I am new to this cookie exchange thing. This is not my rookie year, but it is only my second year. Although I am a cookie exchange noob, I have learned a few rules of etiquette and wanted to share my findings with you.

- When you agree to a cookie exchange, it may not be written anywhere, but it is understood that the cookies will be baked in someone’s home. It doesn’t have to be YOUR home, but they cannot be anything purchased in a store. If you have a friend or relative who is willing to be your cookie bitch, and make the cookies for your exchange, more power to you… but don’t stoop so low as to bring chips ahoy (not even the extra chunky kind). And don’t bring the burned cookies and if you must bring cookies that didn’t quite work out visually, make sure they are the best tasting cookies EVER.

- If you are organizing the cookie exchange, it is important to be realistic with your rules. For example, it is rude to ask people to bring cookies even if they cannot attend. If someone wants to take part, but cannot, it is fine to collect cookies before the party, but don’t require it. Seriously.

- It is also rude to require specific cookies be made by each attendee. Part of the fun of the exchange is that there will be a variety of cookies, but if there are 2 or 3 chocolate chip cookies because there was no previous coordination, everyone will be fine. I promise. If you are going to be that person anyway, try asking people to respond with what they are bringing – that could help.

I am sure there are other rules. Honestly, I have not actually met someone who knows someone who brought store-bought cookies (maybe it is an urban legend), but the others I have witnessed or heard about (first hand). Have you seen any odd etiquette faux pas?