DIY Reclaimed Wood Box with Mason Jar Planters: The Ultimate Handmade Gift Guide

Create a charming, custom-sized reclaimed wood box (or use new, distressed wood for a similar effect) perfect for holding your favorite containers. Fill these containers with vibrant plants, delicious treats, or other thoughtful items to craft a truly special gift for any occasion – Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, housewarmings, or just because. Discover more creative gift ideas on our handmade gifts page.

Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

There’s an undeniable charm to a gift that’s handcrafted with love and care, especially when it features the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood. This DIY reclaimed wood box isn’t just a pretty container; it’s a versatile base for an array of personalized gifts. Whether you use existing scrap wood or new lumber given a distressed finish, the process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Imagine transforming simple materials into a unique box, perfectly tailored to hold anything from flourishing plants in mason jars to gourmet treats or pampering essentials.

While classic mason jars are featured in our example, their adaptability is what truly shines. Feel free to use any containers you have on hand – perhaps recycled glass bottles, small galvanized pots, or even teacups. The beauty of this project lies in its customizability, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind present that truly reflects your recipient’s style and your personal touch. This isn’t just about making a box; it’s about crafting an experience and a lasting memory.

A few years ago, my husband Brian crafted a long, slender version of this box for our dining table, which quickly became a favorite piece of decor. Inspired by its charm, I envisioned a smaller iteration that would be ideal for gifting. A quick trip to the shed yielded a treasure trove: a weathered 1×4 piece of wood, complete with chipped paint, charming knotholes, and the unmistakable character of having weathered countless seasons. This kind of wood adds instant authenticity and a story to your creation, making it even more special.

The Undeniable Appeal of Handmade and Upcycled Gifts

Reusing and repurposing materials for gifts, much like our popular Thrift Store Transformations, is a practice I deeply cherish. While the financial savings are certainly a pleasant bonus, the real value comes from a multitude of other benefits:

• Giving New Life to the Old: There’s an inherent magic in transforming something forgotten or discarded into a cherished new item. This act of renewal adds a profound layer of meaning to your gift, creating an item with a history and a revitalized purpose. It’s more than just an object; it’s a narrative of transformation.
• Sparking Creative Innovation: These projects challenge you to think outside the box, stretching your creative muscles to envision and bring a new item to life from existing materials. This process is not only fulfilling for you as the maker but also results in a unique product that stands out.
• Crafting One-of-a-Kind Treasures: Each handmade gift, especially those made from reclaimed materials, carries its own unique imperfections and character. This ensures your gift is truly singular, unlike anything that could be mass-produced. Even if you make several, no two will be exactly alike.
• Promoting Environmental Responsibility: By choosing to repurpose, you actively contribute to waste reduction and sustainable living. Keeping items out of landfills and extending their lifecycle is a thoughtful gesture that benefits our planet, aligning your gift with eco-conscious values.
• Infusing Gifts with Genuine Thought and Effort: The time, effort, and personal dedication you invest in creating a handmade gift elevate its value far beyond its monetary cost. This demonstrable commitment conveys a level of thoughtfulness that simply cannot be replicated by a quick trip to the store. It speaks volumes about how much you care.

In essence, gifting something with a previous life isn’t “cheap” or unconventional; it’s a testament to creativity, sustainability, and profound thoughtfulness. It’s a statement that you’ve invested more than just money – you’ve invested a part of yourself. Now that we’ve explored the myriad benefits, let’s gather our materials and dedicate a short amount of time – seriously, this project can be completed in under 30 minutes! – to craft your very own DIY reclaimed wood box and delightful mason jar planters.

Essential Materials and Tools for Your DIY Project

Creating this rustic wood box is surprisingly simple and requires only a few basic materials and tools. The beauty of this project is its flexibility; you can often use items you already have around the house or source them affordably.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Reclaimed Wood (1×4 piece): Find a piece at least 3 feet long. Its condition – painted, chipped, weathered, or new – doesn’t matter as much as its character. Embrace imperfections! If you can’t find reclaimed wood, a new 1×4 can be easily distressed with paint and sanding to achieve a similar rustic look.
• Measuring Tape: Essential for accurate cuts.
• Mason Jars (2): Standard pint-sized mason jars are ideal for this box size. However, feel free to use any small containers that fit your desired aesthetic and the box dimensions you choose. Recycled glass jars, small ceramic pots, or even tin cans can work wonderfully.
• Small Plants or Flowers (2): Nursery pots sized around 2.5 x 2.5 inches fit perfectly into mason jars. Consider small succulents, herbs like basil or mint, or cheerful flowers such as pansies or marigolds. For a sustainable option, I even repurposed Creeping Jenny from my overwintered hanging baskets!
• Touch-up Paint or Stain: A small amount of craft paint that matches your wood’s existing color, or a coordinating stain, will be needed to camouflage raw cut edges.
• Foam Brush: Perfect for applying touch-up paint or stain smoothly.

Tools for the Job:

You’ll need some way to cut your wood pieces accurately. A powered chop saw (miter saw) makes quick work of cuts and ensures precision, but a hand-held saw with a miter box is a perfectly viable and accessible alternative for those without power tools. Safety first: always wear appropriate safety gear when using saws.

For assembly, you’ll need 1.5-inch finishing nails. While a hammer is sufficient, a nail gun with a compressor will significantly speed up the process and provide a more secure hold with less effort. If using a hammer, having an extra set of hands to hold the pieces square can be incredibly helpful for a seamless build.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Reclaimed Wood Box

This project is designed for simplicity, so don’t be intimidated by woodworking! The goal is a rustic, charming piece, so minor imperfections only add to its character.

1. Cut the Box Bottom: Using your 1×4 piece of wood, measure 7 inches from one end. Mark this spot with a pencil and carefully make your first cut. This will form the base of your box.
2. Cut the Long Sides: Next, measure two pieces, each 8.5 inches long. Mark and cut these precisely. These will become the two longer sides of your box.
3. Cut the End Pieces: Finally, measure and cut two pieces, each 3.5 inches long. These will serve as the short ends of your box. You should now have five distinct pieces of wood.
4. Lay Out the Components: Arrange all five cut pieces on a flat, stable surface. Position the bottom piece in the center.
5. Dry Fit and Square Up: Bring the side pieces up around the bottom, forming the box shape. Ensure all edges meet flush and that the box is as square as possible. This dry fit step is crucial; if any pieces don’t align perfectly, sand them down slightly or re-cut for a better fit. Remember, perfection isn’t the aim, but a good fit ensures stability.
6. Secure with Nails: Now it’s time to nail the pieces together. Hold the box tightly to maintain its square shape as you work. Nail in this specific order for best results:
   • First, nail the long side pieces to the short end pieces. This creates the frame.
   • Next, nail the assembled end pieces to the bottom piece.
   • Finally, secure the long side pieces to the bottom piece.

   Use your 1.5-inch finishing nails, driving them in securely. If using a hammer, ensure your partner is holding the box steady.

Upon completing your box, you’ll notice the raw, freshly cut ends of the reclaimed wood. This often contrasts with the weathered look of the rest of the wood. To seamlessly integrate these edges, simply dab a small amount of craft paint – ideally matching any existing paint on your wood, or a complementary shade – onto the cut ends using a foam applicator. The key is not to achieve perfect coverage; allowing some of the natural wood to show through enhances the rustic, ‘been-around-a-while’ aesthetic. As you can see in the image above, a slightly imperfect application truly contributes to the overall character.

If your reclaimed wood is stained or naturally weathered, aim to find a similar stain or even a watered-down brown craft paint. Apply it lightly to the raw edges to tone down their starkness, ensuring they blend harmoniously with the rest of your beautiful, aged wood. This small detail makes a big difference in the final presentation.

Creating Charming Mason Jar Planters

Now that your rustic wood box is complete, it’s time to prepare the mason jar planters that will breathe life into your gift. This step is just as straightforward and allows for plenty of creative expression.

For each mason jar that will fill your box:

1. Provide Drainage (or simulate it): Mason jars typically lack drainage holes, which can be problematic for plants. To mitigate this, add a layer of rocks, pebbles, or gravel to the bottom quarter of each jar. This creates a reservoir for excess water, keeping the plant roots from sitting in soggy soil.
2. Add Potting Mix: Fill each jar about halfway with moistened potting mix. Ensure the mix is damp but not waterlogged, providing a good foundation for your plants.
3. Plant Your Greens: Gently remove your chosen plants from their nursery pots. Loosen any compacted roots. Carefully place each plant into a mason jar, pressing down lightly to secure it. Fill in any remaining space with potting soil as needed, ensuring the plant is level with the rim of the jar but not buried too deeply.
4. Initial Watering: Give your newly planted beauties a small amount of water. Be careful not to overwater, as the lack of drainage means water can accumulate quickly. A light drink will help them settle into their new home.

These mason jar planters can house anything from vibrant succulents and fragrant herbs to small flowering annuals. Consider the recipient’s preferences and the environment where the gift will be displayed when choosing your plants.

Personalizing Your Gift with a Custom Tag

A handmade gift becomes even more special with a personalized message. Adding a charming tag on a simple wooden dowel elevates the presentation and allows you to convey your heartfelt sentiment.

Your tag can bear any message you wish, perfectly suiting the occasion:

• “Happy Mother’s Day”
• “Happy Birthday”
• “Thank You”
• “Congratulations” (for a wedding, new home, or achievement)
• “Welcome Home”
• “Thinking of You”

If you’re looking for inspiration, my Free Printables Pinterest board offers many printable tag ideas. Alternatively, you can easily create a custom tag using simple supplies you might already have on hand, just like I did.

Materials for Your Custom Tag:

• Cardstock: Provides a sturdy base for your tag.
• Chalkboard Stickers: These offer a rustic, writable surface.
• Chalk Marker: Offers a vibrant, smudge-proof alternative to traditional chalk.
• Scissors: For cutting your tag.
• Wooden Skewer or Thin Dowel: To hold your tag upright within the planter.

Tag Assembly Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Take a piece of cardstock and firmly apply one of your chalkboard stickers onto it.
2. Cut the Tag: Using scissors, carefully cut out the cardstock around the sticker. Don’t worry about achieving perfect straight lines; a slightly irregular edge adds to the handmade charm!
3. Write Your Message: Use the chalk marker to write your chosen sentiment on the chalkboard sticker. A chalk marker will ensure your message lasts longer and won’t smudge easily, unlike regular chalk.
4. Attach to Skewer: Gently push the flat end of a wooden bamboo skewer between the cardstock and the sticker. This friction fit will hold your tag securely in place.
5. Display in Planter: Insert the other end of the wooden skewer into the soil of one of your mason jar planters. Position it so the message is clearly visible.

And there you have it – a completely adorable and thoughtful gift that almost anyone would delight in receiving! This DIY reclaimed wood box with mason jar planters is more than just a craft project; it’s a heartfelt expression of care and creativity. Its versatility means it can be adapted for any season or occasion. For instance, you could fill the jars with aromatic herbs for a kitchen enthusiast, vibrant pansies or marigolds for a touch of spring, or even small bouquets of cut flowers from your garden for a naturally elegant display. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this unique creation to perfectly suit its lucky recipient.

Beyond Plants: Creative Filler Ideas for Your Wood Box

While mason jar planters are a fantastic choice, the reclaimed wood box is incredibly versatile! Here are even more creative ideas for filling your DIY box, transforming it into a personalized gift for various interests and occasions:

• Gourmet Treats: Fill jars with homemade cookies, candies, trail mix, or specialty coffees and teas for a delightful edible gift.
• Home-Canned Goodies: Show off your canning skills! Jars of jam, pickles, or salsas make a wonderful and practical present.
• Spa & Self-Care Set: Include small bottles of soap and lotion, bath salts, or essential oils for a relaxing spa experience.
• Cupcake Decorating Kit: Dedicate one jar to cupcake liners and sprinkles, and another to small tubes of frosting and decorative toppers for a fun baking gift.
• Meal Mixes in a Jar: Assemble dry ingredients for recipes like a hearty red beans & rice mix or a fragrant rosemary focaccia bread mix.
• Breakfast Basket: Combine a pancake mix with a small bottle of local maple syrup for a cozy morning meal kit.
• Craft Supplies: For the creative soul, fill jars with colorful buttons, sewing notions, art supplies, or beads.
• Office Organizer: Use the jars to hold pens, paperclips, or small stationery items for a stylish desk accessory.

The beauty of this project lies in its adaptability. Your handmade reclaimed wood box becomes a canvas for your imagination, ensuring your gift is always thoughtfully curated and deeply appreciated.

Disclosure: Affiliate links in this article will earn a commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.