DIY Cake Toppers at Home: 7 Easy Steps to Craft Gorgeous Toppers Without the Fuss

How to Make Your Own Cake Toppers at Home

Cake toppers are the cherry on top of any celebration—whether you're throwing a first birthday party, a rustic baby shower, or a luxe engagement dinner. While there are loads of beautiful options online, making your own DIY cake toppers at home is easier than ever—and way more fun!

From glittery cardstock cut-outs to elegant acrylic pieces, you don’t need to be a professional designer or crafter to pull this off. Just a little creativity, a few tools, and this handy guide!

 

Why DIY Cake Toppers Are Worth It

Let’s be honest—store-bought toppers can be pricey, generic, or not quite the right fit for your theme. But with a homemade topper, you can:

• Personalise it to match your event

• Save money

• Craft it last-minute (hello, instant gratification!)

• Create something truly unique and meaningful

Plus, it's a fantastic weekend activity to do with kids or friends.

 

What You’ll Need to Make Cake Toppers at Home

Tool/Material	Purpose
Cardstock or Glitter Paper	Base material for your topper
Bamboo Skewers or Toothpicks	To hold the topper on the cake
Glue or Double-Sided Tape	To stick layers together
Scissors or Craft Knife	For cutting, trimming and shaping
Cricut or Silhouette Machine (optional)	For professional-looking cutouts
Canva or Design Software	To design your text or graphics
Printer (optional)	For printable toppers
Hot Glue Gun	Strong adhesive for quick setting

7 Steps to Make Your Own Cake Toppers at Home

 

Step 1: Choose Your Design
Decide what your topper will say or show. Common ideas include:

• Age numbers: “One”, “21”, “30 & Thriving”

• Names or phrases: “Happy Birthday Mia”, “Oh Baby!”

• Icons or themes: Balloons, animals, stars, hearts

Use free design software like Canva, or grab SVG files from Etsy if using a Cricut.

 

Step 2: Select Your Materials
Cardstock is the most beginner-friendly. Go for glitter, foil, or metallic if you want extra wow. Wooden or acrylic toppers are beautiful but require advanced tools (like laser cutting or online orders).

 

Step 3: Print or Cut Your Design

• If hand-cutting: Print your design on regular paper, trace it onto your fancy paper, and cut it with scissors or a craft knife.

• If using Cricut/Silhouette: Upload your SVG file and let the machine do the magic.

Step 4: Layer It (Optional)
Add a backing layer in a contrasting colour for pop. This also makes the topper sturdier. Use double-sided foam tape between layers for a 3D effect.

 

Step 5: Attach a Stick
Glue a bamboo skewer, toothpick, or acrylic rod to the back using a hot glue gun. Make sure it’s centred and well-supported.

 

Step 6: Add Embellishments
Mini pom-poms, paper flowers, or rhinestones? Go wild! Just keep it food-safe and balanced in weight.

 

Step 7: Insert into Your Cake!
Once everything’s dry and secure, gently push the topper into your cake and voila—instant party magic!

 

Design Tips for Beginners

• Stick to bold fonts for better visibility and easier cutting

• Use contrast: light toppers on dark cakes or vice versa

• Stick with one or two colors to avoid a cluttered look

• Print a test size before cutting your final design

Using Canva to Create a DIY Topper Design

If you don’t have a Cricut or design software, Canva is your best friend:

1. Open Canva and choose a custom size (try 5x7 inches).

2. Add your text or graphics.

3. Download the design as a PDF or PNG.

4. Print and cut!

Bonus tip: Use Canva’s “Effects” tab to curve text for stylish arch toppers.

Alternative DIY Ideas (No Printer Required)

• Hand-drawn Toppers: Use metallic markers on coloured paper for a whimsical look

• Photos as Toppers: Print a photo of the birthday person and glue it to cardstock

• Stencils: Use alphabet stencils to trace and cut letters from glitter paper

Where to Print If You Don’t Have a Printer

Don't stress if you don’t have a printer at home. Simply save your file and:

• Visit Officeworks or Kmart Photos

• Choose a matte or glossy finish

• Ask for thicker paper or card stock

These stores are budget-friendly and usually offer same-day pickup.