Adding Candy to cookie exchange

[Martha]

Just wanted to say thank you to Robin for putting all of this together. We (my mom and I) hosted our first exchange last December. People were funny. They were alittle hesitant at first, and a few didn't show. Because it was something new. But were very disappointed when they heard how much fun the rest of us had. Now everyone has been asking what date this years party will be.
Anyway, we have had a few request to add in homemade Christmas candies this year. We are trying to come up with a fair way to do this. We taught since they are smaller than cookies. If a guest decides to do candy, they will bring one sandwich size zip lock bag per guest. Does that sound fair? Anyone else add candy and how did you do it?

[Martha]

Sorry for the typo. We thought instead of taught ;D

[LynnH]

Hi Martha,

I think you should do the candy the same way as the cookies. To my thinking, if you say the candy is smaller than a cookie, what if someone makes jumbo size cookies? Does that mean they can make few cookies?

Lynn

[Martha]

Good point Lynn ;D

[kimzkidz]

I am doing both a cookie exchange AND a treats exchange...

Here his how I worded it


PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR BOTH!

FOR THE COOKIE EXCHANGE:

Bring your cookies wrapped/packaged in groups of 6 with recipe attached.
4 dozen cookies MINIMUM
(you can make more!)
Prizes for packaging, so be creative!

FOR THE TREATS EXCHANGE:

Bring your treats wrapped/packaged in a generous 2 person serving size. (I know you are thinking, huh?—example- Chocolate covered fancy pretzels—about 6, Fudge- about a dozen pieces, Candies- about a dozen pieces)
Attach recipe as well!
1 dozen pkgs MINIMUM (you can make more!)
Prizes for packaging, so be creative!

[NicksMommy]

Last year at my exchange my niece brought fudge instead of cookies. The pieces were HUGE-bigger than some of the cookies that were brought. She brought 7 dozen pieces(which is how many cookies I asked them to bring.)I think if it were smaller size pieces I would have wanted her to bring more-but these were really big pieces. No one seemed to have a problem with it. Maybe you could word it like I did-7 dozen cookies/candy(candy should be the size of a cookie.)Then I put in the rules that if they had questions about the sizes of candy of how much to bring they could call or email me and we would work through it. She was the only person to bring candy and everyone seemed ok with it. Hope this helps.

[Martina]

Christmas candy to an exchange is a good idea. This will be the third year for my annual exchange and in my rules I simply state MUST BE HOMEMADE I will also accept fudge, candies, truffles, cakes, and such. Lots of time goes into the prep of candies, fudge, etc. Also not everyone knows how to make these or has the time to make these. A friend of mine even makes pumpkin rolls and we accept this because they are large and can be cut into at least 12 slices, not to mention delicious.

[jennifers399]

I have a few guests that always bring fantastic, hand-crafted candies--except last year when everyone flaked! They (it's a mother/daughter team) spend hours making candy and they bring 12 dozen as they are two and not one!

I've found that people really like the variety of having many different 'treats' at the exchange. This is also why I don't insist that it's only cookies--I do allow bars, candies, etc., in addition to cookies. I have many guests at my parties, this year alone about 20 people are coming!!! I am dead set against 'chip' cookies, sugar cookies, those egg white ones, and no-bakes.