5 Super Quick & Easy Valentine’s Day Gifts

I’m famous for last minute everything.  From law school applications to preparation of dinners to gift buying or making, I’ve never been the type to have everything done weeks or even days ahead of time.  

Some might call me a procrastinator.  I prefer to think of myself as one of the “last minute people.”  We’re a proud breed, even though some of us occasionally try to reform.  Still, dashing around today, I’ll acknowledge that it can get dicey as a holiday approaches and we’re nowhere near ready.

In the spirit of comradeship with my fellow last minute Valentine’s Day gift givers, here are five food-related gift ideas.  These do not involve a lavish display of financial prowess or wowing someone with the latest, greatest anything.  Call me hokey, but if the gift reflects a true understanding of what brings a smile to your Valentine’s face, then you’ve got a winner.

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Superb Bowl Party Snacks

By now, you’ve been inundated with many great ideas for Super Bowl food.  Some follow traditional Game Day menus – chili, chicken wings, potato skins and such.  Others tend to the lower calorie – herbed yogurt dips for veggies, vegetable pizza made with broccoli, and salsa with baked chips.

Although I’m fine with all those options, I propose that you veer way off course for at least a few of your Super Bowl snacks.  How about fruits and nuts?  Sure they may bring derisive sneers from the fast food-only crowd.  But, you’re tough enough to take a bit of ribbing, right?  On the plus side, you may earn high marks from your foodie friends and those who take a dim view of the tried-and-true snacks.  Besides, you may like these snacks. 

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Fabulous Chocolate Bark

I was taught that good guests never arrive empty-handed.  At holiday time, I’m always looking for new homemade presents to bring instead of wine or flowers.  This year I discovered a fabulous host/hostess gift – homemade chocolate bark candy with dried fruit and nuts.

There’s a lot to love about this chocolate bark.  It’s super easy to make, no-bake, and quick too.  It’s not messy to clean up afterwards, there are endless variations, and it looks fabulous presented in a gift box or bag, surrounded by nice tissue paper.  It’s addictive too – sweet, but not cloying; unusual, but appealing to the less adventuresome eaters too.  And at less than $5 for an 8 ounce gift box or bag ($6 or $6.50 if you count the fancy box or bag), it's an inexpensive present. 

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