Cookie Dough & Wrapping Paper: The Perfect Fundraising Combo for Big Results

Blog Summary: This guide examines why combining cookie dough fundraisers and wrapping paper fundraisers is a successful strategy for U.S. schools seeking to raise substantial funds. Highlighting the universal appeal of gourmet cookie dough and the holiday demand for wrapping paper, this blog equips PTAs, PTOs, and school groups with expert strategy, creative promotion ideas, and a focus on community engagement, enabling them to achieve fundraising success in 2025.

School fundraising is more than just raising money—it’s about uniting your community, engaging students, and achieving goals that make a lasting impact. Schools in the USA continually seek innovative ways to fund everything from new playgrounds to band uniforms. Enter the ultimate fundraising duo: cookie dough fundraisers and wrapping paper fundraisers. This powerful combination delivers high profits, universal appeal, and a hassle-free experience for organizers. At Big Fundraising Ideas, we’ve seen this strategy transform school fundraising efforts, and we’re excited to share why cookie dough and wrapping paper are the perfect recipe for big results in 2025.

We’ll discuss why cookie dough fundraisers for schools and wrapping paper fundraisers are a match made in fundraising heaven. We’ll explore their benefits, share expert strategies, and provide actionable tips to maximize profits. Whether you’re a PTA veteran or a first-time fundraiser, this blog will equip you with the tools to succeed in your campaign. Let’s get started!

Why Cookie Dough and Wrapping Paper Fundraisers Are a Winning Combo

Fundraising success hinges on offering products that people want to buy while keeping the process simple for organizers and sellers. Cookie dough and wrapping paper check all the boxes: they’re popular, practical, and profitable. Here’s why this combination is a game-changer for school fundraisers:

1. Universal Appeal Meets Seasonal Demand

Cookies are a beloved treat, with approximately 68% of U.S. households enjoying them regularly, and Americans consuming an average of 300 cookies per year. During the holiday season, demand spikes as families bake for gatherings, cookie exchanges, and holiday parties. Our gourmet cookie dough fundraisers feature crowd-pleasing flavors like Otis Spunkmeyer’s Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, and White Chocolate Macadamia, making them an easy sell to parents, neighbors, and coworkers.

Similarly, wrapping paper school fundraisers tap into the holiday season’s gift-giving frenzy. With nearly 100 million Americans traveling for the holidays, households stock up on wrapping paper, gift bags, and accessories for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other celebrations. Our Magical Holidays catalog features over 800 high-quality, festive products, including wrapping paper, gift bags, candles, and holiday accessories that make every gift shine.

Combining these two products provides a one-stop solution for holiday needs, offering delicious kitchen treats and festive gift-giving essentials.

2. High Profit Margins for Maximum Impact

Cookie dough and wrapping paper fundraisers boast impressive profit margins—up to 55% for cookie dough and significant returns on catalog sales. At Big Fundraising Ideas, our programs are designed to maximize your earnings with no upfront costs and free shipping on eCommerce orders. For example, our Ultimate Dough Tubs fundraiser allows you to earn up to $10 per item sold, while our Magical Holidays catalog ensures every sale contributes to your bottom line.

3. Easy to Sell, Easy to Manage

Cookie dough and wrapping paper are straightforward to sell and distribute. Our shelf-stable cookie dough can be stored for up to 21 days at room temperature, eliminating the need for refrigeration and simplifying logistics. Meanwhile, our ship-to-buyer option for Magical Holidays products enables supporters to order online, with items shipped directly to their doorstep, eliminating the need for organizers to manage order forms and deliveries. This hybrid approach (brochure and online sales) makes fundraising accessible and efficient for schools of all sizes.

4. Holiday Timing Boosts Sales

Timing is critical in fundraising. The fall season, particularly before Thanksgiving and Christmas, is the perfect time to launch a cookie dough or wrapping paper fundraiser. Families are planning holiday meals and gift-giving, creating a natural demand for both products. By aligning your campaign with these peak seasons, you can capitalize on the festive spirit and drive higher sales.

The Power of Cookie Dough Fundraisers for Schools

Cookie dough fundraisers have been a staple in the school fundraising industry for decades, and their popularity endures for good reason. They’re a crowd-pleaser, easy to sell, and highly profitable. Here’s why cookie dough fundraisers for schools are a must-have in your fundraising strategy:

Why Cookie Dough Sells Itself

• Universal Love for Cookies: Americans consume approximately 300 cookies annually, with 21% of them eating at least 10 cookies per week. Cookie dough fundraisers capitalize on this obsession, offering convenience without sacrificing the homemade flavor.
• Variety of Flavors: Our gourmet cookie dough fundraiser features top brands like Otis Spunkmeyer and Neighbor’s Cookie Dough, offering flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, and unique options like Candy Cookie with M&M’s.
• Convenience: Ready-to-bake dough eliminates prep work, making it a hit with busy families. Our shelf-stable options further simplify storage and distribution.
• Holiday Appeal: Cookie dough is a go-to for baking, from Thanksgiving desserts to Christmas cookie exchanges. It’s also a popular gift for Secret Santa or holiday parties.

How to Maximize Your Cookie Dough Fundraiser

To ensure your cookie dough fundraiser delivers significant results, follow these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Timing: Launch your campaign in early fall (mid-September) to beat the holiday rush, ensuring delivery before the holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    
2. Leverage Brand Power: Offer trusted names like Otis Spunkmeyer or Neighbor’s Cookie Dough, which is known for quality and taste.
    
3. Combine Brochure and Online Sales: Utilize our brochures for in-person sales and our online store for a nationwide reach. Online sales can triple your profits by connecting with distant friends and family.
    
4. Incentivize Sellers: Our free prize programs, which include cash and traditional rewards such as toys or gift cards, motivate students to sell more. For example, a high school raised $3,000 with just 10 students using our online platform.
    
5. Promote on Social Media: Share mouthwatering photos of baked cookies and encourage sellers to post on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok using a branded hashtag, such as #CookieDoughFundraiser.

Success Story: A Sweet Victory

One elementary school in Texas paired our Ultimate Dough Tubs fundraiser with a read-a-thon, raising $10,000 in just two weeks. By offering in-person and online sales, they reached local parents and out-of-state grandparents, proving the power of a well-executed cookie dough campaign.

The Magic of Wrapping Paper School Fundraisers

While cookie dough satisfies sweet cravings, wrapping paper fundraisers cater to the holiday season’s gift-giving needs. Our Magical Holidays catalog is a treasure trove of over 800 festive products, including wrapping paper, gift bags, candles, chocolates, and more. Here’s why wrapping paper fundraisers are a fundraising powerhouse:

Why Wrapping Paper Fundraisers Shine

• Holiday Must-Have: Wrapping paper is necessary during the holidays, with millions of Americans purchasing it for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other celebrations.
• Variety and Quality: Our Magical Holidays catalog features high-quality wrapping paper, gift bags, and accessories in classic and trendy designs that cater to a wide range of tastes.
• Personalization: Buyers love the ability to personalize their shopping experience. Our online store displays your group’s name and purpose, creating a connection that boosts sales.
• Ship-to-Buyer Convenience: With our ship-to-buyer option, customers order online, and products are delivered directly to them—no hassle for organizers.

How to Make Your Wrapping Paper Fundraiser a Success

To maximize your gift wrapping paper fundraiser, try these proven strategies:

1. Time It Right: Start your fundraiser in early fall (late September to early October) to coincide with the holiday shopping season. Wrap up by late October to ensure delivery before December.
    
2. Highlight Variety: Promote the diverse range of products in the Magical Holidays catalog, from wrapping paper to kitchen accessories and holiday gifts.
    
3. Engage Your Community: Host a kickoff event with festive music and samples of cookies from your dough fundraiser to create excitement.
    
4. Utilize Online Tools: Our real-time sales dashboard enables you to track progress and send reminders to motivate sellers.
    
5. Offer Incentives: Encourage sellers to upload personal photos to their online store dashboard—participants who do this are 10 times more likely to attract supporters.

Success Story: Wrapping Up Big Profits

A middle school in California combined our Magical Holidays catalog with a cookie dough fundraiser, raising $15,000 in two weeks. By promoting online and through brochures, they reached a broad audience and streamlined distribution with our ship-to-buyer option.

Why Combine Cookie Dough and Wrapping Paper Fundraisers?

Pairing cookie dough fundraisers with wrapping paper fundraisers creates a one-stop shop for holiday needs, making it easier for supporters to say “yes” to your campaign. Here’s why this combo is so effective:

1. Complementary Products

Cookie dough fulfills the demand for holiday treats, while wrapping paper meets the needs for gift presentation. Together, they cover two major holiday pain points: food and gifting. This synergy encourages buyers to purchase multiple items, boosting overall sales.

2. Broader Appeal

While cookie dough appeals to food lovers, wrapping paper attracts shoppers looking for practical holiday essentials. This combination ensures you’re reaching a wider audience, from parents baking for school events to grandparents wrapping gifts for family.

3. Streamlined Logistics

At Big Fundraising Ideas, we make it easy to run both fundraisers simultaneously. Our online platform allows sellers to promote cookie dough and Magical Holidays products through a single store link, while our brochure options simplify in-person sales. Additionally, our 99.6% order accuracy rate ensures a smooth delivery process.

4. Increased Profits

By offering two high-margin products, you can significantly increase your earnings. For example, selling 500 cookie dough tubs at a 40% profit margin and $5,000 worth of Magical Holidays products can easily push your fundraiser into five-figure territory.

Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Cookie Dough & Wrapping Paper Fundraiser

Ready to launch your cookie dough and wrapping paper fundraiser? Follow these steps to ensure a seamless and profitable campaign:

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Define the amount of money you need to raise and specify how it will be used (e.g., for new classroom technology, sports equipment, or field trips). Share this goal with your team and supporters to create a sense of purpose.

Step 2: Choose Your Products

Select our Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies for cookie dough and the Magical Holidays catalog for wrapping paper and holiday gifts. These proven products offer variety and quality that resonate with buyers.

Step 3: Plan Your Timeline

Start your fundraiser in early September to capture holiday shoppers. A two-week sales period is optimal to maintain urgency and momentum. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery to ensure products arrive before the holidays.

Step 4: Engage Your Sellers

Equip students with brochures, order forms, and access to our online store. Encourage them to personalize their sales pitch by sharing why the fundraiser matters. Our free prize programs, like cash rewards or inflatable parties, motivate sellers to go the extra mile.

Step 5: Promote Like a Pro

Use a mix of in-person and online promotion:

• In-Person: Distribute flyers at school events, set up booths at local festivals, or ask parents to share brochures at work.
• Online: Use vibrant photos, videos, and branded hashtags to leverage social media. Encourage sellers to share their unique store links via email, text, or social media.

Step 6: Track and Celebrate Progress

Utilize our real-time sales dashboard to track sales and pinpoint top performers. Celebrate milestones with small incentives, such as extra recess or a pizza party, to maintain high enthusiasm.

Step 7: Simplify Distribution

For cookie dough, our shelf-stable tubs make distribution a breeze. For Magical Holidays products, use our ship-to-buyer option to eliminate the need for group deliveries.

Creative Ideas to Boost Your Fundraiser

Want to take your cookie dough and wrapping paper fundraiser to the next level? Try these innovative ideas to engage your community and drive sales:

1. Host a Cookie Decorating Contest: Use cookie dough from your fundraiser to host a holiday-themed decorating event. Charge an entry fee and share photos on social media to promote your campaign.
    
2. Create a Gift-Wrapping Party: Pair your Magical Holidays wrapping paper with a community wrapping event. Offer holiday cookies from your dough fundraiser and charge for wrapping services.
    
3. Partner with Local Businesses: Ask local bakeries or stores to display your flyers or host tasting events to showcase cookie dough flavors.
    
4. Run a Social Media Challenge: Encourage supporters to post photos of their baked cookies or wrapped gifts using your products, tagging your fundraiser’s hashtag for a chance to win a prize.
    
5. Offer Bundle Deals: Create combo packs that include cookie dough and wrapping paper for holiday shoppers seeking a one-stop solution.

Why Choose Big Fundraising Ideas?

At Big Fundraising Ideas, we’ve been helping schools and organizations raise millions of dollars for over 15 years. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for your cookie dough and wrapping paper fundraiser:

• Proven Products: Our Otis Spunkmeyer Cookies and Magical Holidays catalog features high-quality, in-demand items backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
• No Upfront Costs: Start your fundraiser for free with no financial risk.
• Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping on eCommerce orders and brochure merchandise deliveries.
• Comprehensive Support: Our A++-rated customer service team provides planning tools, promotional materials, and personalized guidance.
• High Profits: Earn up to 40% profit on cookie dough and significant returns on catalog sales.

Ready to Sweeten Your School’s Fundraising Success?

Combining cookie dough fundraisers for schools with wrapping paper school fundraisers is a proven strategy to maximize profits, engage your community, and make your campaign unforgettable. With the universal appeal of cookies, the holiday demand for wrapping paper, and the support of Big Fundraising Ideas, your school can easily achieve its fundraising goals.

Don’t wait—start planning your gourmet cookie dough fundraiser and gift wrapping paper fundraiser today! Contact our team at Big Fundraising Ideas to get your free fundraising kit, complete with brochures, prize flyers, and everything you need to launch a successful campaign. Let’s make this holiday season your most profitable yet!

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He's helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.