Award ideas!!

[Caroline]

I am hosting my second cookie exchange in a few weeks. I am just about to send out invitations but I think this time, to spark things up - I had so many women who were so blah about it last year - I would like to offer rewards for the best display, most decorated, most ingredients, etc.

So - any ideas for what kind awards to give?
Should I do a few awards or enough so everyone wins something? Maybe just one big award?
What do I give for the award?

I don't have a lot of money to spend on teh extras. I am already providing breakfast/drinks and favors.

I don't want anyone to be offended by this or feel pressured to produce something that takes hours to do but last year some of the cookies were so boring in terms of display and lots of store bought so I'm just trying to make it more fun.

[Robin]

Guest-Caroline said:

.....to produce something that takes hours to do but last year some of the cookies were so boring in terms of display and lots of store bought so I'm just trying to make it more fun.

Lots of STORE BOUGHT ?!?

Have you seen the rules that I've posted? Yes, they're rather strict, but the results are worth it. Sometimes people need parameters... when the bar is raised, people usually rise to the occasion.
www.robinsweb.com/cookies/cookie-invite.html

[Bonnie]

I think incentives are a good idea ;D You can get all kinds of small items even at Dollar Stores - like pot holders and present them in a nice way. Finger Towels are always nice too. You could roll them up and use curly ribbon to keep together.

I always put this on my invitations - If you have ruined your recipe but still want to attend, go to a bakery and buy 4 dozen yummy cookies but please come to the exchange. This is a time of fun and fellowship.

Well last year one of my friends bought her cookies and they weren't from a nice bakery, etc. so some of the ladies got really ticked off (one in particular and I am still hearing about it!).

This year I am putting on my invitations - If the season has you feeling rushed and you just don't have time to bake please stop by anyway. It's all about having fun and enjoying each others company.

Some of the regulars I know just won't have time this year to bake but I do want them to come to the exchange. For me it's a great way to get together with my friends, relax and have a few laughs.

[Caroline]

Thanks for the ideas. I think this exchange was new for a lot of people so that's why I want to jazz it up this year. I did include guidelines last year but they were pretty basic. Much improved this year thanks to this sites suggestions!
I'm very nervous about offending people about making awards so I don't demean someone's hard work or leave anyone feeling left out. Should I do an award so everyone gets one (that's a lot though isn't it?) or perhaps just 2-3 big ones? There are about 10 people attending.
So far I am thinking - Best Display, Most decorative, then I am at a loss. Any suggestions?

[Cathie]

Caroline2

This year Iam having prizes for most festively dressed,
first to RSVP, and the one who traveled the furtherst to
attend.

I also have prizes for a trivia game we play (acutally win or lose they all get a prize for this, and I have made
favors for each girl too.

[Bonnie]

I know what you mean caroline2. My first year I did awards and found a few were ticked off (just slightly). So after that I decided to just give everyone a small gift (favor) as they were leaving. My way of saying thanks for participating.

On the other hand I think it would be a good idea to have a prize (award) for the best cookie display. I have looked at the pictures on the web of the other exchanges and some of these ladies - WOW! I think that is a big part of the cookie exchange - presentation is everything they say.

[Caroline]

I decided to do just one big award so as not to leave too many people out (there will only be 10 of us) so the award will be the Best Cookie Display. I will have to find a nice favor - last year I did cookie cutters tied onto something. Can't even remember what it was!!
Thanks for the ideas - I think some of these ladies are competitive so feelings could be hurt. I'm also writing in my guidelines that accompany the invitation about the award and that we will all judge together.

[Bonnie]

That's a good idea to let them all judge. You could put a number by each plate and have them write down their pick.

Each lady will still receive a favor for coming so no one will walk away empty handed.

[Claudine]

I was thinking of given the $1 lottery scratch offs as prizes as well. I was at a baby shower and they did this and I thought it was a really good idea.

[Bonnie]

I like that idea Claudine ;D

[Claudine]

I like it too....it's such a simple and inexpensive prize with the potential to be very rewarding monetarily. I have 4 yr old twin girls and they usually give scratch offs in a card to aunts, uncles and grandparents as b-day presents.

[Debra]

Hi everyone,
This year will be my 5th annual christmas cookie party. I give out a little gift to everyone who attends. Last year I went to the dollar store and bought christmas ornaments the actually said "cookie exchange " on them. I just added my name on top and 2003 on the bottom. I also give a cookie jar to the best tasting cookie. Since I am the only one who knows who baked what cookie, I give each cookie display a number and towards the end of the party everyone votes on a piece of paper and I read the numbers out loud. I am going back to the dollar store this year for my little gifts again. Right now I haven't a clue what I will give but, I am sure something there will get my ideas going.



Happy Holidays, Debra