DON'T Throw Away Your Jars ~ 35 Creative Ways to Reuse Them!
Recently I got an email from one of our customers, asking if we have a take-back program for empty jars. While that’s a fantastic idea (and possibly on our radar for the future), we don’t offer that at the moment.
But before you even think about tossing those jars in the trash, let’s talk about why that’s basically a crime against… awesomeness.
Guys and Gals, this is for both of you. Our jars are pretty much versatile little powerhouses just waiting for a second life. Once you see all the genius ways to reuse these, you might actually find yourself excited to finish your current jar and start thinking about your next one.
Ready to get inspired? Here are 35 creative, practical, and downright brilliant ways to give your empty jars a brand-new purpose!
Kitchen & Food Storage:
- Spice Jars – Store and organize homemade spice blends.
- Herb & Herbal Tea Storage – Keep dried herbs or loose-leaf herbal tea fresh.
- Condiment Cups – Perfect for homemade salad dressings, dips, or sauces.
- Snack Containers – Great for portioning nuts, granola, or dried fruit.
- DIY Infused Oils or Vinegar – Store garlic-infused olive oil or flavored vinegar.
- Refrigerator Pickles – Small-batch pickled onions, cucumbers, or jalapeños.
- Sourdough Starter or Yeast Storage – Perfect for small amounts of active cultures (samples, gifts, etc).
- Salt & Sugar Keepers – Keep various flavored salts & sugars handy (unrefined, of course!)
- Mini Dessert Cups – Serve individual cheesecakes, mousses, or puddings.
- Jellies, Jams, & Sauces – Store extra homemade sauce, jam, or pesto.
- Portable Snack Jars for Kids – Fill with small snacks like crackers, raisins, or cereal for on-the-go munching.
- Fermenting Small Batches – Use for garlic honey, ginger bug, or small-batch kimchi.
Home & Organization:
- Mini Planters – Grow succulents, air plants, or small herbs.
- Candle Holders – Make your own DIY soy or beeswax candles.
- Bathroom Organizers – Store Q-tips, cotton balls, or dental flossers.
- Homemade Cleaning Scrubs – Store baking soda-based or DIY citrus scrubs.
- DIY Air Fresheners – Add baking soda and essential oils, then poke holes in the lid.
- Matchstick Holder – Store matches and glue a strike pad to the lid.
- Coin Jars – Sort loose change for easy access.
- Jewelry Holders – Keep rings, earrings, or small accessories in one place.
- Sewing Kit – Store needles, buttons, and thread for emergency repairs.
- Mini First Aid Kits – Fill with band-aids, alcohol wipes, and antibiotic ointment.
- Office Supplies Organizer – Perfect for paperclips, push pins, or rubber bands.
- Fishing Tackle Storage – Keep small lures, weights, and hooks organized.
- Hidden Key Holder – Bury in a garden with a fake rock on top for emergency key access.
Creative, Prepper, & DIY Uses:
- Mini Snow Globe – Fill with fake snow & a little miniature figurine for holiday cheer
- Kids Crafts – With adult supervision (of course), let your kids get their creative juices flowing.
- Paint & Craft Supply Storage – Great for acrylic paints, beads, or glitter.
- Seed Starters – Use for germinating seeds before planting outdoors.
- Travel-Size Toiletries – Refill with shampoo, lotion, or sunscreen.
- DIY Gift Packaging – Fill with homemade bath salts, candy, or tiny trinkets.
- Mini Emergency Candles – Just add a wick and melted wax for quick emergency lighting.
- Bug Repellent Holders – Mix citronella oil with a cotton ball or create a DIY mosquito-repelling candle.
- Mini Fire Starter Kits – Store matches & cotton balls soaked in fire-starting materials for camping
- Emergency Sewing Kit for Travel – A compact way to store needles, thread, and buttons in a purse or backpack.
Now go have fun!
