Granola Bars in a Jar Gift {with downloadable recipe cards}

One of my family’s favorite Christmas traditions is to make homemade gifts in a jar. And the wonderful thing is, they’re as much fun to make together, as they are to give to others! Simply layer the ingredients of a treasured recipe in a jar, then add a festive ribbon and tag, and there you have it – a thoughtful gift made with love.

Homemade gifts are not only a personal way to show your family and friends you care, but they also make thoughtful, economical gifts for all of the other special people in your family’s life too, such as teachers, coaches, neighbors, etc.

This year, I’ve been running my slow cooker non-stop making delicious Holiday Spiced Nuts, and at the same time, my oven’s been humming right along making everyone’s favorite – homemade granola!

Whether it’s whole grain granola, or grain-free granola, the easiest way to give this healthy homemade treat is to simply combine it with an assortment of healthy add-ins, such as shredded coconut, dried fruits and crispy nuts and seeds. Then, place it in whatever size mason jars you’d like, and dress it up with a festive bow and gift tag.

The beauty and simplicity of homemade granola is why it’s one of my favorite go-to holiday gifts. In fact, I usually keep about a half-dozen extra granola-filled jars on hand, so I always have a delicious gift ready for those unexpected “uh-oh!” moments when you realize you inadvertently forgot someone, or if I need a thoughtful gift for the host of a last-minute holiday gathering.

Festive Granola Bars in a Jar {with downloadable recipe cards}

Wholesome homemade granola bars are a real favorite among kids of all ages! My real foodie recipe uses my homemade soaked granola mixed with lots of other wholesome ingredients, so it really layers-up beautifully to create a stunning gift-in-a-jar! And the best part is, these bars are super easy to make and only require a few standard ingredients almost everyone always has on hand.

To create this beautiful, nutritious gift, simply layer these ingredients in a one-quart mason jar in the following order:
• 1 cup granola
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries or cherries)
• 1 cup granola
• 1/2 cup blanched almond flour
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces

Finishing the gift– Cut out holiday-themed paper in circles the same size as the mason jar’s lid. Then, place the paper on top of the lid and seal the jar with the ring. To make it even fancier and festive, add a decorative bow and gift tag.

Baking instructions – Be sure to download and print the free Granola Bars-in-a-Jar Baking Instructions recipe cards and include them with your gift. (I like to place the baking instructions in the Christmas card we give along with the gift jar. To make it extra festive, I place both the card and gift jar into a pretty recycled gift bag.)

P.S. Check out “Healthy GF Gifts-in-a-Jar Recipes” for even more simple and delicious homemade gifts in a jar.