Soup Gifts
Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:42:47 +0000
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to make your loved one feel special for Valentine's Day. A great Valentine's Day gift on a budget is something that is possible. The most important thing is to put some thought into it. This is best done in advance. If you wait until the last minute to prepare you could be left floundering without a gift at all.
There are many wonderful gifts that can be had for little or no money that will wow your special someone. The first step in choosing any gift is to consider the recipient of the gift. What is their personality? Do they have a special hobby or collection? If the gift is for a woman, is she ultra feminine or more of a tomboy? Many times a great gift can be had by looking to these things. A gift that appreciates your loved one's special hobbies or attributes can be more romantic than the most expensive box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers.
A Valentine's picnic is ultra romantic and costs very little. This can be as simple as a thermos of hot chocolate and sandwiches under the winter stars to a bottle of wine and gourmet dinner by the fireplace or candlelight. Following this with a sensual massage is sure to please.
Consider making homemade truffles or chocolates for your sweetheart. Presentation is vital to this though. Just because a gift is homemade does not mean that sloppy presentation is acceptable, especially if you are on a budget. Place in an attractive box or tray and finish with a nice wrapping paper of colored cellophane and ribbon.
Wonderful bath salts can be made very inexpensively. Make by mixing a few drops of essential oil with Epsom salts and a bit of food coloring. This gift can be tailored to your sweetheart's scent preference and makes a wonderful bath for soothing sore or tired muscles. Place in a beautiful bottle or jar. Look at dollar shops and thrift stores to find prize container very cheaply.
Never underestimate the power of flowers. Although roses seem to be considered the traditional Valentine's Day gift, other flowers can be just as wonderful a gift. Instead of buying roses or expensive bouquets from a florist, consider buying flowers from the local co op or even grocery store. These can be purchased either separately or in prepared bouquets. Vases can be had for very little along with even the crystals that florists use. Have a friend "deliver" to their work if possible along with a card. Even if flowers are not your sweetheart's thing, consider a flowering plant. Even the most practical person can appreciate a lasting plant. They have been proven to not only be good for the environment but have health benefits as well.
Do you have a special talent? If you are an artist, draw or paint them a portrait of the two of you or your "special place". Write a poem or song that shows your love. Build them a special piece of furniture they have been wanting. Everyone has a talent or skill that can be used to show your love. Just be creative and follow your heart. That's where the most precious gifts come from.
The ol' food in a jar gift...Such an ordinary present to give yet when you're home with 3 highly excited kids (2 of your own plus an extra one sleeping over) 4 days before Christmas they have to be the best homemade gifts in the world!
And I'm in love with this layered bean soup in a jar recipe posted on Cafe Mom. This recipe yields beautifully layered colorful jars ready to be cooked into a tasty warm winter meal. The post also includes a recipe for corn bread in a jar to go along with the soup.
We made a few bean jars last night because I'd procrastinated on a promise I'd made weeks ago that the kids would get a chance to homemake their presents this year and because the kids needed to take a breather from torturing mommy. Thank god for once my procrastination paid off! My 10 year old son, his friend and my 3 year old daughter sat at our kitchen table and set to work measuring, pouring, layering, sniffing, cutting, gluing, tying, oohing and aahing all the while. We used recycled glass jars which the kids loved because they got to choose the perfect jar for each recipient's made-with-love present. Although my kitchen table (and floor) were covered in beans and spices by the time we'd finished assembling the jars the kids were highly satisfied with what they'd accomplished and happily wrapped up their presents with the care of one of Santa's elves.
These babies offer a great way to contain some of that pre-holiday energy all while producing some super-cute homemade gifts from the kids that the recipients will truly appreciate receiving. Oh, and they are dirt cheap to make.
Link: Cafe Mom: Jar gift ideas
