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There are many occasions when you may want to do something special, like making unique cookie cut-outs. Sometimes you can find a few unique cookie cutters in the discount house wares shops but it may be hard to find the variety shown below. Here are some ideas to try.

* The dachshund – There is a Dachshund Club of America, Inc., which is divided into six regions in the USA, according to it’s website. Whether or not you are a member of this club, if you own or enjoy this breed of dog, you can get together with others who want to have a day of celebrating the dachshund. Use your favorite recipes for cookie cut-outs and let everyone get creative in their decorative icings.You can even award a prize or prizes for the most creative cookies.

* The groundhog – The most famous groundhog is Punxsutawney Phil, who comes out of his burrow on the 2nd of February every year. If he sees his shadow, it is said that there will be six more weeks of winter. However, if he doesn’t see his shadow, there will be an early spring. Why not use this occasion to have a few friends over to watch the prediction as it is happening. Surprise everyone with cookies shaped like groundhogs. What fun !! The discount house wares shops may have these available just before Groundhog Day each year.

* Moose – If you have big game hunters in the family, this may be the time to have a send off party before the big hunt begins. Make a few extra batches of cookies to send along with your camo-clad hunters.

* Grizzly / Polar Bears – The bear cookie cutter can be used in a similar way as the moose, for the big game hunters. Another idea is to have a special celebration for someone who collects stuffed bears of all kinds. What a thoughtful gift to make a get well basket for the bear collector. Personalizing their gift can’t help but cheer them up. The discount house wares shops in Alaska or other states where bears are found may have these available.

* Cat – There are at least a couple of occasions when the cat cookie cutter can be used. One is obvious – for cat lovers. The other is on Halloween. You can ice the cookies with black frosting and serve them at home or school celebrations.

* Dog – Now we come to “man’s best friend”. Many people think of their dog as a member of the family, therefore almost any occasion warrants cookies shaped like this special friend. Let the children help decorate them with love and creativity.

* Fish – The fish can symbolize many things,a pet, the sport of fishing, a Christian symbol,and Lent (giving meat up for a period of time). These occasions are appropriate times to share a plate or basket of cookies shaped like fish. A variety of different colors of icing may be used to indicate varieties of fish. Have fun with it.

* Turkey – What better time to make cookies shaped like a turkey than Thanksgiving. It will add a nice, festive touch to your gathering to have a platter of iced, turkey cookies on display. You can also send a batch or two with your turkey hunters.

* Pig – The pig shaped cookie cutter can be used at least a couple of different ways. One is for an Easter celebration when many people serve ham. They could be iced in a variety of pastel colors. Another use is to celebrate the birthday of a hog farmer, or a get well basket for the same.

* Cow – This cookie cutter would be appropriate for dairy farmers, ranchers, and the like. They can be iced to match the type of cows the recipient owns, like white with black splotches for dairy cows, etc. The state of Wisconsin may have these in their discount house wares aisle.

* Lamb – The lamb can symbolize different things, like a gentle and caring person. For a Christian, it symbolizes the Lamb of God. It is also appropriate for a family who raises sheep. Making cookies in special shapes can show the receiver that you appreciate them and think they are worth a little extra effort.

Getting your children, friends, or other family members involved in making something special for someone can bring you closer in many ways. Have fun with it and come up with your own unique ideas. We’d love to hear any new ideas you have. Now get going . . .bake some cookies !!