Uses for Empty Candle Jars

Home Organization

• Larger glass candle jars make durable methods for organization, especially if they have lids. Lids with rubber seals are great for organizing small items that may rust or be destroyed if left out in the air, such as nails or screws. Empty candle jars work well for organizing bathroom or desk supplies. Cotton balls or swabs are especially easy to pull out of these jars. These jars can also make a durable pencil holder. Anything that is small enough to fit inside them can be organized with ease. This is especially true if the glass is transparent.

Gifts

• Empty candle jars make great gifts if filled with the recipient's favorite candy. It is best to use candy that is individually wrapped, since the wax scent may soak into unprotected candies. If the gift recipient's favorite candy is not wrapped in plastic, scrub the jar thoroughly or run it through your dishwasher to remove any lingering wax residue. If candy is not an option, fill the jars with glass beads, sea shells or other meaningful items. For additional decoration, use ribbons or glitter in the recipient's favorite colors to embellish the outside of the jar.

Vases

• Glass candle jars, once emptied, also make inexpensive vases. By tying on pretty ribbons, or gluing glitter or photos to the outside, make the jar more aesthetically appealing and better suited to your home or office. Once the glue has dried, either fill the jar with water and your favorite flowers, or place a bouquet of fake flowers inside for a lasting decoration. These vases are a low fuss way to display small groups of flowers without needing to spend extra money on an ornate vase.

Food Holders

• Large empty candle jars with lids make an airtight way to store your baked goods or favorite candies. They can also be used to hold dry noodles, preserves or jams. If the jar does not have a wax seal, boil water and use paraffin wax to seal the outside. As most candle jars come with a flat lid, stack them inside a cupboard or pantry. Pull the jars out to use when necessary.