With Valentine’s Day looming on the horizon, many people are scrambling to find last minute gift ideas. I’ve talked several times about homemade crafts and how there are plenty of crafts that you can make for the people on your V-day list. And these fabulous gift ideas can also be a great way to make you money at home, whether you’re operating a store online or brick and mortar.
Give the Gift of Kitchen Control to Your Loved Ones
On Valentine’s Day, a lot of gifts revolve around floral arrangements, candy – unhealthy – edible bouquets – healthy – and shiny stuff like jewelry. Gifts with personalization are also becoming popular V-day gift ideas for loved ones.
As a busy work-from-home mompreneur, when it comes to gifts, I’ve started to prefer things that I can use. Skip the cut bouquet arrangements and the bling. Give me a live plant that will keep growing flowers (until I kill it) and something that comes in handy for my busy life.
I love customized items, like when the kids make me homemade cards, shirts, ornaments, and pictures. One of my favorite DIY gifts was a Happy Mother’s Day flower pot my oldest gave me when he was in pre-school.
I’m of the mind that gifts that show how well you know me or that were made rather than bought are more significant and meaningful. Don’t get me wrong. I’m super happy and thankful when my hubby surprises me with an expensive gift. But he’s always been smart enough to give me things I will use over and over. And it’s been things that I can use to make money from home.
In fact, his generous gift ideas and my youngest son’s thoughtfulness is what led to the creation of the Sarandipity’s brand!
The Kitchen is the Perfect Place for Gift Ideas
There might be several people on your V-day list for whom you are struggling to find the perfect gift. These folks might not be romantic in nature, limiting the scope of present choices.
If there are people on your list that love being in the kitchen, today’s Valentine gift ideas could make perfect presents and build up your bank account.
Decorating potholders, cups, cutting boards, or utensils are excellent physical gifts slash products that you can personalize and present to a large portion of people for Valentine’s Day and other holidays. Check out my post on using digital products for ideas on where to get graphics and resources to make these gifts.
Gift Cookbooks, Recipe Cards, and Food-Related Planners
For the people in your life that find the kitchen the heart of the home, give a gift that means more than an unhealthy box of chocolates and an expensive tech they’ll rarely use.
Printing off a bundle of blank recipe cards with a heartwarming quote or your favorite memory can be an excellent idea for the special cook in your life. This idea lets them create a custom recipe book full of their own concoctions.
Prefer a hard copy book with empty sheets to fill? I can’t get enough of this classy recipe design.
Is there someone on your list that stays too busy to plan meals, shop, or come up with ideas for weekly meals? Help them with the gift of a meal planner set that organizes and preps delicious and nutritious meals with little work.
Why Meal Planning Makes a Great Valentine’s Gift for Busy Parents
Meal planning is a great way to ensure you have healthy, delicious meals on hand throughout the week, while also saving time and money. Here is a comprehensive 1,000 word guide on how to meal plan:
Step 1: Assess Your Schedule
Before you start meal planning, take a look at your schedule for the upcoming week. Consider your work schedule, any social engagements, and any other commitments you may have. This will give you an idea of the days and times you’ll need to plan meals for, and whether you’ll need quick and easy meals on busy days or have more time for cooking on the weekends.
Step 2: Make a Grocery List
Based on your meal plan, make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for each recipe. Consider the staples you already have in your pantry and fridge, and add anything that you need to buy. Be sure to check for sales and deals at your local grocery store to save money.
Step 3: Plan Your Meals
Choose a variety of meals that you and your family enjoy, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Consider your dietary restrictions and preferences, as well as the time you have available for cooking. For example, if you have a busy day ahead, you might want to plan a quick and easy dinner, such as grilled chicken with a salad. If you have more time on the weekends, you might want to try a new recipe or plan a larger meal.
Step 4: Prep Your Meals in Advance
Whenever possible, prepare your meals in advance to save time and reduce stress. For example, you could chop vegetables for stir-fry, marinate chicken for grilling, or make a large batch of soup to enjoy throughout the week.
Step 5: Stick to Your Plan
Once you’ve made your meal plan, it’s important to stick to it. Avoid the temptation to grab takeout or eat out at a restaurant, as these options can be more expensive and less healthy. Instead, enjoy the meals you’ve planned and prepared in advance.
Step 6: Adjust and Adapt
Meal planning is not a one-time event – it’s a flexible and ongoing process. If you find that you don’t have time to make a planned meal, or if you’re not feeling well, don’t hesitate to make adjustments to your plan. Just be sure to have backup options on hand, such as frozen meals or easy-to-prepare ingredients.
Tips for Successful Meal Planning:
- Make a weekly meal plan: Plan your meals for the entire week in advance to save time and reduce stress.
- Use leftovers: Plan to use leftovers from previous meals in your new recipes. For example, you could use leftover chicken in a salad or wrap.
- Plan for variety: Include a variety of meals, such as soups, stews, casseroles, and salads, to keep your meals interesting and enjoyable.
- Plan for snacks: Don’t forget to include healthy snacks in your meal plan, such as fruit, nuts, or yogurt.
- Store food properly: Store leftovers and prepped meals in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.
- Use a meal planning template: Use a meal planning template to keep track of your meals and ingredients. You can find many templates online or create your own.
- By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful meal planning experience. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure that you and your family have healthy, delicious meals on hand every day of the week.
Gift Your Loved Ones with Kitchen Goodies for V-Day
Give the loved ones on your list gifts that come from the heart and that they can use. Recipe cards, personalized cookbooks, and meal planners don’t just make life easier and keep things organized at meal time. It can also work as a nostalgic piece, bringing happy memories to mind with every use. It can even serve as a family keepsake that you can pass down to younger generations through the years.
And these are some of the top selling graphics and categories on Etsy, Shopify, and other ecommerce sites. Add some kitchen-related items to your store inventory and see how much money you make!
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