Unique Mini Christmas Tree Decorating "Gift in a Jar" Kit

Our family just got the news that our oldest son won't be making it home for Christmas, what with his new job and all. So that he can still celebrate something of a Christmas, I just sent him a mini Christmas tree complete with my version of a unique Christmas "Gift in a Jar." This custom "Gift in a Jar" contains all the items he needs to set up and decorate a miniature Christmas tree for his apartment.

Gift in a Jar Christmas gifts have been wildly popular over the last several years. The idea behind these gifts is that all the dry ingredients needed to make cookies, hot cocoa, or bean soup are measured into a glass jar, and then wrapped with a pretty ribbon along with instructions. Thinking along those same lines, I decided to assemble a unique Christmas "Gift in a Jar" for my son that can be mailed safely. If you have adult single children serving overseas or who can't make it home for the holidays, this unique and easy "Gift in a Jar" Christmas decorating kit might work for them as well.

Supply list for a mini Christmas Tree "Gift in a jar" kit

* Small 14-18" artificial Christmas tree ~ these can be found in craft stores for under $5.
* Miniature tree skirt ~ small ones can be purchased premade at craft stores for a few dollars, or you can make your own out of felt and white pompoms.
* Miniature decorations, star topper, garland, birds, or mini gifts ~ the dollar store is a great place to find these items
* Ornament hooks
* Plastic baggies
* Recycled clear plastic jar with screw top lid (mayonnaise, peanut butter, or Ovaltine jars work great).
* Ribbon
* Gift card

Assembling the tree decorating kit

1. Carefully fold up the tree skirt to form a cone with the pattern facing outwards. Insert into the jar, point facing up.
2. Pack a dozen mini ornaments and hooks into a baggie; squeeze out as much air as possible out of the bag and close with a twist tie. Cut off excess plastic. Tuck into jar alongside the tree skirt.
3. Carefully pack the mini garland and birds next to the ornaments. Finish by pressing the star topper pick into the jar with the star positioned at the neck of the jar.
4. Screw on the lid and tie a pretty crafting ribbon around the jar. Include some some hand written instructions for decorating the tree. Pack the mini Christmas tree and this unique "Gift in a Jar" decorating kit in a shoebox sized box and ship.