photo by roadsidepictures
I’m often asked how to reuse baby-food jars. I make homemade baby food, so I never have an abundance of jars, but I do agree that it’s a shame to simply toss them. Baby food is also sold in plastic containers, so I’ll include a couple of ways to reuse them, too. If you have any additional ideas, let me know.

MISSING PARTS: I’m always finding odd parts like a single screw, button, mini Lego or game piece. I put these odds and ends into baby-food containers.

IN THE KITCHEN: They’re the perfect size for storing rubber bands, twist ties, toothpicks, rolls of stamps, paper clips, safety pins, small amounts of homemade mixes, and herbs and spices. You can make your own compound butters, cinnamon-and-sugar mix, and spice blends, too. You can prechop an onion and store it in a large baby-food jar.

Taco Mix

2 teaspoons dried onion, Minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried red peppers, Crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dried garlic, Minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin, Ground

Mix all ingredients and store in a tight-lidded jar. Makes 1 package (about 2 T) of mix.
Taco Filling: Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; drain the excess grease. Add 1/2 cup water and the seasoning mix. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes filling for 8 to 10 tacos.

Pumpkin-Pie Spice

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Mix all ingredients and store in a tight-lidded jar.

Herb Blend

6 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon ground oregano
3/4 teaspoon thyme
4 teaspoons salt (optional)

Mix all ingredients and store in a tight-lidded jar.

SMALL TOKEN GIFT: Fill with small candies such as jelly beans, candy corns, Hershey kisses or a variety of stickers or tea bags. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar and give as a “thinking of you” gift. The glass works well for craft rub-ons to help you personalize the jar. They make cute balloon weights, too. Very cute used as favors for baby showers.

FOR KIDS: They’re sturdy for holding paints or crayons.

SEED SAVING: Put your saved garden seeds inside, so you can see what you have at a glance. You can plant seeds in them, too.

CANDLE HOLDER: Decorate and use as a tea light or votive holder. Small citronella candles fit, and they look pretty outside at night.

IN THE BATHROOM: Taller jars can hold cotton swabs, cotton balls, tweezers, hairbrushes and toothbrushes, floss, small clip barrettes, bobby pins and jewelry.

SAND-ART CRAFT: Layer sand inside and use as a paperweight.

TOOTH FAIRY BOX: The plastic containers work well for helping the Tooth Fairy find teeth quickly and replace them with money.

SEWING KIT: Add Polyfil to the lid and cover with fabric, and you have a pincushion lid. Fill the jar with small sewing notions, such as pins, measuring tape and a thimble.

SMALL GLASSES: With supervision, they’re a good size to use as beginner glasses for toddlers.

TRAVEL CONTAINER: The plastic containers work well as to-go containers to hold a few folded baby wipes or small snacks for toddlers.

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