idea! I recently shared this on my Facebook page and it was a big hit ๐ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153743694675217&set=a.353593675216.349539.323548680216&type=1&stream_ref=10
Tonia says
Thank you Amanda! I’m delighted that your fans liked it!
Amanda says
Just stopping by to let you know I included this post in my favorite craft projects for February. These were the most popular posts on my Facebook page during February as well, so thank you for such a great project! You can see the round up here http://craftsbyamanda.com/2014/03/great-craft-ideas-february-2014.html ๐
Nichola says
I love your website, it’s so cool! my question is, how long will the scrubs, bath salts last for in the jars? how long before Christmas would you make up your batches?
many thanks,
A huge fan!
Nichola ๐
Tonia says
Thanks Nichola! Unfortunately, I am not really sure. I’ve always given away most of what I make. I keep 1-2 jars for myself and we use it pretty quickly. I made the scrub, body butter and foot soak for my peppermint pampering jars 6 weeks in advance and they seemed fine to me, but of course I didn’t test them for bacteria or anything. From what I’ve read online, the scrubs have a short shelf life, especially one you start using it and introduce bacteria to the jar. That being said, the blue scrub in this post was made with Dial Antibacterial Soap and the scrub in my peppermint pampering jars was made with coconut oil which is said to be antibacterial and antifungal. Sorry for the long answer! I think it really depends on the products you use to make the items and how the products are being used once they are opened. Best of luck, Tonia
Nichola says
Hi and thanks Tonia, you answered my question perfectly. I am so excited for Christmas 2014 to make these as part of my gifts. I will be making 17 in total. Thank you so much and I look forward to following your website for new (and looking back at your old) fab ideas.
Your webpage has reached me here in New Zealand and I am telling everyone about it
Kindest,
Nichola
Raul C. says
Hello Tonia! I’ve been reading through the comments people have and most of my questions were answered in those posts, but I just wanted to know approximately how much you paid for for everything in this GREAT gift package idea. I can tell you have a very supportive audience that will be here every step of the way! I know I’m one of those people lol. But seriously, Tonia, keep up the good work! (:
Tonia says
I really don’t know how much it all costs and don’t even know how to calculate it. I already had most of the items in the jar. The pebble candles were sent to me ($0), the hair mud mask was a free sample from Ulta ($0), the mason jar I had on hand, 2 chocolate truffles (60 cents), lip balm ($2.50), razor I had on hand (78 cents new), homemade spa products leftover from spa party, travel size lotion was a free sample as was the face wash but they would range from $1-$2 at Walmart, nail clippers ($2). You can make the jars as expensive or as inexpensive as you want! Hope that helps!
indiasworld says
great ideas! i have some large mason jars and now i have some great uses for them. thanks a bunch!!!!
india
Ambra says
Dear Tonia,
thank you very much for sharing this wonderful ideas! I’m gonna try them as Christmas gifts this year! ๐
I only have one question: in most of the recipes you use epsom salt, could it be subsistute with usual sea salt?
Thank you very much in andavance! ๐
ambra
Tonia says
Hi Ambra,
I think the only recipe that uses salt is the foot soak, right? From what I read online, you can use sea salt instead of Epsom salt but sea salt is typically used for cooking. Sea salt can help relieve stress and achy joints and muscles. Epsom salts have soothing effects on the muscles and nervous system of the body and helps to detoxify the body. Hope that helps!
Merry Christmas,
~Tonia
Judy says
Tonia
I have been doing crafts since I was young and this is one of best in a long time gifts in a jar. I am making them for Christmas gifts and I know they will go over big in my family. You have a awesome website and real easy to follow. Thank You
Tonia says
Thank you Judy! Your lovely comment made my day!
Amber says
Hi Tonia! I love your site and am so excited to make your gifts in a jar:) do you have a label for Foot Scrub? I want to add the peppermint scrub to the Spa in a Jar but I can’t find a label for it. Thanks and have a great holiday!
Tonia says
Hi Amber,
Sorry, I only have the foot soak label not a foot scrub. Here is a link to the peppermint sugar scrub label: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzzc0kU7BM6FRDNIS2IxQVQxa2c/edit?usp=sharing
~Tonia
Kristi says
This is such an awesome idea! I’m making 6 for the girls in my family and packaging them with a robe, slippers, a wine glass, and some extra larger spa goodies for a pink spa themed Christmas gift! I can wait to share this with all my friends on Facebook but it’ll have to to wait because I’d hate to give away the surprise for the girls until after they unwrap them. ๐ Thanks so much for sharing this idea!
Nikki Comma says
What a great idea! I need to find my old giant mason jars now… Thanks for your post.
Larissa says
Hi! I LOVE this idea! One question: how did you attach the labels to the containers? Glue? How about to the ribbon on the glass jar? just curious! Thanks!
Tonia says
Hi Larissa,
Thank you! I attached them both with glue dots but you could also use a hot glue gun.
~Tonia
renee says
I didn’t realize til I had gone to the store 3 times, that the jars are WIDE MOUTH QUART sized. Not Reg mouth. JUST if anyone else had issues. Walmart has them online for order. Or at their store!!
Tonia says
Yikes! Sorry for all of the extra trips to the store! I will add that to the post. Thanks Renee!
renee says
Hey Tonia,
No worries. I think this is an amazing gift idea and you have have inspired me to make them and your other amazing crafts!! Sorry if my post seemed a bit rude, I didn’t mean that. Just that I was going around like a madman looking for the wide mouth. ๐ of course I’m the silly goose trying to shove things in yhe smaller mouth jars. Thanks for the inspiration Tonia!!!! Happy Holidays!!!! Renee
Tonia says
It’s all good! I’m so glad you figured it out. Happy holidays to you too! ~Tonia
Lisa says
Thank you so much for the great ideas!!! I recently got laid off and since the holidays are coming I am on a super strict budget. Thank you for giving me fun, inexpensive and personalized ideas for the holidays!!!!
Sara says
Have you made a gentleman friendly version of this yet? Or have any ideas about male friendly scents to incorporate into it? My boyfriend loves pampering himself but hate most of the “girly” smells they have.
Tonia says
I have not made one yet but that is a great idea! I will try to make one and post about it soon. Thanks Sara!