Are you on a budget but have a new beau you want to impress? Maybe you’d like to try giving your special someone something a little more original then the standard ‘I Love You’ heart shaped box? Or maybe the holiday slipped your mind and you’re left without a gift and in a major time crunch. Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place. This is a guide on how to take a baking mix from a box and spruce it up to appear and taste homemade in hopes to really be the best valentine he or she has ever had. Not to mention these ideas are all college-affordable friendly!
Color
So, you’re making your hubby’s favorite cupcake or cookie. Why not spruce it up with some color and sprinkles? The above picture of the cupcakes spelling out “Happy Valentines Day <3” is an actual photo taken by yours truly on V-Day a few years back. I took my boyfriend’s favorite flavor combo (vanilla frosting and icing) and dyed the cupcakes red, added raspberry flavor to the frosting and dyed that pink. With the remaining frosting, I added more red dye and wrote out the letters. So simple, but it really makes a difference!
Get Creative
Execution is HUGE when coming to simple gifts. Try keeping your gift a secret by not giving away any hints. Then, invite your date over for a romantic movie night and when they walk in the door, surprise them by having your treats arranged in a special way. Candles, for example, really bump up the romance factor and help set the mood. What better gift than delicious treats and a promise of passion in the air?
Additions! Additions! Additions!
If your guy’s favorite flavor is chocolate and you’re making his favorite brownies, don’t be afraid to throw in some extra chocolate chips or, even better, some broken up pieces of his favorite candy bar! People have this notion that they need to follow the directions exactly on the box, but adding something like specific flavors or fruit won’t mess it up! And remember, when in doubt, add hearts!
So readers, here’s to the sweetest Valentines Day you’ve ever had! Remember the three tips – color, creativity, and additions – but above all, have fun with it!