I am very lucky to have both a loving boyfried and supportive mother who have both offered to buy me cake "toys" for Christmas. I don't plan to ask them for expensive items but it got me thinking of asking all my cake buddies "what are your gave cake toys? And what would YOU ask for?"

one thing I would really appreciate is suggestions of good books/magazines with patterns/instructions. I have seen Debbie Brown (I think that is her name)'s books and love her style and would really love books on figurines!!!

What are your faves and what is on your wish list!!??

Well...I would for go the books and get actual equipment..The books are great to look at but mostly you never get around to making anything featured inside them and then they are like wasted money when you can get so much inspiration and help for free from this website and the web.

Now having said that and it is strictly JMO....I would ask for cake pans or gift cards to buy cakepans...airbrush if you plan to do that....good bags and tips or again gift cards to purchase them yourself.Take actual classes from pros like Bronwen webber or whoever.They are a bit pricey but way more useful than any book etc...again JMO...

You won't use the books. You can find all that info on the interwebs. Let them pool their $ and get you an Agbay.
Best.Cake.Tool. EVER.

I'm in the same boat as you- my whole list for Santa this year is cake equipment.

I'm getting an airbrush (DH couldnt surprise me with it as I needed to point out the one I want ha ha!)

I've also asked for impression mats etc, as thats all the stuff I want but can't warrant paying the $$$$ for usually

Oh, and I've asked for a sheet cake pan as they aren't very common here in the UK but I REALLLLY want one!

Could not agree more with the Agbay recommendation!!! I'm a hobbyist, and held off for awhile on getting it because I didn't think I could justify the cost. I've had it for a little over a year now, though, and the amount of time and aggravation I've saved myself by levelling and torting any multitiered cake in five minutes, regardless of size, has justified the cost a million times over. SO great!!

The Agbay is the first thing on my list!

I always have tutorial DVD's on my list, covers for my Kitchenaide bowls
and this year a Photocube table studio kit so I can take better pictures.

Not to be too off the point...................But it's so sad that books are dying!

I still use my books, it's fun to go through them on a rainy day, with a big cup of coffee too............ahhhhhhhh
JMO

I agree with the Agbay, it is expensive, but if you do cakes frequently, it is a good investment. Like all the other posters said, good bags, cake pans, good off-set icing spatulas, basic icing tips, etc.

HTH

yes, the kit I am looking at does come with lights. I have seen several kinds and even have the info to make one from PVC pipes but am still interested in the kit.

OOOOOOOO, I want a fondant sheeter. The one that Cake Boos uses.


Infinitskylease explain in detail how you made your table top light.

Ditto to the fondant sheeter...that would make rolling out fondant so easy! I looked up the Agbay since I didn't know what that was (I am new to cakes) and that would make my list if I made more of them. I think I just might start making more so I can get one!!

A big global sugar art gift card!

So may fun toys eh! The photocube is the one that jumped out at me and I have sent that to my BF. Also, I love the idea of a nice tailored chefs coat. Found tons of nice ones on line for $17-24 but then shipping is about $29 hahahha typical! Oh well. YAY! now just to wait and see!

I want this DVD

http://www.ciaprochef.com/fbi/dvds/CakeArt.html#details

This is the book, but for now I just want the video version of it. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0867309229/?tag=cakecentral-20

I love having books. I just got this book http://www.amazon.com/dp/047170136X/?tag=cakecentral-20 and I believe a person could truly teach themselves how to make perfect cakes using her book. It's like a one on one teacher. Very good instructions with lots of pictures.

I still love books, but then again I'm a writer as well LOL. I think books are nice because if you commit to trying whats in them you can grow...and it's just nice to have on hand. I really liked Planet Cakes book for ganache. I think the Hello Cupcake books are really cool for cupcakes. For other things you could ask for an assortment of dusts (disco, luster, pearl) and colors just so you have them on hand when you want to try new themes...they make great stocking stuffers if you all still do that hehe An airbrush and agbay sound great too.

Agbay is the best tool I ever spent my $$ on!
1. If you like making gumpaste flowers, cutters and veiners are great.
2. Sharon Zambito and Jennifer Dontz's DVDs are a must - you get so much out of them.
3. The really large rolling pins (since I know that I will not get the sheeter )
4. Silicone mats, extra flex bags.
5. I like books since I can pick it up faster than getting on the internet - there are some great magazines that come out of the UK - mostly photos, but they are great inspirations. You can pick them up at Barnes & Nobles but there are also subscriptions available. A little pricey, but that's why we ask for them as gifts!
6. Gift certificates/cards to classes

Agbay was the ONLY thing on my list this year...So they all pooled their money. Takes away all the surprise, but on the other hand it is something that I really really want and will get alot of use out of.

What a great thread! I am looking at what to ask for too. I asked for a pasta roller to roll out my fondant. I would LOVE the Agbay. It is pricey though! I would love to get some DVD's. Anyone recommend anything?

Definately the Agbay! A bench scraper to smooth your buttercream cakes. A giant case of VIVA. (Sad, but they are pricey! LOL). A thick gel pad to stand on (you'll see what I mean after your first sleepless weekend of decorating...) A clay extruder set for your fondant. A cheap, flat wooden turn-table (they work the best for me).

i want one of those heavy, pro, metal turntables. please! i've been a good little caker.

what is the best clay extruder to get?

Can't live without:

Roul Pat silicone mats

Silicone rolling pin (with handles...Sil Pin and a Sil Pin Jr)

Air Brush

Big assortment of paint brushes

Cutters and Molds

Disco Dust

Americolor food markers

Lucks pearl airbrush spray




Those are the main things I use ALL the time!!!!

so many toys....so little space. This will be helpful in planning what comes next...thanks!

I have not done a fondant covered cake. Which of Jennifer Dontz DVD would you suggest. I would like to try flowers and borders in fondant.

Thanks,