Need Ideas For A Gift For A Beginner Cake Maker
Decorating By smokey22 Updated 30 Jul 2009 , 4:30am by VeronicaLuis
I would like to buy a gift for my wife's cousin. She has made, out of her pocket, a cake for both of my daughters birthdays. I would say she is a beginner or novice but seems to really like making cakes. I was thinking some tools or pans. Any ideas or any good websites to buy from. Thanks for any help. 
if you have a local cake shop, id get vouchers for there - even if your supermarket stocks a lot of wilton stuff, vouchers for there wth a little card saying 'strictly for cake goodies!'.
actually buying stuff for her, when you dont know what she has/ wants is a bit tricky. maybe ask her, and agree to get something of the list as a semi-sureprise thank you.
xx
Yes, it is hard to know what to get when you don't know what she already has suppy-wise, however, that said....
I would welcome any basic supplies, like icing colors, extra icing bags, extra tips (you can never have too many duplicate tips!), meringue powder, spatulas, foil for cake boards, etc. I like to have plenty of basic stuff on hand so I'm not running back and forth to the store all the time!
And, as others previously posted, you can never go wrong the the gift certificate. How about a copy of the new Wiltion 2010 yearbook?
If you don't want to get a gift certficate, there are a few things that everyone needs all the time...
*Disposable decorating bags
*Wilton Cake Release
*Good clear vanilla
*Waxed Paper, Tinfoil and Plastic Wrap
I don't know how much you were planning on spending, but I would adore a little basket with some of the above essentials along with a gift certificate to a local Michael's or Hobby Lobby where I could treat myself to an investment in my cake hobby. Also, make sure she knows that by signing up on either Michael's or Hobby Lobby's websites, you will regularly get coupons for 40-50% off. That makes a set of pans pretty cheap!
Oh, another idea...if you're sure she doesn't already have one, you could get her a decorator's caddy....looks like a tool box. You can buy them with or without supplies included. Bigger is better, but price is a consideration. Again, be sure to take along a coupon and get it for 1/2 price!
gift certificate to Barnes & Nobles or Borders -- with restriction: for CAKE decorating books only!!!
or just get books -- such as those by Debbie Brown, Collette Peters, and Toba Garrett.
Do Mike McCarey or SugarShack offer gift certificates for their DVDs?
Oh, I thought of some other basic things.....cake boards, cake pan release, and for me, this is essential....a baby bottle drying rack for drying icing bags after you've washed them! Unless she uses disposable bags....that's another good "staple" to have on hand, too.
Since (from the picture) she's doing fondant, a good rolling pin (I love my Sil-pin) and some luster dusts would be a great gift, if you don't want to get her a gift certificate.
I would have to agree with Doug, I think that book as a great idea
If not, maybe some food coloring, lorann flavors, lustre dusts, fondant cutters, bake even strips!!!
I love my bake even strips, just used them for the first time last night
Oooh and you can get her the Wilton leveler too!
I agree with others that a goodie basket containing color gels, metal cutters (cookie or fondant), lustre dusts, maybe some gum paste, would be an awesome gift for me! Another thing that I love but haven't purchased is an impression mat. I love them, but haven't needed them yet so keep putting it off!
Books and/or gift certificates are also great ideas!! I really like the Debbie Brown book, and there are several good books full of techniques from Wilton, as well as the Wilton Year Book!!
I would never buy somebody the Wilton leveler, although I would gladly give somebody mine and maybe even pay them to take it. lol!
I would never buy somebody the Wilton leveler, although I would gladly give somebody mine and maybe even pay them to take it. lol!
I respectfully disagree with that. I have the smaller one, and it is much easier than using a knife. I think for a beginner it does the job until you can afford something bigger/better. I know a lot of people have had trouble with theirs, but mine hasn't been a problem at all
I would never buy somebody the Wilton leveler, although I would gladly give somebody mine and maybe even pay them to take it. lol!
I respectfully disagree with that. I have the smaller one, and it is much easier than using a knife. I think for a beginner it does the job until you can afford something bigger/better. I know a lot of people have had trouble with theirs, but mine hasn't been a problem at all
Ahhh, I've heard that the smaller Wilton one works a lot better than their large one! 
Just goes to show that bigger and more expensive is not always better! 
Everyone has their own opinion, but my husband bought me the large Wilton leveler and it has been great!
I agree the gift cards/certificates are WONDERFUL!!! Those are all I have been asking for gifts since I started cake decorating back in the fall. There is always a new tool to explore ... or something that you run out of! Those things are indispensable ... and your wife's cousin can get just what she wants/needs.
But the Wilton Yearbook would be great, too (or any of the Wilton publications - i.e. the Tiered cake book, etc.).
Whatever you end up getting I'm sure will be greatly appreciated! Kudos to you for being so thoughtful! 
.........Oooh and ....... the Wilton leveler too!........
.........I would never buy somebody the Wilton leveler.........
.........I respectfully disagree with that. I have the smaller one, and it is much easier than using a knife...........
Interesting how what works for one person is hated by others I would NEVER spend even one cent on the *large* Wilton leveler but for years used the small one. It is indeed a great gift option for a beginning decorator.
The other suggestions already given are wonderful. I am a book person so I'd love, love, love even one yearbook (value: $10-12?) or Debbie Brown book.
I know you've already purchased her gift, but I'd like to add. The best thing you could do for her as a beginer decorator is to tell her to come to cakecentral.com and sign up!
Since you said you went to Micheal's , maybe you could see if they offer Wilton Classes at your location . If she hasn't already taken any they are a great place to start for learning basic techniques .
You could get her the class kit with the coupon and they are offering an august discount on the class.
It is a great place to learn & start for a beginner. I even took the classes when I had already been decorating for years!
I know you've already purchased her gift, but I'd like to add. The best thing you could do for her as a beginer decorator is to tell her to come to cakecentral.com and sign up!
What about a turntable? I would KILL for a good large turntable! And i've been decorating for a few yrs now...STILL haven;t got one!
ck has a really nice one that is really really cheap! like $11 its not amazing but its wayyyy better then wilton!
Since you said you went to Micheal's , maybe you could see if they offer Wilton Classes at your location . If she hasn't already taken any they are a great place to start for learning basic techniques .
You could get her the class kit with the coupon and they are offering an august discount on the class.
It is a great place to learn & start for a beginner. I even took the classes when I had already been decorating for years!
Well I haven't been to Micheal's yet, but when I do go I'll check for information about the classes. Thanks
I received a Wilton Cake Decorating Master Tip Set - 56 PC. All the tips come in a box for safe keeping and a wonderful book to go with it is Wilton - The uses of the most popuplar decorating tips.
Perfect for decorating with cream type icing.
I was simply speechles with my gift and look forward to every occasion that I get to pull them out and use them.
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