The Most Fabulous Cookie Run

Summary

The article describes the joy of giving thoughtful, high-quality cookies as gifts during the holidays, emphasizing the unique artistry and community spirit behind "The Most Fabulous Cookie Run."

Abstract

The author expresses a deep-seated joy in giving gifts that are both thoughtful and of high quality, particularly during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of experiences and practicality in gift-giving, with a special fondness for beautifully decorated cookies made by a local artisan. These cookies, which are not only delicious but also works of art, are individually wrapped and packaged, making them a special and unique gift. Despite their premium price, the author argues that the cookies are worth the expense due to the happiness and festive spirit they bring to recipients. The act of personally delivering these cookies turns them into a cherished experience, creating memorable interactions and strengthening community bonds.

Opinions

The author values minimalism and practicality in gift-giving, with a preference for experiences and edible or practical items.
The local baker's cookies are highly regarded for their taste, artistic decoration, and the joy they bring, justifying their higher price point.
The cookies serve not just as a treat but also as a decorative piece, enhancing the holiday atmosphere before being consumed.
The act of gifting these cookies is seen as an opportunity to connect with loved ones and spread festive cheer, contradicting the stereotype that minimalists are unwilling to spend on quality experiences.
The author believes that spending on items that bring joy and are of high quality aligns with their minimalist philosophy, even if it means foregoing less meaningful expenses.

Experience the magic of giving

Nothing brings me more joy than to give to my loved ones and my community, all year round but especially during the holidays.

As a minimalist and personal finance enthusiast, I love to give thoughtful gifts. Experiences are my favorite but I do buy material gifts as well, usually practical or edible.

One of my favorite things to give is a fancy and delicious cookie! A woman right in my community and neighborhood bakes and decorates the most beautiful and adorable seasonal cookies. The base is a sugar cookie with a slight lemony flavor. And the decorative frosting is crisp and sugary sweet.

While the cookie is one of the most delicious sugar cookies to exist, the artwork really enhances the experience. She makes all kinds of designs as well as custom ones. For the holidays, she colorfully designs the cookies as winter snow globes, elves, gingerbread kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus, letters to Santa, cookies and milk, and many more.

To further add quality, she shrink wraps the cookies for freshness and packages them in small clear boxes with holiday wrapping paper backgrounds. The cookie becomes such a special and unique gift.

This year, I went to her pop-up and bought over a dozen of her cookies. They are pricey at about $6–8 each but absolutely worth it. They bring us joy, an experience, and a great treat. We put them out as decoration for a few days to a week before savoring them.

Then comes the best part of this cookie-buying experience…

The Most Fabulous Cookie Run!

We share the cookies. We deliver the cookies. We surprise our loved ones with the cookies!

My family hand-delivers these special gifts to our family and friends. And every single person is excited. They’re happy to see the design, they know the cookies taste so good, and they’re filled with joy by our visit (with the cookies).

The cookies become a conversation piece, bring smiles, and put people in a festive mood. We get ooohs and aaahs and “The cookie is too cute to eat!” as they take a nibble and then can’t stop.

Oftentimes when I tell someone I’m a minimalist, they think I’m a cheap person who isn’t willing to spend on anything. But actually, I am always willing to spend on things that I find bring joy to people and are of high-quality. While I might not spend money on a slush drink that I can make at home, I will spend $8 per cookie for…

The Most Fabulous Cookie Run!

Here’s wishing you a beautiful holiday season filled with lots of high-quality experiences and sweet treats!