Another tip: if you use baby food jars (glass ones with round metal lids) then these are GREAT for sterilizing and using for jam making. After you pour in the boiling jam pop on the lid then let them cool. When they are cold you will see that the sealing indicator in the middle of the lid has been sucked down. When it's time to open the jar it will give a satisfying "pop" to prove that the contents are safe. They are also the perfect size to give out to friends.

To finish them off for gifts I buy some gingham (check fabric) and using pinking shears cut circles to attach to the lid. They look so pretty tied with a little satin bow. Making labels is quite easy too... lots of pre-designed ones on the 'net. One Christmas I made a huge batch of jams and lemon butter and did this. The most expensive part was the sugar! It really was a worthwhile exercise.