The Budget Bambino

What: Drop In & Decorate Cookies for Donation and give to those in need this holiday season.

The Lowdown: Started by in 2002 by food writer and blogger Lydia, Drop In & Decorate is a simple initiative to help make the holiday season a little cheerier for those in need. The idea is simple: get your friends to drop in, bake up some cookies, whip together some icing, decorate ‘till the cows come home and then drop them off at a cause that supports those who might not have all the luxuries that many of us get during the holidays. Lydia provides a free How To Host Your Own Cookie Decorating Guide on Nine Cookies and you can also see more photos of some snazzy cookies to inspire you.

What We Say: I love that this idea got started in Lydia’s kitchen, with a few friends. Also, this is a good way to incorporate giving into your holiday celebrations. It gets kids involved and hopefully you won’t end up eating too much icing before delivering the cookies to your chosen organization. And remember, while you’re making these cookies to give away, be sure to make some time to bake some for your family too, since making your own is waaaay cheaper than hitting the bakery for holiday treats.