Make your next dessert unforgettable with these DIY cake toppers! Find over 30 easy ideas for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more.
Let’s be honest for a second.
Most people aren’t making bakery-level cakes at home.
And that’s okay.
Because I’ve got a little secret for you: people remember the top of the cake more than they remember the cake itself.
Think about it. When someone walks into a party, what gets photographed first? The cake. And what ends up all over social media? The cake topper.
That’s why I love making my own DIY cake toppers.
You can buy a plain grocery store cake, add one of these ideas, and suddenly it looks like you spent way more time and money than you actually did. It’s one of the easiest ways to customize a special occasion without learning how to pipe buttercream roses or sculpt fondant swans.
Whether you’re celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, a wedding, baby shower, graduation, retirement, or just making cupcakes for a friend, the right topper completely changes the vibe.
The best part is that making your own cake toppers is surprisingly easy. Some projects use paper and a skewer. Others use flowers, pom poms, Cricut designs, candy, or even toy dinosaurs. There are options for beginner crafters and overachievers alike.
And unlike store-bought decorations, these easy DIY cake toppers can be completely personalized.
Want a name? Done.
A favorite hobby? Easy.
A funny inside joke? Even better.
Whether you’re looking for elegant wedding decor, playful birthday decorations, or a complete showstopper that steals attention from the cake itself, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below.
Let’s decorate some cake!
Cake Decor DIY
1
Happy Birthday
This easy homemade birthday cake banner made from paper can spell out a personalized Happy Birthday message on your dessert without needing special frosting skills!
This easy DIY cake topper with paper flowers is an easy cake decorating idea everyone should try. Perfect for a birthday cake, Mother's Day, wedding, or baby shower!
Make any cake look fabulous with an awesome set of color banners. Only a few supplies needed and your cake will look fun and festive! Plus you can use washi tape in any pattern or colors.
This cake topper is colorful and adorable (who doesn't love things that are mini?!) and easy and customizable. This paper chain is perfect for any celebration, and you can even get your kids to help make it.
Sweet honeycomb details make this topper ideal for baby showers and welcoming a brand-new little family member. Don’t know the gender yet? An all-white version would be darling!
Inspired by a fantastic rainbow arch, here’s the mini version for a cake! Full of everything fun – balloons, honeycomb balls, candy – this topper really “takes the cake.” Make it for St. Patrick's, Pride, or any other celebration where you want a lot of color.
An extraordinary mother needs an extraordinary cake! What I love about this particular cake topper is that it's got lots of colors and takes the word “floral” to a new extreme. Does it remind you of A Small World at Disneyland? Because it does me!
If you're not feeling particularly inspired but want a cute cake topper, this one is very easy. Simply make two “clouds” using frosting, and then use a rainbow strip of candy to connect them. Super easy for spring or summer and great for a small cake!
Glitter does a heart good! You can use any wood shapes along with skewers and glitter paint to make these cute toppers. Wouldn't these be cute cupcake toppers too?
Turn a store bought cake into something special with these DIY pom pom cake toppers. So easy, and inexpensive! There's another version making letters out of pom poms here.
This rustic cake topper is easily made with wire and fresh thyme. A heart shape is great for a wedding cake, but you could make numbers or letters too!
Metallics are a popular choice for graduation, a milestone birthday, an evening wedding, or even a retirement party! The step by step for these pinwheels is easier than you think.
If you're looking for a simple shortcut, this is a pretty way to embellish a cake using macarons (either homemade or store bought!). This post shares a cake recipe, too.
Celebrate a new arrival with personalized lettering that makes baby shower cakes feel extra meaningful. You can use letter stickers or painted wood letters, too.
Nothing says “party” quite like a disco ball. Learn how to create fully edible disco ball cake toppers that look just like the real thing, but are 100% food safe and are a great alternative to glass decorations,
Volcanoes, dinosaurs, and bright colors make this topper a huge hit with dinosaur-loving kids! Put a candle or sparkler into the middle of the volcano cake topper to watch it erupt.
Now that you know how to make your own cake toppers, I would love if you shared this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular party posts:
Great Inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
Love these DIY cake toppers! Simple, creative, and a great way to add a personal touch to any celebration cake.
So many great ideas! Thank you so much for including my fresh flower cake topper!
My pleasure!
@Amy, I love you Amy!! Leave your husband…….