Memory Candy Jar Gift Idea for Grandparents
Put together this meaningful candy jar gift for grandparents. They’ll love reading personalized messages from their grandchildren.
I always try to create a few handmade gifts every Christmas, especially for grandparents. Not only are they a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing gifts, they also add a personal touch that really shows someone you care.
A few weeks ago, I shared how I plan for handmade gifts, including where I find inspiration, as well as the steps I take to make sure they’re all ready for Christmas. This year I followed the same process, but it took me a while to come up with something unique for my mom. I wanted to get all the grandkids involved to make it extra special for her, but I didn’t want it to be overly complicated or time consuming.
After pondering for a week or two about what to make, I finally got an idea after having dinner with a few family members at an Asian restaurant. Although I’m not a huge fan of eating fortune cookies, I do love reading the messages that come within. I was thinking it would be fun to make fortune cookies to give out at Christmas, but I’d substitute the dry cookie with something a little tastier. In my mind I was thinking fortune cookie meets Hershey’s Kisses, and the idea of a Memory Candy Jar was born.
How to Make a Memory Candy Jar
Supplies
- Decorative paper
- Candies (homemade or purchased)
- Candy wrappers
- Jar
- Decorative ribbon or baker’s twine
- Label (I used an adhesive chalkboard label + chalkboard pen)
- Tissue paper
- Scissors
Messages to Wrap with Candies
If I had to say what’s most important to my mom, it would definitely be her family. I’d even go a little farther and say her grandchildren. Each and every one of them has spend countless hours with her at the farm. To get the ball rolling on this project, I asked each grandchild (there are 6 in total, ranging from kindergarten to grade 12) to write 3 or 4 things they love about grandma or special memories they have of her.
Next, I typed out the memories/compliments and printed them out on the plain white side of the decorative paper. Each one was cut into a strip to be used as the message to include in each candy.
To prevent the candy from dirtying the paper, I folded the message into a small square and placed it between the foil and parchment parts of the candy wrapper. Then I bundled the whole thing up into a tiny little package.
After putting them together, I lined the bottom of the jar with tissue paper, affixed the label, and layered the candy messages inside. I then tied baker’s twine around the top.
I’m still waiting on a few messages from my nieces and then the jar will be filled up.
I also put together a card explaining what the jar is about, and I plan on having each grandchild sign it before they give it to grandma:
Merry Christmas Grandma!
We love you so much, and especially enjoy the time we spend with you at the farm. To show you how much we appreciate you, we’ve put together a special memory jar. As you unwrap these goodies, look for special messages written by each of us sharing what we love most about you or what our fondest memories are.
Love always,
More Handmade Gift Ideas
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Enjoy your day!
This is such a great idea! I love how personalized you’ve made it and the fact that you involved all of her grandchildren will make it that much more special!
The messages are so cute, and it’s interesting that each grandkid came up with something a little different. Hope she likes it!
I love your memory jar idea! What a thoughtful, meaningful gift.
Oh my gosh, what an incredible idea for a meaningful gift, Shauna. This one brought tears to my eyes. And your creative packaging is the perfect touch. Beautiful all the way ’round…
You’re so sweet, Sheila! I think she’ll really like it, as she’s pretty sentimental and has a sweet tooth to boot!
this is such a sweet idea! i love it… special and cute!
Thanks Cassie!