Baby Food Jars { Creative Recycling }

There’s no need to explain where these squat little jars, or rather gems-in-disguise, come from! Mom, it’s time to stop tossing those baby food jars in the bin this instant, and have a scroll through these simple and creative DIY ideas.

• Paint the lids of the jars with black board paint and use the jars as storage containers in a drawer, writing the name of the contents on the lid.
• Make a snow globe! Dissolve sugar in hot water and let it cool – the purpose of the sugar is to “thicken” the water so that the glitter can float better. Alternatively, use clear baby oil.  Using waterproof glue, stick your plastic figure to the inside of the lid. Stir the glitter into the water and pop the lid-and-figure onto the jar once the glue has set. Dab extra glue onto the rim of the jar to make sure it stays closed.
• Stick a strong magnet to the bottom of the jar to turn it into a handy storage container that can sit on the side of the fridge.
• Fill the jars with freshly picked blossoms and group a couple together on the table for a fresh springtime centre piece.
• Place a small ball of string inside the jar. Drill a hole in the lid and pull the end of the string through the hole. And there you have it – a neat and handy string holder!
• Alternatively pop a straw through the hole in the lid and use the jars as spill-proof sippy party cups.
• Plant mini cacti, succulents or herbs in the jars and line them up on the kitchen window sill.
• If you’d like to change the colour of the jar, simply pour acrylic paint inside the bottle and shake it around until the surface is fully coated. Why inside? So the paint doesn’t scratch!
• Decorate the jars with glitter and glass paint and turn them into mini tea light candle holders.
• Fill the jars with anything from pretty buttons and homemade toffees to bath salts and bubble bath – these make the cutest party favours or mini gifts.
• They’re just the right size for storing lumps of kiddies play dough – the perfect way to keep the colours separated.

NOTE: To peel off that stubborn label, soak the jar in hot water for about 10 minutes and peel off the paper. Spray insect repellent on the stubborn glue blobs and let it stand for another 10 minutes before rinsing the jar with warm soapy water.

For more ideas, the original photos above and their credits, make sure to check out our Baby Food Jars Pinterest Board!