This week I read a magazine recipe for cupcakes to “cheer someone up.” They were sweet, bright and colorful. These yummy cupcakes looked like a great idea and I thought they could easily cheer someone up. But sometimes there are some extra steps you can take to be sure your cupcakes cheer someone up. Let’s talk about how to make your cupcakes really put a smile on someone’s face if they are down, ill or just need to brighten their day.
Remember the cupcakes are for them – not your own pleasure. This sounds kind of simple but some cooks seem to forget this. Making cute cupcakes is fun, but you really want to make the type of cupcakes your recipient would prefer to receive. Special little touches you make like their favorite flavors, favorite colors and favorite items can really go a long way. By doing this you’re showing that they are special and worth going the extra mile for – and this alone brightens their day.
Some are on special diets and may enjoy cupcakes – but need careful baking. Today making cupcakes is easier than ever. You can bake vegan, sugar free and gluten free cupcakes – all of these recipes exist. If you aren’t sure about someone’s dietary restrictions – ask. There’s nothing like bringing your great aunt some “cheer up” cupcakes only to discover she’s borderline diabetic and can’t have sugar.
Make enough cupcakes for someone to share. This is probably one of our biggest tips. Many people who need cheering up of all kinds are lonely in some way. If they are elderly they may be in a nursing home or apartment complex on their own. If they are in the hospital they are away from family and friends. If they are down and depressed they may be withdrawing from friends and family. Giving someone cupcakes to share encourages them to get out there and give cupcakes to others in the nursing home, hospital or to reconnect with friends and family. A small gesture yes, but still a thoughtful one that can lead to friendly conversation for them.
Spend time when you give them the cupcakes. It may be convenient to just drop off the cupcakes and go. You’ve got the kids, family, work and other obligations to manage. But someone who needs cheering up could be so grateful for just 20 minutes of your time. That isn’t too much…is it? Talk about lighthearted things, interesting news about people you know or topics they want to talk about. You may even see them actually start to look a bit cheered up – before they have that first bite of cupcake! And isn’t that what it’s all about?
(c) photo Ramasamy Chidambaram
