I have one of those can openers that removes the whole top
of a can and I make tons of gifts in cans, such as snowman soup.
I simply remove the tops, wash and dry the pieces very well, then
once I put everything inside I use dots of rubber cement in the rim of the top/lid and reseal it.
This holds well but will allow people to remove the top
by simply pulling on it.

Hope this all makes sense!!!
Good luck, Jude!

PS: Almost forgot, I just set cans of veggies on top
to hold the lids until the glue sets up.
You might want to check out one of these can openers,
they cost about $10.00 at Walmart

The idea is posted on the holiday forum, here is the thread:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/christmas/msg1113224428868.html?9

Here is a link that might be useful: Pop Top Cans

I used a product called Weld. I got it in the paint department at Wal-mart and it did very well. I also used peanut butter jars and sealed with the press N seal wrap, and bread crumb or nut containers with the foil cover that pulls off.

beverly

thanks everyone, I'll give it a try!!

Diane