My granddaughter is in the beginning phase of a cake decorating obsession with a goal of doing this professionally. I want to give her some creative cake decorating items for her birthday. Any suggestions of what she can't live without? I appreciate the help. The cakes on this site are certainly something for her to strive towards.
AEverything Norasmom said, and maybe some cutter sets (circles, stars, hearts, basic shapes in different sizes). Sometimes basic items are needed too, like boards, dowels, brushes, smoothers. I like getting cake plates or pedestals. Or cake carriers can come in handy if she brings cakes to gatherings often.
An ICES membership (and if she's young and poor, maybe cover the cost of a DOS or two) or a Craftsy gift certificate. 
Wonderful ideas! Also, a subscription to American Cake Decorating or Cake Central magazine or even gift cards to Ebay or Amazon where she can buy what she needs/wants.
AAwwww what a sweet idea!! That would really help her a lot as buying all those things can be expensive,especially good quality stuff. Also flower nails,ingredients like fondant and gumpaste so she can practice figures/flowers,cake scraper and maybe some modelling tools?
AI am amazed at how much I love my large silicone mat. It makes a wonderful work surface, especially for rolling out fondant. I think that would be a great gift!
Thanks again for the ideas. I ended up buying her a Kitchen Aid Professional 600 for her birthday. Expensive but I know from experience she will use it for many years to come. Now I am going to start picking up some items mentioned here and have them ready for Christmas.
AWhat a lovely, generous gift! Hopefully you get the first goodie to come out of it!
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