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A Toy Trend That's Taking Over Aussie Kitchens

Casey's Toys

Toy Cake Toppers Are the Secret Weapon Parents Rely On

With party expectations at an all-time high, parents are hacking birthday cakes with one simple solution: toys.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Now that Pinterest has set impossibly high standards for DIY baking and parties, where every parent feels pressure to deliver “Instagram-worthy” birthdays, a growing number of Australian families are turning to a surprisingly simple hack to elevate their homemade cakes and party décor - toys!

“What’s so powerful about this trend is its accessibility,” says Naomi Ramirez, spokesperson at Casey’s Toys, one of Australia’s leading independent toy retailers. “Anyone can do it. You don’t need amazing baking skills or a huge budget to make your child feel special.”

Forget fondant flowers and sculpted characters. From Barbie and Bluey to Hot Wheels and Minecraft, small-format toys are emerging as the go-to cake decor hack for time-poor parents, budget-conscious party planners, and creative DIY-ers alike.

This isn’t just a fun party tip - it’s a snapshot of how modern Aussie families are rethinking celebration. From TikTok tutorials to parenting blogs, the toy topper trend is popping up across online platforms and inspiring thousands of home bakers to give it a go.

With more families choosing DIY celebrations over outsourced party planning, toys are fast becoming a staple beyond the gift pile. Using toys as toppers and décor will simplify the process while still delivering on visual impact.

“We’ve seen a 35% increase year-on-year in the sale of small figurines and playsets that are commonly used as cake toppers,” adds Ms Ramirez, “Our customers are telling us they something quick, impressive, and stress-free to make their cake look spectacular.”

The shift is backed by changing consumer behaviour. The global cake toppers market is projected to grow from USD1.70 billion in 2024 to USD2.84 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.60%. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of themed parties and the demand for customised cake decorations.

Parents are feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to create a perfect birthday celebration for their child, with the cake at the centre of it all. Enter toy cake toppers to hit the sweet spot!

The emerging trend speaks to the bigger movement toward cost-effective, personalised, and experience-focused celebrations, especially as families face rising living expenses.

“What we’re seeing is a shift from perfection to playfulness,” adds Ms Ramirez. “Parents don’t want to spend hours battling fondant when a $10 toy can transform a cake in minutes - and bonus, it then becomes a take-home gift. Now that’s smart party planning.”

 

What’s Hot Right Now in Cake Topper Trends?

According to the 2024 Afterpaid report, there has been a significant shift in toy preferences among Australian consumers, with Bluey-related products and the like increasing by 83%. Presuming the leading toy topper themes follow this surge, it suggests a growing trend of incorporating popular characters into various aspects of celebrations, including cake decorations.

• TV & Movie Characters - Bluey, Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Disney Princesses, and Encanto figures are perennial favourites.
• Gaming-Inspired Cakes - Super Mario, Minecraft, and Sonic toys are trending among kids aged 6–12.
• Construction & Vehicle Cakes - Mini diggers, dump trucks, and Hot Wheels dominate younger age groups.
• Barbie & Fashion Cakes - Barbie dolls and mini princesses are top picks for dress cakes and dreamy scenes.
• Superhero Themes - Spider-Man, Batman, and Avengers figures deliver wow-factor with zero cake sculpting required.
• Fantasy Cakes - Unicorns, mermaids, fairies, and even mushroom figurines are popular for woodland or magical themes.
• Ocean Cakes - Sharks, turtles, and underwater creatures ride the wave of trending ocean-themed parties.

“We’re even seeing plush toys being used as table decor for birthdays, baby showers and graduations,” says Ms Ramirez. “It’s a creative way to tie the theme together - and again the toy can become a keepsake for the guest of honour.”

Parents are increasingly seeking convenient and creative ways to celebrate their children's milestones. Incorporating beloved toy characters as cake toppers and party decor not only personalises the experience but also adds a touch of fun and familiarity to any celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Facts:

• Toy cake toppers are trending - Parents are using small toys like Barbie, Bluey, and Hot Wheels as affordable, creative cake toppers for birthday parties.

• Sales are rising - Casey’s Toys has seen a 35% year-on-year increase in small figurines and playsets used as cake toppers.

• The market is growing - The global cake toppers market is projected to grow to USD $2.84 billion by 2031, driven by demand for themed, personalised celebrations.

• Parents want simplicity - The trend reflects a shift from perfection to playfulness, with families favouring easy, budget-friendly party solutions that still deliver visual impact.

About us:

Casey’s Toys has 11 stores across NSW and an extensive online range of small toys, figurines, plush, and themed sets perfect for cake decorating, with the peace of mind that all toys are kid-safe and perfect for post-party play.

Browse online at www.caseystoys.com.au or visit your local store.

Contact details:

Nicci Chaney - Marketing Manager

Toycorp Pty Ltd

[email protected]