Cake Topper

A figure standing on a cake does what a printed sugar disc cannot: it matches the party exactly, it photographs with actual depth, and it leaves the table with the birthday child instead of being eaten. Buying from a single-design bag means the topper can be joined by a small herd around the base of the cake for the price of the same bag. These are toys rather than food-safe decorations, so wash them first and stand them on a fondant disc, a parchment round or a small plaque rather than directly on the icing, and lift them off before the cake is cut.