valentine’s day gift ideas

Valentine’s Day is coming up and I wanted to come up with a super cute baking idea for all of you that need some help in the creativity department…heart shaped rice krispies treats are cute and all, but let’s DO MORE. I’m one of those people who has spent 24 Valentine’s Days alone, but still love Valentine’s Day; because hey, being bitter and single ain’t a good look, boo. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love- it’s the perfect time to share the love with family, friends, etc.

Anyways, these fortune cookies are so cute to give as a gift- you can customize the fortunes yourself, but if you don’t know what to use just download my free printable fortunes at the end of this post. This isn’t a Valentine’s Day exclusive recipe- get creative and change up the decor & fortunes for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other holidays!

Valentine’s Day Fortune Cookies Recipe (Adapted from Popsugar Food)

Ingredients:
Yield: 18 cookies
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
4 egg whites
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Optional: colored candy melts, chocolate, sprinkles, or decorations of your choice!

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites until frothy. Set aside.

Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Pour the canola oil, water, and vanilla extract into the center. Use a rubber spatula to stir the wet ingredients. Eventually incorporate the dry ingredients along the sides of the bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are well blended.The batter will be stiff. Add half of the egg whites. Mix well to break up any lumps. When smooth, incorporate the remaining egg whites. Mix until smooth.

Pipe or spoon the batter about the size of a quarter onto a nonstick baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches of space in between each spoonful of batter. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, spread the batter in a circular motion outward to make it as thin as possible without creating holes in the batter. Bake for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until slightly brown around the edges.

Remove from oven and with an offset spatula, carefully and quickly scrape the fortune circles off the nonstick sheet and flip them over. Place a fortune strip in the center of the cookie. Immediately fold them in half slightly and crease the middle of the cookie on the edge of the hot pan or a cup to shape. Place the folded fortune cookies into a muffin pan to cool (so they won’t lose their shape). Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

I think these turned out super cute & they taste EXACTLY like the real thing. Don’t forget to send me a photo if you recreate these- I’d love to see!

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookie Messages Printable — (click to enlarge & save for printing!)

Valentine’s Day isn’t really a holiday I care for, but I thought I’d show you a few v-day gift ideas for her! These gifts can be given to any girl you love…a sister, friend, or even a girlfriend. Let’s get on to my ideas, which are in 3 categories!

For the girly girl in your life- beauty products!

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Purifying Mask – Any facial mask is great for a pampering night in. I chose this one, even though I haven’t tried it, because it is actually RED! How cool is that?
LUSH Love Locket Bath Bomb – Continue the pampering with a bath bomb. This heart-shaped fizzy smells like vanilla, jasmine, and neroli. It even has paper hearts inside that will float around the bath!
Jo Malone Orange Blossom Candle – This candle is a bit pricy, but if Blair Waldorf likes it, your girl will too! For a cheaper alternative, shop Bath & Body Works candle selection!
OPI Big Apple Red Nail Polish – You can’t go wrong with nail polish in a romantic red. This red shade is my favorite! Check out my OPI Big Apple Red review.

Want to spend a little more cash? Pair any of these gifts with a trip to a spa for a massage or facial, or a mani/pedi on you!

Gilded Gifts– a little bling without buying jewelry (because it’s a bit tacky, anyway).

Metallic Gold Foil Heart Print, Metallic Gold Foil Kiss Print – I am absolutely obsessed with these prints, I had to share both of them! I purchased the kiss one (because it’s perfect for a beauty blogger) and the designer, Taryn, was sweet enough to send the heart my way. Both of these are on display in my room and they look ultra-chic. I bought the frames at IKEA!
Frends Taylor Headphones – I received these headphones for Christmas & I am in love. They have studs on the ears, which is super unique. They come in a bunch of shades, but mine are in gold. These are the most stylish headphones for girls, because they are jewelry inspired. Plus, the sound quality is great.
Chic Tea Cups – I think a piece of vintage china could go a long way with a girl. I particularly love ones that have gold on them & have a pastel floral print. These are great for sipping tea, displaying in a bedroom, or storing things in a stylish way! I recommend you search Etsy to find the cutest & cheapest varieties.

If you know her very well, you can definitely purchase jewelry for a girl you love. I am wary about it personally, because you don’t know her taste (for example, if anyone got me one of the pandora/troll bead bracelets- I’d probably have a heart attack…ew). Your best bet is a personalized necklace. Include names, dates, initials, whichever you prefer!

Sweet Treats

Sugarfina Love Bites Candy Gift Set – This set is perfect to gift a single girl!
Sugarfina Sugar Lips Candy – These lips are my favorite from Sugarfina, so I had to include them!
Sugarfina Super Sour Hearts – I also love these super sour hearts…they’re the perfect size!
Shari’s Berries – These berries are SO good- they are huge, juicy, and super sweet. If you aren’t talented enough in the kitchen to make your own, I would go with Shari!

I think going out-of-the-box with the typical flowers & candy ritual is important. Instead of going to the candy section of your drugstore and picking out the first heart box you see, put some thought into it! That’s why I love Sugarfina’s candy, they are the perfect option. Flowers are always nice too- I’d pick peonies, personally! If you want to go the extra mile with this gift, take her out to a movie where she can have some of this candy with you!

That’s pretty much it for my ideas…I hope they are helpful! And if you don’t have a valentine, treat yourself! I have a lot more gifts on my Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas collection on Luvocracy, so check that out if you’re still drawing a blank.

Ladies, not sure what to do to your nails for V-day? Check out this tutorial I did last year- it isn’t too tacky red & pink- it’s very subtle, which is why I love it!

Leave a comment below with what you’re getting for your valentine this year!