Top 10 Baking Tools to Create the Perfect Gift Basket for a Cake Maker

Most recipes are written for the shiny metal pans. I also prefer using 8-inch pans to get a taller cake. Your cake maker needs at least 2 pans, but 3 is even better.

Make sure to get one large enough to hold 2 cake layers or get 2 smaller racks.

I just love my glass cake stands. Not only can you display your beautiful cakes, but you can put muffins, bagels, cookies and more right on your kitchen counter. My original cake stand was just that a cake stand. The next one I got could be turned into a trifle or punch bowl. There are even cake stands that can be used as a cake stand, a trifle/punch bowl and a chip-and-dip set. A cake stand can make any cake look gorgeous.

There are all types of decorating tools out there. Choose the one that is best for the baking abilities of your cake maker. A good beginners set would be the 25-piece set from Wilton. It comes with instructions and 4 different icing colors.

Every kitchen needs a good set of knives like this paring knife. A long serrated knife is another good knife needed. It would be used to cut through a cake horizontally. If you get a good knife like a Wusthof, your gift will be treasured for a lifetime.

The ultimate mixer for anyone who bakes is, of course, a stand mixer. I love my KitchenAid. A stand mixer may not be for everyone. Not to worry though because there are plenty of great hand mixers out there. I use mine a lot so I've got a KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus 7 hand mixer.

Before electric mixers cakes were mixed by hand. Every kitchen needs at least one wire whip, and you can never have too many either. (The OXO Good Grips are the easiest on your wrist.

You absolutely must have measuring cups and spoons when baking. Don't forget to get the glass measuring cups too.

Everyone should own at least one Bundt Cake Pan. I've got 5 cake pans and one Mini Bundt Pan that makes six smaller cakes. The latest one I got was the Original Bundt Limited Edition Pan. Cakes come out easier and I can hang it on the wall.

Every cake baker needs a quality vanilla to go with their quality cakes. I prefer pure vanilla extracts from Mexico like Diosa Vainilla. It has a full rich flavor.