Strictly speaking, this post would have been much more useful before the holiday season.  But fortunately, you can swap out the color of the M&Ms to make this gift appropriate for any season.

Start with a 1 quart jar.  I used a standard Mason jar, but you could definitely have some fun with all the different types of jars out there.  As long as it’s a quart, you’re good to go.  Layer the ingredients in this order, making sure to pack them down nice and tight.  I used the blunt end of a vegetable peeler.  You’ll be surprised by how compactly you have to pack everything in (especially the flour!).  On my first attempt, I wasn’t able to get any pecans into the jar.

1-1/3 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup chocolate chips

3/4 cup M&Ms

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/3-1/2 cup pecans (I just put as many as I can fit in the top of the jar once all the other ingredients are in)

Add a cute ribbon and you’ve got yourself a gift.  Easy, right?  And a fun project while watching your favorite Christmas movie.  Or bad reality TV.  Whatever you prefer.