101 Uses for Baby Food Jars?

 

Image courtesy of Make Life Sweet

OK, so maybe I haven't found 101 uses for baby food jars, maybe it's more like 20... but I could reach 101 if I counted every individual item you could possibly store in them!  It's no news that baby food jars are extremely useful.  From storing little bits and bobbles, to creating something fun for kids, their uses are numerous.  And now that I have a baby starting on solids, I'm realizing how quickly one can build a stockpile!  I make my own baby food most of the time, but I've kept some jars on hand for odd occasions, trips out etc.  I can only imagine how many one could accumulate with feeding a baby only jar food!

Without further ado, here is a list of things to make with or use baby food jars for.  If you have any additional ideas, please share!

1.  Great for storing small craft supplies and findings.  Image from Crafty Nest.

2. Reuse as spice jars.  Tutorial for making etched spice jars available over at Craft eNVy.

3.  Votive or tea-light candle holder.  Cover the outside with tissue paper and Mod Podge like the image shown above!  Great as a kids craft (can use battery operated tea-lights)
Image from Pinterest.

4.  Use for storing homemade baby food or leftovers.  Spray outside of lids only, with chalkboard paint and use a chalk ink pen to label and date them.  Image courtesy of Merriment Design

5.  Make an adorable pin cushion, storage jar.  A great little tutorial available over at  
Craft Pudding.

6.  Make some cool fridge magnets using the lids from the jars.  And a little Mod Podge of course!  Another great one kids can do!  Image courtesy of Mod Podge Rocks

 

7.  Use for starting seedlings indoors, for a small herb garden or create a grouping of small, sweet flower arrangements.  Check it out over on The Charlotte.

8.  Teach kids how things grow.  Or you can grow cat grass for your furry friends to nibble on.

Image from Art Projects For Kids

9.  Create your own snow globe!  Great craft to do with children.  Glue a miniature to the inside of the lid, fill with glitter and water and glue on the lid.  Paint the lid to finish it off.  More detailed instructions available at Martha Stewart Crafts.

 10.  Recycle the ends of old candles and melt them down, poor into clean baby food jars and add a wick.  Great for camping or to keep on hand for emergencies.  Image courtesy of Soap Queen

11.  Use the lids to make a memory matching game for kids.  Oopsey Daisy provides a simple tutorial, complete with a printable download of the images used in the pic above.

12.  Under shelf storage in the workshop.  Screw the lid to the underside of a shelf and attach the jar (use two screws on each lid so they don't spin).  Use to hold nuts, bolts and other fasteners.  

Image courtesy of Re-Nest

A few more ideas!

13. Make into a musical instrument. Just put some rice or beans in them. Or turn lids into finger symbols.

14. Fill with dried herbs or cotton balls dripped with scented oil. Cover the top with mesh and hold in place with an elastic. These are great for putting in drawers, closets or behind furniture for a fresh scent.

15. Punch holes in the top. Temporary house for a bug or other critter! Kids can look at them and learn, without hurting their new friends.

16. Fill halfway with water with a few drops of food colouring, fill the rest of the way with baby oil and add a few sparkles if you want. This amazes kids!

17. Punch holes in the top and fill with cornstarch or powder for baby’s bum.

18. Good for holding finger paints and glues or touch up paint for your walls and furniture.

19. Make a small sewing kit to keep in your car, diaper bag, purse, or in a drawer at the office. If you've ever had a dress strap break on you... you know it's a good idea!

20. Have your child decorate an empty jar, put their tooth in it for the tooth fairy and leave on the night table. Easier for mom and dad to find instead of digging under the pillow for that tiny thing!