These are a few of my favorite things. Seriously. So in my desire to spread some cheer into the world, I decided to send some of the nurses and doctors I know some treats. My uncle and his family are very medical – there are 3 doctors, 3 nurses, a nurse practitioner, and a physicians assistant (Gosh, I hope I got all that right, I LOVE YOU FAMILY!) So, they are all working a lot, in the front lines and I wanted to show them I’m thinking of them. I do this through food typically, but none live near me, so they got baked goods instead. I trust they were not disappointed 🙂
I wanted to share what I put together if you are interested in duplicating it. I am also offering to do it for you (see end of post) if you want to send some love, but don’t have the time/energy etc. This is my jam – cards and cookies – it’s how I show love for others and why food has such a prominent place in my life. Okay, here it is:
I made cards — a pretty simple design, just using card stock. I wrote in nice messages saying that I appreciated their work, can’t imagine how tired and emotional this must be, and that I’m praying for their safety and fulfillment in helping others.
I have a lot of scraps from making cards and they are conveniently sized to make great book marks. I put on little funny messages pertinent to the time, fun stickers, and just randomness. I made some other ones more recently and I put on inspiring messages. I feel like everyone can use a book mark – or they can give it away – or just have it as a little reminder that someones thinking of you!
Next up was the goods – the cookies. I made a double batch of chocolate chip cookies (from the back of the Toll House bag… very original I know!) I baked them in a sheet pan – yes, the rimmed cookie sheet. The one I used is 12 x 17 (for the purposes of this post, all measurements are inches.) And then I had a second that was 6 x 8. This worked out pretty well for the next step. I line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure they come out easily. Highly recommend this step 🙂
Assembly: I cut the cookies into 5 x 8 rectangles. I have learned that BARS ship much better than drop cookies. Based on the photos below and the praise, these made it to their destinations safe and sound! Put the cookies into a zip lock bag.
Packaging: I used the small priority mail boxes that you can get for FREE at the USPS (they will also ship to your house if needed.) These are the PERFECT size for this size cookie bar. I added a layer of bubble padding on the bottom and top (used from old packages I’ve received or you can use the free priority padded mailer envelop from the USPS).
Once you have everything in the box (padding, cookie bar, card and book mark(s), and padding) seal it up! Now you can go to the USPS website and pay and print your label or take it to the post office. With these boxes, they have 2 day shipping, so your product will get their quickly. Since they fit snuggly in the box, there is low risk for crumble!
These could be sent to anyone at this time of social distancing. It’s a great way to brighten someone’s day. I will be offering to make and send them as well. I can do the card + 2 book marks for $5 or the card + 2 book marks + cookie bar for $16. This amount is just to cover the cost of materials and shipping. If you are interested, please email: SweetTeaspoonCafe@gmail.com (or you can comment below) and I’ll get you all set up.
I will only be shipping these on Monday – Thursday to ensure prompt delivery. Please let me know if you have any questions about the process or need other ideas for shipping yummy treats to loved ones!
A little aside, why chocolate chip cookies? Well, my family has a long tradition with these. My Grandma Lu used to make them – we called them Grandma Lu’s cookies. They were tall drop cookies and usually got somewhat dried out. We all loved them – and by we, I mean anyone who ever ate them. My dad also loved them and I would periodically send him cookies in the mail as a little cheer. I like to think of this as a way that they can look over everyone who receives them.
Your mention of Grandma Lu made me recall that when I was a little girl, she used to send a fruitcake every year to our house. I didn’t like fruitcake then at all. I’ve grown to like it as the years passed. Hadn’t thought of that in years? Did you ever eat her fruitcake?
I never did have her fruitcake — Cookies were her thing that I remember the most, I’ll have to ask the rest of the family! <3
Nice post!
Keep up your message of optimism and goodwill!
Thank you! <3