Age Cake Toppers: Sizes, Colours and How to Use One Safely
The short answer
A personalised age cake topper is a number on a pick that sits on top of the cake. Ours are balloon-style numbers 6 cm tall on a 6 cm pick from from £8, or a bigger 9 cm table stand that sits beside the cake. Wrap the pick in a little foil before pushing it in, keep it away from candles, and lift it off before you cut and serve.
In this guide
A big number on top of the cake is the quickest way to say whose day it is. The trouble is that shop-bought toppers come in the same few colours, and foil balloons are flat by the next morning. A printed age topper is made for that one birthday, in the colours of the party, and it's still there to keep afterwards.
Here's how ours are sized, how to choose colours, and how to use one safely.
What is a personalised age cake topper?
It's a number, made for a specific birthday, that sits on top of the cake on a pick. Ours are shaped like puffy balloon numbers, with a little highlight on each one so they look shiny, and the stick in a second colour.
You can choose any age from 1 to 100 and beyond, up to three digits. Pick the balloon colour and the colour of the shine and stick, and you'll see the design before you buy.
How big is an age cake topper?
Our cake topper has numbers 6 cm tall on a 6 cm pick, which suits most home-baked and shop-bought cakes. If you want something bigger, the table stand has 9 cm numbers on a 10 cm round stand.
| Style | Number height | Fixing | Where it goes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cake topper | 6 cm | 6 cm pick | Pushed into the top of the cake | from £8 |
| Table stand | 9 cm | 10 cm round stand | On the table, beside the cake or as a centrepiece | £4 more |
A few things to think about when choosing:
- A small or soft cake (a sponge, a cheesecake, cupcakes on a stand) suits the table stand, because nothing has to go into the cake at all.
- A tall, firm cake with icing holds a pick well, so the cake topper works nicely.
Which colours and finishes work best?
The safest choice is to match the party: gold or silver for milestones, bright matte colours for kids. You pick two colours, one for the balloon and one for the shine and stick.
Each part can be matte, silk, glitter, iridescent or tricolour. Matte and silk cost nothing extra on the age topper. Glitter adds £1, and iridescent and tricolour add £1.50.
Some combinations that work well:
| Party | Balloon colour | Shine and stick |
|---|---|---|
| 18th, 21st, 30th | Silk gold | Ivory |
| 40th, 50th, 60th | Silk silver or gold | A darker contrast colour |
| Kids' birthday | Bright matte, in their favourite colour | Ivory or white |
| Something sparkly | Glitter | A plain matte colour, so the number still reads clearly |
Silk has a soft sheen that catches the light, which suits the balloon look. If you're unsure, the preview shows each combination before you order.
How do you use a cake topper safely?
Treat it as a decoration, not something to eat from. 3D printed parts aren't food-contact items, so the pick shouldn't sit bare in the cake.
- Wait until the cake is fully cool. Our toppers are printed in PLA, which softens above 50°C.
- Wrap the pick in a little foil before pushing it into the cake.
- Keep it away from candles. Put the candles well clear of the topper, or lift the topper out before you light them.
- Take it off before cutting and serving. Then wipe it clean and keep it.
- Keep it out of reach of little ones. It has small parts, so it isn't suitable for children under 3, and it isn't a toy.
Keep it away from hot ovens too. A wipe with a damp cloth is all the cleaning it needs.
Can you keep it after the party?
Yes, and that's half the point. Unlike real balloons, it never goes down. Plenty of people pop it on a shelf as a reminder of the day, or bring it out again for photos.
What else goes with an age topper?
If you're planning a kids' party, a personalised party bag is an easy match. Our party bag name keyrings come in packs of 10, 20 or 30, all in one colour scheme with each child's name, from from £20 for 10. Paste the guest list in one name per line. They have a metal ring, so please hand them out to children 3 and over.
For a single present to go with the cake, a name keyring is £4, or 3 for £10.
How long does it take to arrive?
We start every order within 24 hours of purchase and post it as soon as it's finished. UK delivery is £2.99 by Royal Mail 2nd Class, free when you spend £25 or more, or you can collect free from our Colchester office by arrangement.
Order a week before the party to be safe, especially if you're adding party bag keyrings. Our delivery page has the full details.
FAQ
Can the topper touch the cake?
Only through foil. It's a decoration and isn't made for contact with food. Wrap the pick in a little foil, and lift the topper off before you cut and serve.
Can I put candles next to it?
Keep candles well away. PLA softens above 50°C, so a flame close by can soften or mark it.
Can I get any age?
Yes, any age from 1 to 100 and beyond, up to three digits.
What if I need something different, like a name instead of a number?
Message the team and tell us what you have in mind. We'll let you know what's possible.
Shop this guide
Sources
- Hatch3D product details, price list and delivery settings, October 2026
