I purchased this but never had a chance to use it, so I've been storing it. The instruction manual and original packaging are not included. You can use this to cut out pie dough and make mille-feuille-style cakes. I think it can also be used as a cookie cutter. If you use store-bought frozen pie dough, you can easily make three-dimensional cakes! I think it would be fun to make them with your children.