Ways2Raise

What is it?

Sweet Trees & Cones is a charming, festive baking fundraiser where you create and sell edible Christmas tree-shaped treats and festive cones filled with sweets or baked goods. It's perfect for teen fundraisers as it blends creativity, seasonal appeal, and the joy of homemade treats to attract friends, family, and local community buyers.

Why does it work?

This fundraiser taps into the festive spirit, encouraging people to buy gifts or treats that feel personal and homemade. The visual appeal of tree-shaped cakes or cones makes your products stand out and invites impulse purchases, especially at Christmas markets, school events, or local fairs.

What you'll need

Basic baking ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs, butter, etc.)
Christmas-themed baking moulds or templates for tree shapes
Cones (waffle cones or paper cones) for filling
Decorations such as icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and small candies
Baking trays and oven access
Packaging materials (cellophane bags, ribbons, gift tags)
Labels or signs with pricing and ingredient info
Cash float and money box for sales
Access to a kitchen space (home or community centre)

Step-by-step plan

Choose your recipes for the sweet trees and cones—consider easy but tasty options like sugar cookies shaped into trees or mini sponge cakes decorated festively.

Practice baking a batch to perfect your technique and timing, ensuring your treats look appealing and taste great.

Make a list of all ingredients and supplies needed and purchase them in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.

Bake your sweet trees and cones in batches, allowing sufficient time for cooling before decorating.

Decorate each treat carefully using icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to create festive, eye-catching designs.

Package your treats attractively in cellophane bags tied with ribbons and attach gift tags with ingredients and prices.

Set up your sales stall at school events, local markets, or community centres, ensuring you have clear signage and a cash float.

Engage with customers warmly, highlighting that purchases support your adventure fundraising, and offer samples where possible.

Keep track of sales and restock or bake more treats as needed to meet demand.

Thank your buyers and update them on your fundraising progress to encourage repeat support.

How to advertise it

Create colourful posters with photos of your sweet trees and cones to display in school corridors and local shops.
Use social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook to share pictures and updates, tagging local community groups.
Ask teachers and parents to spread the word via newsletters or WhatsApp groups.
Set up a pre-order system to gauge demand and reduce waste.
Offer limited-time specials or bundle deals (e.g., buy two get a discount) to boost sales.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £50 and £150, depending on how many events they attend and how well they advertise. The key is to keep costs low and presentation attractive to maximise profits.

Top tips

✅ Start baking early to allow time for practice and to handle any unexpected delays.

✅ Keep a detailed list of ingredients and costs to price your treats fairly and profitably.

✅ Use festive decorations that are affordable but create a wow factor—think simple icing designs and colourful sprinkles.

✅ Engage customers by sharing your fundraising story and how the money will help your adventure.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Baking too few treats and running out early—always bake a little extra for popular events.

⚠️ Overpricing or underpricing your treats—research similar products to find a competitive price point.

⚠️ Neglecting packaging and presentation, which can reduce appeal and sales.

💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising

When buying baking ingredients and packaging supplies online, use easyfundraising to get cashback for your fundraiser. Check if your favourite shops participate to save money on essentials.

Set up your easyfundraising cause free →