How to Host a Successful Bake Sale

It is Back-to-School time which means it is Bake Sale Season!   I taught Family and Consumer Science for 11 years.  During that time we held so many bake sales I couldn’t even begin to count the number.  I wanted to share with you some tips for how to host a successful bake sale in case you are asked to sponsor or participate in one.

Create your TEAM

Organize a bake sale committee and split responsibilities.  Have members of the committee contact people to bake for the cause and contact businesses to make possible donations.  If you have a good team you will have a successful bake sale.

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Find your Location

You want to think high traffic when you select your location.  Grocery stores, shopping malls, sporting events, office lobbies or after school are great locations!  You may have to pay an entry fee if you opt for a fair, festival, vendor event or flea market but it may be worth your investment.  Ask if non-profits get a discount or free space.

Advertise

Be sure to post a sign with the name of the organization or how the proceeds will be used.  If you are non-profit be sure to include that too!  Consider adding some fun to your bake sale.  Dress up in a theme, provide free tattoos with purchase, decorate your table with balloons.  Promote your bake sale any way you can—email, social media, radio, TV, school newsletter and your local newspaper.  Word of mouth is great too!

What Should You Bake?

Cookies, Brownies, Whole Cakes, Cake Pops, Candies, Cupcakes.  Be sure to label items that are high allergen like nuts, egg, soy.  It is a good idea to include a few allergy friendly foods at your bake sale too and label them.  Offer a variety of sizes from individual servings to whole pies and cakes.  Be sure to price in whole numbers for easy change making and offer at several price points.

Packaging

Shop at the dollar stores and crafts stores for inexpensive packaging.  You can get creative and pick up items year round after the holidays.  Think small buckets, take-out containers, cellophane bags, fabric bags, ribbon, stickers and gift boxes.  Create cute price tags for your baked goods that can double as gift tags.  For easy transportation, package cupcakes in clear punch cups, covered in cellophane and tied with a bow and name tag.  Consider having a “grab bag”.  Kids love surprises so this may be fun.  Package them in brown paper bags with a ribbon but sure label any allergens.

Clean Up

Bring trash bags, cleaning supplies a cash box with plenty of change, price stickers and marking pens.  Provide bags for customers to carry their goodies home in.  Have a copy of each recipe available for people to look at. This is especially important for people who need to know the ingredients because of special diets or allergies.  Pick up inexpensive plastic gloves for serving food if not all pre-packaged.  Be sure to bring your own tables and chairs if necessary plus a table cloth.

Here is a roundup of cookie recipes that we would suggest for your next Bake Sale

Nutella Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Strawberry Cake Cookies

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

Monster Cookies

M & M’s Chocolate Chip Cookie

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Sweet and Salty Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies