Brainstorm

• Sit down with your toddler and talk about what they like to do and what they are interested in. If they are not very verbal yet, then watch them as they play and take note of what they find most fun. For instance, they might be interested in cars, dolls, tools, art, or music. Perhaps they really like a particular cartoon character such as Bob the Tomato, Sponge Bob, or Blue from Blue's Clues.
  
  

Decide on a Theme

• Once you have a list of your toddler's interests, think about which of those would make a good theme for a birthday party and cake. If you plan on making all of the decorations yourself, you may be able to turn just about any interest into a theme. On the other hand, if you want to purchase most of the decorations already made and only make the cake yourself, you will need to see what is on the market. For instance, if your daughter likes Veggie Tales and speedboats, you might find that it is easier to find plates, balloons, napkins, and other supplies in the Veggie Tales theme than in the speedboat theme. Decide on the theme that matches your toddler's interests and the amount of work that you want to do.
  
  

Design the Cake

• With a theme picked out, it is time to design your child's cake. You will need to decide if you are making a sculpted cake, where you cut out a shape in the cake before frosting it, or if you are doing a standard layer or sheet cake. Consider your own abilities. If you have never decorated a cake before, then stick with something simple like a sheet cake. You will need to decide how to make the cake fit the theme of the party. If you are good with icing, think about finding a picture relating to you theme and recreating it in icing. For instance, you might be able to create Bob the Tomato from Veggie tales, or Blue from Blue's Clues. If you are not as experienced with icing, purchase a small toy or cake topper relating to your child's theme. You can place the toy or topper on the cake and do basic icing decoration around the main element.
  
  

Make the Cake

• With your cake designed, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to make it. Be sure you have all of the ingredients you need on hand, including any ingredients for frosting. The last thing you want to do is run short on time or supplies so that your cake is sloppy or incomplete. Taking the time you need will ensure that your toddler's birthday cake truly reflects her personality and the theme of her party.
  
  

Display the Cake

• Displaying your cake is almost as important as decorating it. Be sure to display your toddler's cake on an attractive platter and to incorporate the theme of the party into other elements on the table. For instance, Elmo napkins and plates would go perfectly with an Elmo cake. You might even include a special stuffed Elmo next to the cake that you can give your child at party time. Once the cake is displayed, be sure to take pictures so that you and your child can remember the cake for a lifetime. Your hard work will pay off and your toddler and her friends will love eating the cake you put your time and love into.