FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com JANUARY 30, 2014 • VALENTINE’S DAY • THE COURIER SUN 27 valentine’s day Easy steps to sweeten someone’s Valentine’s Day Creative gift solutions offer a simple way to show you care Nearly everyone has more than one special person in their life. Whether it’s a neighbor who lets the dog out, the friend who watches the kids in a pinch or a colleague who makes Mondays a little more bearable, loved ones make our days better. A simple thank you or a small thank you gift can go a long way in showing those people just how much you appreciate them. A recent survey revealed that most people do have multiple “loves” in their lives. In fact, signifi cant others aren’t the only ones who get Valentine’s Day gifts these days. This survey, which was commissioned by Rich Products, a leading provider to foodservice, in-store bakery and retail marketplaces, showed that Valentine’s Day now extends way beyond that one special person. Forty four percent of people said that they purchase gifts for multiple people on Valentine’s Day. When asked to identify their “other loves,” friends were at the top of the list; and surprisingly, among their favorite gifts were fresh baked goods ranging from cookies, cupcakes and other sweet treats. - So to sweeten your relationships all year round, small thank you gifts are both welcomed and appreciated. And keep in mind it’s not the size of the gift that matters. Survey results show that good things come in small, personalized packages. Give the gift of deliciousness To get started, remember showing your appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive and time consuming. Gifts can be purchased on your weekly (or daily) trip to the grocery store then personalized and decorated with things that you have around the house. You can stock up on these inexpensive supplies at your local craft store. - Here are some simple, low-cost steps to show someone you care: Step 1: Visit the bakery department in your local grocery store for a variety of fresh and delicious options. From frosted cookies, to cinnamon rolls, cupcakes and doughnuts, you’ll fi nd a treat to please everyone on your list - and there’s no baking involved. Step 2: Personalize each gift by selecting a baked good and using basic art or wrapping supplies (think ribbon spools and tissue paper leftover from Christmas) that you have around the house to dress up your gifts. Step 3: Attach a personalized, handwritten note on a piece of construction paper or cardstock. Cut the paper to size, punch a hole to thread a ribbon through and tie it to your gift.- Other ideas for a quick and easy do-ityourself ways to dress up your gift: • Homemade gift bags: Cut hearts out of construction paper and glue onto a lunch bag. • Decorative plates: Find inexpensive, seasonal or colored ceramic plates at your local discount store and wrap with cellophane and a bow. • Sweet surprise: Grab a small gift box, place some tissue inside, add your selected baked good and tie with a colored bow. Make sure that the baked good is secure in the box. You don’t want it to crumble. For more simple and creative gifting and packaging ideas, visit the Bakery Because Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/bakerybecause. Courtesy BPT PERSONALIZED VALENTINES THAT LAST ALL YEAR LONG Americans spent more than $13 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts last year. Sixty-four percent of men gave their signifi cant other fl owers and a card, and took them out to dinner, according to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association. Valentine’s Day is full of expectations, so how do you show your unique appreciation and love by doing the same thing everybody else does on that same exact day? The answer: You don’t. People associate Valentine’s Day with love and romance but you don’t have to limit the experience to just that one day. With a little thought, you can show you care all throughout the year. Here are some ideas. Engrave your love Make the romance last with a gift of engraved jewelry this Valentine’s Day, says Amy Myers, vice president of creative services at Things Remembered. “When you give engraved jewelry, you give a memory,” says Myers. “You can tell her how much you love her smile and how much she means to you today and every day. She will think of you every time she wears it, so the feeling and the meaning behind your gift lasts long past February 14.” A poet and you didn’t know it Wow her with an amazing poem from your heart. If you’re not the modern day version of E.E. Cummings, don’t worry. Consider printing out the lyrics to “your” song or perhaps a few lines from her favorite romantic movie that convey your love. Frame the poem or printed lyrics for her nightstand or desk so that she may be reminded of the love you share. And, of course, to prevent those special words from getting shoved in a drawer or taped into a scrapbook like the 151 million greeting cards that are exchanged for Valentine’s Day each year. Love in bloom More than 51 percent of people will buy red roses for Valentine’s Day but let’s face it - fl owers wilt. How does a guy who can’t remember that thing about the toilet seat remember to send fl owers “just because” after Valentine’s Day? The answer is as simple as your local fl orist. Most fl orists will take payment in advance for planned bouquet deliveries so you can set up fresh fl ower gifts every month throughout the year while only actually thinking about it once a year. It’s one thing to be romantic one day of the year but true romance stands the test of time. Keep the passion alive and give a lasting spark to your relationship long after the Valentine’s Day chocolates are gone. Courtesy BPT
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