A special birthday cake can create special memories for your family that last a lifetime. A picture of the birthday child grinning from ear-to-ear as she stands by her cake always makes a splash in the family photo album for years to come.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a pastry chef on the Food Network to bake a special birthday cake for your child. All it takes is a little imagination, the right tools, and a plan. You also don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new baking pans. As long as the container is ovenproof—you can use anything to bake your batter. This will allow you to create many different sizes of cakes using your current selection of pans and bowls. Remember—you can also use cupcakes to create added interest and levels to your cake.

Here’s a few ways you can use simple items to turn a boring birthday cake into a memorable one:

1. Candy Decorations You can pick up small bags of candy in the bulk section of your grocery store. The shapes and colors of the candies can often inspire a great idea. LifeSavers can turn into inner tubes for a pool party theme cake. Strings of fruit leather can turn into a dog collar. How about cotton candy for a ballerina tutu.

2. Cookies and Crackers You’d be surprised what you can do with cookies and crackers. Graham crackers are both tasty and easy to decorate. Cookies can easily be turned into wheels. Crushed cookie crumbs can also be used to create interesting shapes and textures. Sugar wafer cookies also have a lot of possibilities.

3. Toys Cakes can also be decorated with small children’s toys such as pirates, cars, and dolls. The dollar store can be a great place to get ideas. You can also use toys placed on cupcakes to make yummy party favors.

4. Edible Decorations Party stores often have a wide variety of edible decorations. Sprinkles and sugars come in every color you can imagine. You can also find other interesting items such as edible flowers, glitter, and candy eyeballs made of sugar!

You certainly aren’t limited to the baking aisle of your local grocery store to get some great birthday cake decorating ideas. You also don’t need the skills of an iron chef to make a memorable birthday cake. With a little imagination you can use your own bowls and pans to create birthday cake memories to last a lifetime.

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