Looking for a creative and personal holiday gift idea? These DIY Painted Holiday Gift Jars are perfect for anyone on your list! They’re easy to make, customizable, and add a lovely handmade touch to your gift-giving. Plus, you can fill them with treats, small trinkets, or even a holiday-scented candle to make them extra special.

DIY Painted Holiday Gift Jars

In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform simple jelly jars into festive gift containers with just a few coats of paint, a bit of sanding, and some stylish finishing touches. Using chalk-finish paint in classic holiday colors—think cozy reds, snowy whites, and cheerful greens—these jars bring a pop of holiday spirit to any gift. To add a touch of glam, we’ll also use metallic gold paint on the lids and a cute wooden knob, making these jars look like something you’d find at a boutique!

This easy DIY project is perfect for crafters of any skill level. Whether you’re making one for each family member, creating a set to give as a hostess gift, or using them as décor around your own home, these painted jars add a festive, handmade vibe to the season. Follow our step-by-step guide and get ready to create a unique gift that your friends and family will love!

These DIY Painted Holiday Gift Jars are a perfect mix of thoughtful, festive, and fun! You’ll love how easy it is to transform simple glass jars into eye-catching holiday gifts that look way more expensive than they are. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—choose colors and decorative finishes that match the holiday season or the recipient’s personality for a truly personal touch.

With just a few supplies and a little creativity, you can create a gift that shows you care, and because you fill it yourself, the possibilities are endless! Fill these jars with homemade treats, bath salts, or even holiday-themed candies, making them perfect for friends, teachers, or as a little “thinking of you” gift.

Best of all, these jars double as lovely décor pieces! Once the treats are gone, the jars can be reused as charming storage containers or seasonal accents. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or trying DIY for the first time, you’ll love the simplicity and style of this holiday project.

Materials Needed

3 – 8 oz wide mouth jelly jars with a decorative pattern and lids

Chalk finish paint such as DecoAart Chalky Finish paint in Ramance (red), Everlasting (white) and New Life (green)

Gold metallic paint such as DecoArt Americana Decor Metallics in 24K Gold

Medium-sized paintbrush

Fine sandpaper (e.g. 180 grit)

Wood findings such as a Christmas tree or candle cup

Hot glue gun and clear craft glue or clear E6000 adhesive

Instructions

Paint the entire outside surfaces of the glass jar in the color of your choice. Let dry completely. (see video tutorial)

Lightly sand the painted jars for a distressed finish. sand any of the raised areas of the glass jar. Wipe off the paint dust with a damp paper towel.

Paint the inside and outside surface of the mason jar lid including rim with gold metallic paint. Repeat with the wood findings. Multiple coats may be needed for full coverage. Allow paint to dry completely between each coat. (see video tutorial)

Glue the painted disk into the rim of the jar lid. Glue the wood finding onto the top of the lid to form a knob.

Tie a festive, decorative ribbon around the knob. (see video tutorial)

Fill the jar with treats of your choice.

Tips & Tricks

Choose the Right Paint: Chalky finish paint gives a lovely matte look and adheres well to glass, but make sure it’s completely dry before handling to avoid smudges. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to ensure even coverage.
Distress for Character: For a charming, vintage look, use fine sandpaper to lightly sand the raised areas of your jar design. This creates a distressed effect that looks rustic and adds texture. Be gentle when sanding, and remember that less is often more!
Seal Your Paint (Optional): If you want to make these jars more durable, especially if they’ll be handled a lot, consider sealing them with a clear acrylic spray. This will protect the paint and keep them looking fresh.
Double Up on Gold: For a rich metallic finish on the lids and any decorative accents, allow the first coat to dry fully before adding additional layers. This gives a brighter, more solid gold finish.
Glue with Care: When using a hot glue gun or E6000 adhesive, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and use just a small amount to avoid glue mess. Clear craft glue is ideal for attaching small decorative items and will dry invisible.
Get Creative with Fillings: Think beyond sweets! Fill these jars with small spa items, homemade cookies, or even mini holiday ornaments for an added surprise when the lid is opened.
Personalize with Ribbons: Finish with a festive ribbon around the lid knob, and attach a small gift tag for a polished look. Holiday-themed twine or velvet ribbons can add a cozy, seasonal touch.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use other types of paint if I don’t have chalk paint?
Yes! Acrylic paint can work as well, but it may need a primer to adhere well to glass and more drying time between coats. Chalk paint sticks easily to glass and provides a smooth, matte finish, so it’s preferred if you want that rustic look.

2. Do I need to seal the paint on my jars?
Sealing isn’t required, but it can help preserve the paint, especially if the jars will be handled a lot. A light coat of clear acrylic spray will do the trick. Just be sure the spray is safe for indoor use and food-safe if it will be used for edible treats.

3. How do I avoid smudges when painting?
To keep your jars smudge-free, paint in thin layers and allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next. Try using a sponge brush for smoother coverage, and hold the jar only on unpainted areas or use a glove to prevent fingerprints.

4. Can I wash the jars once they’re painted?
Painted jars should not be washed in the dishwasher, as it may cause the paint to chip or fade. For light cleaning, you can wipe the outside gently with a damp cloth. If you plan on reusing them, avoid getting the painted areas too wet.

5. What can I put inside the jars as gifts?
The options are endless! Homemade treats like cookies, candies, or fudge are popular choices. You can also fill them with hot cocoa mix, bath salts, mini candles, or even little ornaments. Customize your fillings based on the recipient’s tastes!

6. How do I make sure the lid decorations stay secure?
For the best hold, use a strong adhesive like E6000 or a hot glue gun. Allow the glue to dry completely before handling, and double-check that all decorations are attached firmly to prevent any shifting.

7. Can kids help with this craft?
Yes, this can be a fun holiday project for kids! Just supervise closely if they’re using glue or paint. Younger kids can help with picking colors, decorating with ribbon, or filling the jars once painted.

DIY Painted Holiday Gift Jars

Materials

3 – 8 oz wide mouth jelly jars with a decorative pattern and lids
Chalk finish paint such as DecoAart Chalky Finish paint in Ramance (red), Everlasting (white) and New Life (green)
Gold metallic paint such as DecoArt Americana Decor Metallics in 24K Gold
Medium-sized paintbrush
Fine sandpaper (e.g. 180 grit)
Wood findings such as a Christmas tree or candle cup
Hot glue gun and clear craft glue or clear E6000 adhesive

Instructions

Paint the entire outside surfaces of the glass jar in the color of your choice. Let dry completely. (see video tutorial)
Lightly sand the painted jars for a distressed finish. sand any of the raised areas of the glass jar. Wipe off the paint dust with a damp paper towel.
Paint the inside and outside surface of the mason jar lid including rim with gold metallic paint. Repeat with the wood findings. Multiple coats may be needed for full coverage. Allow paint to dry completely between each coat. (see video tutorial)
Glue the painted disk into the rim of the jar lid. Glue the wood finding onto the top of the lid to form a knob.
Tie a festive, decorative ribbon around the knob. (see video tutorial)
Fill the jar with treats of your choice.

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

DIY Painted Holiday Gift Jars