Cupcaker maker for Christmas present

**MumtoEmma** · 11-10-2009, 04:16 AM

Hi

My 7 year old has done her list for Santa and on it this year again is one of those Gourmet Girl Cupcake makers. I believe they are American so that's why I thought I would see if anyone here has bought one for their daughter.

They are pretty expensive to buy and then it looks like you have to keep buying the special icing and mixture. What also gets me is that they look pretty plastic for the money. She asked for it for her birthday last July and now again so she really wants it.

Has anyone had one and liked it? Or would I be better off just getting her her own little mixer and decorating accessories that will last longer maybe?

Thanks

**Sundae** · 11-10-2009, 08:32 AM

I have never seen what you are talking about, but I like the idea of where your going....How about her own cupcake tray, decorative cupcake cups, sprinkles, decorating accesories and a mixer. You guys could have some real fun together too!! Oh and there might even be a cupcake decorating booklet out there too.

**nuisance26** · 11-10-2009, 08:49 AM

~The reviews on Amazon are very poor, two stars out of five from 164 reviews. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Jakks-Pacific-Gourmet-Cupcake-Maker/dp/B0017HGGDU"]Amazon.com: Jakks Pacific Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker: Toys & Games[/ame]
I suggest getting a small silicone cupcake pan or cups and a push type icing decorator set(got mine at the dollar store). Pair these with a few boxed cake mixes, icing and sprinkles and you'll spend about $10. Both these items come in pretty pastel colors as well.
Here are some sites with microwave cooking proportions and times: http://www.ehow.com/how_4933567_microwave-cupcakes.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-...pcakes,FF.html
http://mydiversekitchen.blogspot.com...e-version.html ~

**Mummy2** · 11-10-2009, 09:24 AM

WOW!! this is perfect for my 9yro DD she always wants to help bake and crys when I do it without her!!

**mauimagic** · 11-10-2009, 10:44 AM

Love your idea Nuisance!! I've been buying cooking paraphenalia for one of my nieces for a few years - good to get them started young!!

**geckoace** · 11-10-2009, 11:19 AM

i JUST saw this in AC Moore sunday, they mixes were on clearance already.

it seems like it just works as a froster you bake the cake in the microwave.... bed bath and beyond had baking sets with mix, a rolling pin, apron, etc for $4 just a thought

there are also lots of microwave cake recipes on the web i made a chocolate one last week

**xtena** · 11-10-2009, 12:00 PM

I read reviews on ToysRUs (or Amazon...do they still share a website?) when I checked last year. I think the cheap plastic parts are made in China, and I wouldn't trust the quality or safety of microwaving made-in-China plastic. I think I read that the mixes are not made in China but I could be wrong. Given the poison milk fiasco, and the poison dog food fiasco...I am highly distrustful of the safety of food from China, and my husband is from China, so I'm not being racist here. I do remember some reviewers saying the cakes tasted awful.

You are much better off getting her some real baking supplies; a set of measuring cups and baking tins and cupcake liners. You could make up some homemade 'coupons' good for an afternoon of cake baking with Mom.

**savvy_sniper** · 11-10-2009, 12:32 PM

I have seen those in magazines and on TV. I consider them TERRIBLY overpriced. I bet if you haunt the thrift stores you can find one cheap.

I agree with Nuisance!

**Jenibelle** · 11-10-2009, 04:13 PM

See if any local agencies offer a cake decorating class...it could be something you could do together! They teach lots of them at craft stores as well, at least they do around here.

**MumtoEmma** · 11-10-2009, 08:38 PM

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all the replies. I knew I would get answers here. I think I'll buy some nice cupcake trays etc and maybe one of those special stands for cupcakes. I looked today at some little mixers and I'd feel better buying one of them than a plastic thing. Might have a better look for cake decoration books to put with it. I think that is the main attraction anyway. She'll have to do it with her father though and not me. Afterall he is the bakers son.

I had a better look at the Gourmet Girl thing and they are made in China but the foodstuff is made in America. So that's where I thought they were American.

Thanks

**porembam** · 11-10-2009, 08:49 PM

My daughter got one for Christmas last year. It was alot of fun for her and she had a ball making everyone cupcakes.
The refill cake mixes were very expensive and not worth it.
When you create a baking kit for your daughter make sure to include a frosting set (or teach her how to fill a baggie with frosting,cut the tip and let her squeeze)- I think that was the best part of the experience for her

**Maine Girl** · 11-14-2009, 08:41 AM

When i was at bed bath n beyond they had a kids baking set. I love nusance26's idea!!! It is a gift that will last a lot longer than the toy version. if you sew you could make her some potholders maybe a apron. Oh and maybe a wooden spoon. Please let us know what you bought.

**savvy_sniper** · 11-14-2009, 08:46 AM

I saw a bunch of cake decorating stuff in the Christmas section at WalMart a couple of days ago.

**Brat** · 11-14-2009, 08:11 PM

This thing was $30.00 at Walmart today..don't think that I would want to pay that for plastic..I did buy my kids the easybake oven many years ago and it didnt' last past the new year...Good luck..Just get things and let her cook with you. Will last a lot longer.

**geckoace** · 12-02-2009, 01:35 PM

just thought id add these 2 links in case you are still trying to think of what to do. i saw them today and immediately thought of this thread

http://blissfulbeth.blogspot.com/200...cake-kits.html
http://hoosierhomemade.com/cupcake-ornament/