Objects of Affection for Valentine’s Day

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‘Without Valentine’s day, February would be … well, January.’  Jim Gaffigan

 

While some long for the annual celebration to express their love, others fear the romantic minefield and tread cautiously in their gift selection. Bariatrics are no exception – they may dismiss the chocolate fest but wonder what gift will fill the gap.

 

I know it’s good to be spontaneous when love is in the air but sometimes it also pays to be ahead of the game. Valentine’s Day (next Saturday if it escaped your attention) is therefore one I like to think about well ahead. I have a difficult-to-buy for Valentine with Mr B so I like to research what is on offer the week before. I suspect that many of you are the same if you won’t welcome or don’t want to send the usual flowers and chocolates.

 

I’m told that in a survey 1 in 3 women say the worst gift they’d received was being given nothing (if that makes sense); underwear was an uncomfortable issue too with wrong sizes galore; and for men, the worst gift were those perennial passion killers: socks!  I did giggle however when the worst ever cited was ‘a dustbin lid with my name etched on it’; a bag of compost and a spade; and cellulite cream!

 

So I have been trawling the shops, internet, website archive and my brain to come up with some imaginative gifts that you can make, buy or serve with love. There’s something for everyone …

 

TO MAKE AND SERVE:

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

 

Valentine Chocolate Truffles for Bariatrics (see recipe here)

 

The perfect ‘bubbly’ for those going alcohol-free – Echo Falls Tisane Sparkling Infusion (of fermented grape juice and green tea), £3.49, Tesco and Asda  (N.B. This is a special light, sparkling or fizzy drink for a special occasion – swirl with a spoon to make less bubbly if liked, only 26 calories per 100 ml). Every bit as nice as prosecco or cava!

 

Valentine’s Toast with Low Sugar Preserve

 

Bariatric Friendly Cupcakes with Heart Topping (see recipe here)

 

Strawberry Protein Ice Cream (details here)

 

Special Valentine’s Meal On Tray – we’ll be posting some breakfast/brunch ideas and a couple of special meal recipes this week on bariatriccookery.com

 

TO BUY:

 

White Heart Canvas Shopper, £12, from The White Company (profits go to the White Heart Foundation)

 

Ultimate Boyfriend, £6, from Biscuiteers

 

Cinema Tickets for a Romantic Comedy or Stay-In DVD Hire

 

I prefer cheese to chocolate any day so would welcome the Heart to Heart Godminster Cheeses Gift Pack (Cheddar and Brie), £17.45, from Godminster

 

Florentyna Soap for bath-time bliss, £5, from Marks & Spencer

 

Love Birds Biscuit Tin (to share), £38.50, from Biscuiteers

 

Tickets for a Sporting Event or Concert

 

White Heart Soap Dish, £8, from The White Company

 

A DVD with a good couples work out

 

A Valentine’s Edible Fruit Bouquet (instead of flowers)

 

Bubble Bath/Oil and Candles for bath-time sharing

 

A Healthy Cookery Book for heart-healthy meals or Bariatric Cookery Book (details here) perhaps with some super-heart-smart foods

 

Voucher for a Couples Massage

 

Breakfast in bed is lovely but if your loved one is working how about preparing a Valentine-inspired lunch box? This would be my favourite – my bariatric bento box (details here) filled with tandoori style king prawns and chargrilled calamari (+ dip); groovy apples and grapes; and some chilli hot olives and a chocolate heart for a crafty nibble!