Joy Jar Gift Idea & Free Gift Tag Printable

Joy Jar Gift Idea & Free Gift Tag Printable

Do you know someone experiencing a tough time? Battling seasonal depression? Anxious about life? Struggling to find the bright side of things? I’m willing to bet we all know someone who could benefit from a little pick-me-up. Why not give the gift of a Joy Jar and help a loved one combat their blues by focusing on the joy of everyday life?

My solution: make and give a Joy Jar!

Not sure what a Joy Jar is? Read on, my friend, for all the details! I promise a Joy Jar is a simple and easy gift that will not only show how much you care, but can also provide a boost of hopefulness.

Give the Gift of a Joy Jar

Turning that frown upside down is way easier said than done. Am I right?

2020 is off to a rough start to say the least. I’m willing to bet a lot of you could easily substitute “terrifying” or downright “depressing” for “rough” in a heartbeat.

It’s a totally appropriate reaction given the current climate around the world these days, but I’m determined to not let Coronavirus or national elections dictate my happiness. Worldwide pandemic be damned!

The sun came up the morning, and the world continues to turn. Spring is right around the corner, and my two kiddos woke up this morning with boundless optimism and energy, so why not at least try to see the joy in that?

Marble “Joy Jar” with instructions for making your own tied on with a purple ribbon

Finding the Joy in Everyday Life

I’m determined to not let my fear and anxiety of the unknown cripple my life. I know so many people who feel the same way, and some that could benefit from a little reminder.

So for all of you in the same boat, I have an easy way to bring some happiness back into your days: create a Joy Jar.

Forming a Habit with your Joy Jar

In Illinois, school is currently out for the foreseeable future, so why not take this time to form a habit in your house? Or help a friend form one too while you are at it.

What is a Joy Jar you ask?

Good question –

First, take stock of what brings you joy on a daily basis. It can be something little or something profound.

Regardless, write down why you experienced joy that day on a little slip of paper. Then, add that slip to your Joy Jar and watch your joy accumulate over time.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • The birds woke us up chirping this morning for the first time this Spring
  • Baking chocolate chip cookies with the kids and eating the warm right out of the oven.
  • Watching “Frozen II” on Disney Plus on repeat
  • Long soaks in a bubble bath
  • Successfully potty training!
  • Welcoming a new niece or nephew to the family.

“Joy Jar” Thanksgiving hostess gift

Thanksgiving Tradition: A Year in Review

So here is what I plan to do with my Joy Jar this year.

My goal is to add a slip of paper to the Joy Jar each day for the next few months. On Thanksgiving, I’d like the Joy Jar to be overflowing. Wouldn’t it be a great way to celebrate the holiday? To be able to look back over 2020 and see all the GOOD instead of focusing on the craziness of a health crisis and the presidential election?

Better yet, make a Joy Jar for the family and/or friends you typically celebrate Thanksgiving with and ask them to bring their jar to Thanksgiving this year. It would be so great to hear everyone’s moments of joy from the year!

If you want more ideas for Thanksgiving traditions, check out my Cricut tutorial for making a DIY “Today I am Thankful For” chalkboard sign or print my “Thankful for a Host Like You” hostess gift tag.

4 Gift Ideas Using One “Joy Jar” Gift Tag Download

Even More Ways to Customize Your Joy Jar For Every Occasion

The possibilities are really endless when it comes to customizing a Joy Jar for any and every occasion.

Joy Jar teacher gift tag

By simply changing the ribbon, you can have an easy and thoughtful last-minute gifts to give for teacher appreciation or even Christmas. But don’t stop there! I’d love to hear how you customize your Joy Jar for your recipient!

“Joy Jar” Christmas gift, including instructions for making your own, tied on with Christmas ribbon

Make Your Own Joy Jar

So, who is ready to make a Joy Jar with me? It’s so easy, you will be able to crank out a few for family and friends in no time.

Marble “Joy Jar” with instructions for making your own tied on with a purple ribbon

If you need a quick gift for neighbors, make a few extra and leave them on your neighbors’ porches. My free Joy Jar gift tag (scroll down for yours) includes all the instructions for this straightforward and super thoughtful gift.

If you will be giving a Joy Jar as a gift, be sure to add a slip of paper to the jar before giving it. Write something like “I find joy in our friendship” or “Having a friend like you.”

Marble “Joy Jar” with instructions for making your own tied on with a purple ribbon

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission from a third party at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own and I only share links to products I personally use, love and trust.

STEP 1: GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

STEP 2: DOWNLOAD MY FREE GIFT TAG

Simply click on this link to download my free Joy Jar gift tag. Each tag includes instructions for the recipient.

If you are giving this Joy Jar as a gift, go ahead and include the first slip of paper in the jar. On that slip, include the joy you associate with the recipient.

It could be something simple like:

… “our friendship brings me joy”

or something more personalized like:

… “our exchange of inappropriate mom memes brings me so much joy”

Feel free to include more than one by the way!

STEP 3: PRINT THE TAG TO CARDSTOCK

Once you’ve downloaded the Joy Jar tag, print it to a piece of cardstock.

Make sure your printer scale is set to “actual size” and not “fit to page.”

STEP 4: CUT, HOLE PUNCH & TIE ON THE TAG

Pretty self-explanatory here, folks…

STEP 5: ENJOY THE FINISHED PRODUCT

Once the gift tag is tied on to your jar, sit back and admire your handiwork. Or since you already have most of the work already done, go ahead and make an extra or two for a friend. Spread that JOY!

Marble “Joy Jar” with instructions for making your own tied on with a purple ribbon

Need additional gift inspiration?

Head over to my Pinterest and Instagram accounts and follow me for gift ideas shared daily!

AS ALWAYS – IF YOU NEED HELP BRAINSTORMING OR CREATING A CUSTOM GIFT, PLEASE REACH OUT TO ME! I’D LOVE TO HELP!

More later! The craft room is calling, and I must go…

OTHER VINYL PROJECTS YOU WILL LOVE:

Natalie Administrator
Natalie Menke, the self-proclaimed Gift Guru, is always thinking about the next gift she is going to give. Her hope is to provide boundless inspiration for completely customized and personalized gifts. Happy gifting!
follow me


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *