Here are several baking tools that can be used to create the perfect gift basket for the cake maker in your life.
Gift Giving Tip: Instead of using a basket, smaller items could be put in your stacked cake pans. Enclose everything in shrink wrap and tie it with a ribbon. Don't forget to add a few printed recipes and cake making how-to articles found in the Cake Index on this website.
1. Round Cake Pans
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.
2. Cooling Racks
Make sure to get one large enough to hold 2 cake layers or get 2 smaller racks.3. 3 in 1 Cake Stand
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. This new cake stand, the 3 in 1 Serveware Set, can be used as a cake stand, a trifle/punch bowl and a chip-and-dip set. What a great gift!4. Cake Decorating Tools
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.5. Serrated Knife
A long serrated knife is needed to cut through a cake horizonally. If you get a good knife like a Wusthof, your gift will be treasured for a lifetime.6. Mixers
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.7. Wire Whisks
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.8. Measuring Cups and Spoons
You absolutely must have measuring cups and spoons when baking. Don't forget to get the glass measuring cups too.9. Bundt Cake Pans
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.10. Pure Vanilla Extract
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.