When it comes time to celebrate your kids' birthdays, do you simply run to the grocery store to get the latest cartoon character immortalized on a giant sheet of processed sugar? Would you like another option? Well, if you've never tried baking your own birthday cake, then maybe this is the year to give it a go. After all, you'll save a ton of money and end up with something far more unique and personal than your grocery store options. Investing in a cake pan with one of those same licensed characters will run you about $10-15 at craft stores. Use a store-bought mix and save even more money by mixing your own frosting and using gel or paste food colorings from the craft store - these products give you the most vibrant, bright colors. If you think you don't have the time to bake, then consider the fact that you can bake the cake up to two weeks in advance, then thaw and frost the day of the party. Even simple white frosting can be dressed up with candies, frosted cookies or other brightly colored sweet treats.
Choose M&Ms in different colors and sizes (peanut and regular) to create a funky polka-dot cake in whatever shape you prefer. Try matching your cake to the party theme - an animal theme might use frosted animal crackers on the cake, for example. Gummy bears would work great on a cake at a Build-a-Bear party. For children under the age of 3, consider adornments that aren't choking hazards. Get creative and research all the options available for a fabulous cake and birthday that your child and party guests will never forget.