[Libbi]

DD really wants the cupcake maker that is advertised on TV for Christmas. I have read the reviews and they are horrible. Does anyone have any ideas for something else that is similar that isn't just junk?

[frogprincess]

Is it that one that makes giant cupcakes? From experience alot of those baking products on tv are junk. I bought this heart shaped pancake maker and it was made out of very thin/cheap metal and I ended up throwing it out. If he's got his mind set on one of these its better to buy one from a brand name company like betty crocker. They have a filled cake maker that looked really good and since its betty crocker - its most likely not a cheap item (I think it was made out of good quality materials and not silicone*).

Personally though, from my personal baking experience the best way is the most primitive way. Making cupcakes in traditional pans is best and costs the least. Its more work but its worth it. Its like I always say "If its too good to be true it usually is." Shortcuts when baking are just not worth it. You usually will end up with inferior results if you use shortcuts or products that promise that.

If you want to save time and effort, you can use premade icing, toppings and cake mixes to make cupcakes. No need for a fancy cupcake maker. Though if he's set on one, maybe you can dress yourself up as a cup cake maker. He might get a chuckle out of you with a big bow and sign on you.

*Silicone pans are nice if you can get them to work but they are super flexible which makes them harder to bake with from experience. Metal pans are a bit heavier but if you grease them right you should not have to worry about failures too much. A little bit of spray with flour in it or baking spray and flour on the pan works wonders.

[brook6]

what about Easy Bake Oven? I had one when I was a girl [don't ask when that was] and loved it...I see the recent ones have changed design, but probably same concept

...how old is DD?

[cpht]

What about get her some nice "grown up" baking things? Maybe make a basket with an apron, chef's hat, baking utensils (spoons, spatulas), muffins pans, and I bet you could find a really neat cupcake cookbook that would interest her. You could also throw in a couple of BC mixes, frosting, and sprinkles. Maybe even a beginners piping set or go simple with the decorating gels in the baking section. This is starting to sound like a Christmas gift I would like!

[amyers12345]

We have the cupcake maker-- it's not the best, but it works fine. It got down to around $5 before Christmas last year.

There are some super cute kids baking sets available, with mini pans, utensils, and recipes. I would look for one of those and throw in some cake mixes and frosting- like a PP said. Check your kitchen stores and book stores for cookbooks, gift sets, or ideas. Don't forget to look for a coupon for that store!

BC frostings are .67 at Kroger this week, and you will be able to find lots of baking stuff for very cheap soon.

[littlejen875]

Some real baking stuff would be nice. Martha Stewart also has a cupcake book and it has hundreds of cupcake recipes - she'll never get thru them all

[A2Woman]

We got the cupcake maker for one of the DD last year for Christmas. It was used once, and is sitting on a closet shelf.

I like the other ladies' ideas of real baking items, and her own baking utensils. I love the pink Kitchenaid line of utensils, measuring cups & spoons, spatula, etc. that is available now.