Shanthi Appelo, a Registered Dietician from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, recently demonstrated how to create an edible fruit bouquet as a thoughtful and cost-effective Mother’s Day gift. The do-it-yourself project offers a personalized alternative to traditional presents.The project emphasizes a handmade touch, encouraging creativity and involving children in the preparation.
With Mother’s Day spending anticipated to be high, Appelo highlighted the unique value of handmade presents. The fruit bouquet project costs approximately $20 to make at home, offering significant savings compared to store-bought versions.
This approach allows families to craft a special gift while managing expenses, fostering a more personal connection to the celebration.
Appelo emphasized the personal value of homemade presents. “I think whenever we can make something with our own hands, it’s a little more special,” Appelo said. She added that the activity encourages creativity and is suitable for children.“
The thing I’m about to show you is something that the kids can get involved with to sparks a little creativity. And of course, it’s healthy because we’re dealing with a lot of fruit here,” Appelo stated.
The demonstration involved using a flower foam base and wooden grill skewers. Appelo advised soaking the skewers for 20 minutes to prevent splintering in the fruit. Recommended fruits included honeydew, cantaloupe and strawberries.
Appelo suggested cutting strawberries to resemble tulips and using cookie cutters for pineapple pieces to create flower shapes or spell out “mom.” She also noted the health benefits, stating, “All of these fruits that I’m sticking in here are a good source of vitamin C.”
For added variety and color, chocolate-covered strawberries, macaroons and even charcuterie elements can be incorporated. “It’s just a little bit of fun to add. Variety adds a little bit of color, adds a little bit of depth,” Appelo said. She also mentioned seeing “charcuterie versions of this.”
The project does not require expertise, making it an accessible activity for families. Appelo pointed out the cost difference between homemade and commercial options. “I was looking at these bouquets and how much they are to order. These are over $100. So, when you think about the fruit that you’re spending, I think all of this fruit was about $20, including the supplies, like the skewers and and the flower block,” Appelo explained.
For her own first Mother’s Day, Appelo confirmed her expectation of being celebrated. She advised that children can also help select fruits at the grocery store to personalize the bouquet further.
For transport, the bouquet can be wrapped in clear paper. Once assembled, it must be refrigerated as cut fruit spoils if exposed to room temperature for too long.