Five Star Gift Ideas

If your girlfriend loves canning and preserving, she probably enjoys the process of making something delicious from scratch and taking care of the final product. For Valentine's Day, you might consider a gift that helps her continue to create and preserve what she loves. Here are a few ideas for your consideration.

1. Canning supplies: One way to help support your girlfriend's love of canning is to give her some new supplies. Maybe she needs more canning jars, lids, or labels. Or, you could get her a durable, reliable canning pot, a jar lifter or magnetic lid lifter, or a funnel for filling jars. Consider what she already has and what might be missing from her collection to make sure your gift is helpful and thoughtful.

2. Delicious preserves: If your girlfriend enjoys canning her own preserves, she might also enjoy receiving some unique or delicious preserves made by someone else. Look for a local producer who makes high-quality, small-batch preserves that your girlfriend hasn't tried before. Or, if you know her favorite types of fruits or flavors, seek out a special brand or flavor of jam, jelly, or fruit butter to surprise her.

3. Cookbook: Another way to support your girlfriend's love of canning and preserving is to help her improve her skills with a new cookbook. There are many cookbooks that focus on canning and preserving, with recipes and techniques for all types of fruits, vegetables, and flavors. Choose a cookbook that matches her skill level or interests, and consider including a bookmark or note with a few recipes you're especially excited to try together.

4. Canning class: If your girlfriend is always looking for ways to improve her skills or learn something new, you might consider giving her a gift certificate for a canning class. Check your local community center, culinary school, or grocery store for classes or demonstrations focused on canning and preserving. This gift gives her the opportunity to learn new techniques and meet other canning enthusiasts.

5. Personalized canning labels: If your girlfriend already has all the canning supplies she needs, you might consider a more sentimental gift that still supports her passion for preserving. Personalized canning labels with her name or a special message allow her to label her jars with pride and share her canned goods with others knowing that they're truly her creations.

Whatever gift you choose, make sure it's thoughtful and reflective of your girlfriend's passion for canning and preserving. With these ideas, you can show her that you support her hobby and recognize the effort she puts into her creations.

Or you can get her a star map with the date of your first kiss.