Creative Uses for Old Jars

By: April Townsend Last updated: 08/08/2024

Every household has them—old pasta sauce jars, baby food containers, or mason jars collecting dust in the back of a cabinet. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, why not turn them into something useful (or at least something that sparks joy)? With a little creativity, old jars can become storage solutions, decorations, or even fun DIY projects that the whole family can enjoy. Kids love a good craft project. Parents love when things get organized. And the planet loves a little less waste. Everybody wins!

DIY Lanterns for Cozy Evenings

There’s something magical about soft, glowing lights. Old jars make the perfect base for DIY lanterns, whether for backyard camping nights, holiday decorations, or just creating a little ambiance at dinnertime.

How to make them:

Paint the outside of the jar with translucent glass paint for a stained-glass effect.
Use tissue paper and glue to create a colorful, mosaic-like design.
Wrap the top with twine or wire to create a rustic handle.
Pop in a tea light (real or battery-operated), and voilà—instant mood lighting!

For an extra fun twist, kids can add glow-in-the-dark paint, making the lanterns come alive after dark.

Kitchen Storage That Actually Looks Cute

Glass jars are an organizer’s dream. They keep things visible, stack neatly, and somehow make everything look more put together. Plus, repurposing jars means saving money on expensive storage containers.

Ideas for kitchen storage:

Fill them with dried beans, pasta, or rice and label them with a chalk marker.
Use smaller jars to store spices, homemade salad dressings, or overnight oats.
Keep coffee, tea, or hot cocoa supplies neatly displayed on the counter.

For a fun family project, let the kids paint or decorate labels for each jar. Suddenly, kitchen storage becomes a tiny work of art.

Craft Supply Holders (Because Art Chaos is Real)

Any parent who has ever stepped on a rogue crayon knows that craft supplies have a way of spreading across the house like confetti. Old jars to the rescue!

Perfect for storing:

Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
Paintbrushes and scissors
Beads, buttons, or googly eyes (because every house with kids has a stash of these somewhere)

For an extra dose of fun, kids can decorate the jars with stickers, washi tape, or paint, turning boring storage into a personalized craft station.

Miniature Terrariums (A Garden in a Jar!)

A jar plus a little soil equals an adorable, low-maintenance garden. Terrariums are perfect for kids who love playing in the dirt but maybe aren’t quite ready for full-scale gardening responsibilities.

How to make one:

Start with a layer of small pebbles for drainage.
Add a layer of activated charcoal (this helps prevent odors).
Spoon in some potting soil.
Plant tiny succulents, moss, or small flowers.
Decorate with mini figurines, pebbles, or fairy lights.

Boom—instant tiny jungle. And because terrariums require little watering, they’re perfect for forgetful plant parents.

DIY Snow Globes (Winter Fun, Anytime)

Snow globes aren’t just for holiday decorations. With a little creativity, kids can make themed globes for any season—beach scenes, fairy gardens, or even outer space designs.

How to make one:

Glue a small figurine or decoration to the inside of the jar lid.
Fill the jar with water and add a few drops of glycerin (to help the glitter float).
Sprinkle in some glitter or tiny confetti pieces.
Screw the lid back on tightly (a little hot glue around the rim helps prevent leaks).
Shake and enjoy the magic!

Kids love making these, and parents love that it’s a craft that doesn’t result in a glitter explosion all over the living room.

Homemade Candle Holders (Because Everything Feels Fancier with Candles)

With a few simple supplies, old jars can turn into elegant candle holders, perfect for homemade gifts or cozy nights at home.

How to make them:

Melt old candle wax (or use store-bought soy wax).
Add a wick to the jar, holding it in place with a pencil laid across the top.
Pour in the melted wax and let it cool.
Customize with essential oils for a lovely, homemade scented candle.

For a fun family night, let kids make their own personalized candles, mixing different scents and adding decorative touches.

Snack Jars for On-the-Go Treats

For families who are always on the move, old jars make perfect snack containers. They keep food fresh, prevent squishing, and are easy to grab on busy mornings.

Perfect for storing: