Girl Scouts have been selling cookies door-to-door and in public places for more than 100 years, a fundraising program that pays for the vast majority of the organization’s local operations.
In the past, the only way you could buy Girl Scout Cookies online was from a special link given to you buy a Girl Scout — although “Virtual Cookie Booths” are still happening.
But now, in a time of social distancing, no special link is needed; anyone can order Girl Scout Cookies online.
There are two cookie-selling websites based on location: Digital Cookie and Smart Cookies.
Via LATimes
Girl Scout councils are split between two bakers to get their cookies: Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers. When you visit the official Girl Scout Cookie Care website, you’re asked to input your zip code so your purchase will benefit a local council (regional area). Your zip code will generate a list of regional Girl Scout councils, from which you’ll have to pick one.
Depending on which council you select, you’ll either place your order with the Little Brownie Bakers’ Digital Cookie website or with ABC Bakers’ Smart Cookies Direct Ship website. But start with Girl Scouts Cookie Care.
The best price for small orders is $6.31/box shipped when you explore other zip codes on Digital Cookie.
Prices are set by each regional council. If you’re not supporting a particular Girl Scout or wanting to show loyalty to a local troop, select different regional councils to see their price lists, as prices vary. Most boxes cost $5, but I was able to find some for $4 in a neighboring state.
Digital Cookie has a minimum order of 4 boxes, and after adding $9.25 for shipping, the final cost for four $4 boxes of cookies ends up being $6.31/box. By comparison, while Smart Cookies Direct Ship has no minimum order, shipping is $12 for up to 12 boxes.
For bigger orders (and the best deal), pay just $6.00/box for Smart Cookies Direct Ship.
Via eBay
Buy in multiples of 12 — Smart Cookies Direct Ship charges $12 for 1 – 12 boxes, $24 for 13 – 24 boxes, $36 for 25 – 36 boxes, and so on. If you buy at the max number of boxes in each price category, shipping will end up costing you $1 per box.
That’s better for large orders than the Digital Cookie website; shipping costs $9.25 for 4 – 6 boxes, $10.25 for 7 – 8 boxes, $12.25 for 9 – 10 boxes, and $14.25 for 11 – 12 boxes.
The menu of cookies differs between the two websites.
Digital Cookie is offering Lemon-ups, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Girl Scout S’mores and Toffee-tastic cookies.
Smart Cookies Direct Ship offers Girl Scout S’mores, Lemonades, Shortbreads, Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Caramel Chocolate Chips and the new Toast-Yay French toast-inspired cookie.
There are no expedited shipping options, so you’ll have to wait.
via Mental Floss
Digital Cookie orders take 2-15 days, according to the website. Smart Cookies Direct Ship takes 14-21 business days.
Cookie sales still benefit local Girl Scouts.
Whether or not you choose your regional council in the ordering process, 100% of the proceeds from the cookie sales will go to local Girl Scout troops and the council in the zip code you choose.
So again, if you want to support your state’s Girl Scouts, then you’re not in this for the cookie couponing tips anyway. 🙂 If you want the best deal, the Wyoming council is looking pretty good.
You have the option to donate cookies, too.
Via Girl Scouts
At both cookie-ordering websites, shoppers have the ability to donate cookies to first responders, volunteers, and local causes in need. Just select the “donate” option in the checkout process. The cost is the same per box, but there are no minimums and no shipping costs.
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