
I do think it is nice to try and do something for your loved ones to make them feel special, these gift ideas are great any time of year not just Valentine’s Day.
Homemade Chocolate Truffles
These truffles are easy to make and just have a few simple ingredients, kids love to get involved in making these treats and the variations are endless. Here is the basic recipe we start with:
- 250 ml whipping cream
- 250 grams semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Toppings:
- Crushed walnuts, pecans and pistachios and or unsweetened coconut, and pure cocoa powder
Directions:
- Heat the cream and butter in a double boiler (but do not boil)
- Add chocolate and stir gently until melted
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a few hours
- After it has cooled use a melon baller to scoop out chocolate mixture, with hands coated lightly in butter gently shape ball to round, roll in topping of choice and set on parchment paper
- Refrigerate in air-tight container overnight
- Place in a container of choice and give out to loved ones!
Homemade bath oil (and/or massage oil)
This is an easy way to offer your loved one a little time to relax in a warm bath with an oil customized to their liking.
Just take a carrier oil of choice. I like to use almond oil, but you can use any oil of choice. Put it in a pretty jar that will look nice in the bathroom. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils of choice, some of my favorites are lavender, neroli and rose. Give it little shake, put a pretty ribbon on it and give it to your loved one!
This oil also makes a great massage oil!
Homemade bath salts
This is very similar to the bath oil idea but epsom salts can soothe sore muscles and add some extra relaxation;
Mix these ingredients together, 2 cups epsom salts (or a mixture of sea salt and epsom), 2 tsp oil of choice. I use almond oil with 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice. You can also add a few drops of all natural food colouring if you want coloured salts, or add dried flower petals to the mixture for a natural look. Mix to combine–breaking up any lumps–and put into pretty container to give away!
Some other fun ideas
Photos courtesy of; The Rehn and Crafty1Tutu (Ann), Supercarrot, Morgan Street