May in the Bakery: Tips to Maximize the Season Without Burning Out

Let’s talk about May. If you’ve been in the world of cookies or cake for even one spring season, you know what I mean when I say: May is not for the faint of heart. 🎓💐👩‍⚕️

Between graduations, weddings, showers, and all those sweet spring celebrations, your calendar can fill up in a hurry. Add in Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, and Memorial Day, and you’re looking at a month that packs a whole lot of sugar — and maybe a little stress — into just 31 days.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to say yes to everything to have a successful, joyful, and profitable May.

Let’s talk through a few simple tips to help you navigate the madness:

✨ 1. Decide What You Actually Want to Do

There are endless opportunities in May. From Teacher Appreciation gifts to Cinco de Mayo, Star Wars Day (May the 4th — anyone else love a good “May the Force be with you” cookie pun?), weddings, bridal showers, and graduations.

But that doesn’t mean you have to do them all.

Personally, I like to stay focused on Teacher Appreciation and Graduations. They’re popular, always in demand, and easy to batch. Pick what feels right for your capacity, your audience, and your sanity. 😉

🚫 2. Set Clear Limits (Yes, Even for Last-Minute Orders)

Say it with me:

"It’s not my responsibility to make up for someone else’s procrastination."

You will get last-minute requests for senior cookies or custom cakes. Moms will realize Friday night that they need something stunning for Sunday’s grad party. And you know what? You don’t have to say yes.

You deserve time off. You deserve planning. You’ve earned the right to say “sorry, I’m fully booked.” Setting order deadlines up front (and clearly communicating them!) helps reduce those stress-inducing messages and preserve your energy.

💡 3. Don’t Fall Into the “But It’s So Cute!” Trap

Yes, the themed sets are adorable. Yes, those tiny Star Wars lightsabers made from icing are chef’s kiss perfection. But unless that brings you joy, you’re allowed to skip it.

Pinterest will keep on Pinterest-ing. Your mental health and family time take priority.

🕶 4. Hot Weather = Life Shift

May often marks the end of the school year and the start of summer chaos. The kids are home, the schedules shift, and let’s be honest — who wants to spend a hot afternoon with an oven cranked to 350°F?

Look ahead and give yourself some breathing room. You’ll thank yourself when you’re poolside instead of elbow-deep in royal icing while fans are blasting and cookies are misbehaving in the heat.

📣 5. Want to Grow? May Can Be a Launching Pad

Now, if you’re a newer baker and you do have the appetite for more orders, May can be a great month to expand! Teachers and nurses aren't just appreciated — they also talk. 👩‍🏫👩‍⚕️

This is a golden opportunity to:

• Pack up sample boxes of cookies
• Deliver them to local schools or medical offices
• Tuck in a menu and your contact info

Free goodies = community buzz, and it puts your name in front of the very people who plan future showers, parties, and staff events.

6 Sweet Reasons Why Cookie Boxes Are a Homebaker's Best Friend

💛 In Summary: Choose Wisely and Protect Your Peace

May can be a brilliant month for sales and growth — if you plan for it. Choose the holidays that light you up. Set your limits before things get crazy. And remember: it’s totally okay to say no. You’re in this for the long run, not just one busy month.

Now go forth, set those boundaries, and bake with joy (and maybe a little extra iced coffee ☕️).

And if you want to sling cookie boxes that'll have folks lining up around the block without messing with shipping - Check out my Cookie Box Connoisseur download >> HERE: https://www.homesweethomebaker.com/cookiebox