Setting up a cookie exchange sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy. Check out the Basics for a Cookie Exchange if you’re new to the idea of baking and trading cookies.
Cookie Swap Invitation is Critical
One key element is the Cookie Swap invitation. It’s essential that everyone participating in the cookie swap party understand the basics, and the invitation should cover all the cookie swap details.
Always Include the Basics When Sending Out Information on Your Cookie Party
Borrowing from the newspaper field, the main details to include on a cookie swap invitation are the 5 Ws and H.
- Who
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
- How
It may seem obvious that these details should be included, but many an invitation has gone out lacking key bits of information.
It doesn’t take long to do the 5 W and H check. Just write down the letters and fill in the details. You then have all the data and can put together the invitations.
5 Ws and H Example for a Cookie Swap
Who – Decide on the number of guests and make out the list of names. A good number for a starter party is six.
What – Obviously, it’s a cookie swap party. Some guests may not be famliar with the concept though. You’ll want to overview the concept and explain why cookie swapping is a great holiday traditon.
When – The date and time are pretty straightforward, but do consider what dates and times will work best. It’s a good idea to talk with those you want to participate and coordinate schedules.
Where – Typically the person who coordinates the cookie exchange hosts the party, but the idea works fine at work or for a church or social group.
Why – The main advantage of having a cookie exchange is that everyone bakes one or two large batches of a favorite cookie, and those participating get smaller containers of various cookies. Bake once but have a nice selection of different cookies over the holiday.
How – There are many ways to set up a cookie exchange. The important part is to make sure all the participants know the details. There’s no need to overmanage, but those taking part do need to know what’s involved in taking part in a cookie exchange.
Sample Cookie Exchange Invitation
This invitation is set up for six participants (including the host). Numbers can be easily adjusted for various numbers of cookie bakers.
Come Join Us for a Cookie Exchange
In the Work Break Room
At 1 p.m.
On Thursday December 7
Bake a batch or two of your favorite holiday cookies and trade with your friends. You bake your favorite cookie. You take home five other great cookies made by your buddies. It's a wonderful way to have a nice selection of cookies for the holidays.
Each member of the Cookie Swap bakes and makes five cookie packs of six cookies each. Those are distributed to the other members of the Cookie Exchange.
Do RSVP by December 1st, so we’ll have the right number of cookies to trade.
Other Information You Might Include in a Cookie Exchange Invitation
If the party is at a private home, then you might want to request six packs of cookies and then have cookie samples at the get together. Just change out the number of cookie packs and have a plan for serving the cookies.
Some hosts like to host the cookie swap with a meal. Just change the location, time, and place to match a meal time. Add a note like:
Margaret Ann is serving soup and salad and looking forward to catching up with everyone before the holiday crunch.
If guests don’t know how to get to the host home, include a map. That’s much easier than trying to tell individual guests how to get to the party.
Cookie traders often want the recipes for the cookies swapped. If you want to include recipes, you can ask guests to attach those to the packages or request the recipes, make copies, and staple together little mini cookie recipe booklets.
If you do plan to coordinate the cookie recipe collection, allow a little extra time on the RSVP. Also, be sure to include the details about the recipes on the invitation.
Example:
Be sure to send your recipe to Margaret Ann by December 3. You can email the recipes to Margaret Ann at (give email address), mail those to (snail mail address), or drop them off at (a convenient location).
Cookie Swap Recipe Shortcut (not really)
You can buy basic party invitations and fill out the cookie swap data, but it really is easier to make your own.
You type once and have it all done.
You can customize and include more details if you do your own cookie exchange invitations.
Check your word processing program. Most have templates for basic invitations. You can fill out the information and have a nice professional look.
You can do the entire invitation process by email too which is nice. You don’t have to print anything or buy stamps. You save time, money, and join the green crowd by going paperless on the cookie swap invitations.
Favorite Holiday Cookies for a Swap
Classic Sugar Cookies - These cookies are similar to the ones at Wal-Mart - thick and easy to frost. They are fun to make and fun to eat.
Baklava - Yes. This is a more difficult recipe. But, baklava sure is good. Surprise your friends with these fabulous Greek pastries at the Cookie Swap.
Maple Walnut Fudge - Sure. You can do fudge for a cookie exchange. It's so good, no one will complain.
Cyndi Allison - Southern born and fed, Cyndi Allison is a college lecturer and newspaper advisor as well as being a freelance writer. She writes on ...
Join the Conversation