I remember when I was growing up my mother was never big on birthday cakes and kids parties. I remember having a party for my 13th and 21st both time with store bought cakes, at the time never thought a thing of it.   Once my daughter was born and her first birthday wasn't too far away my mother in-law gave me the her tried and trusted Womens weekly birthday cake book.  One she had used for her children.  I thought it was a fantastic idea and started what is now tradition.  Now with three kids (2 born in March and 1 in February) its an exciting, and busy, time for the eldest two with lots of thought and countless changes of their selection.  I have even made cakes after moving interstate, having recently given birth and not knowing anybody to invite it was just us to have the cake. I have made Nemo, A Ninja turtle, Clone trooper, Tigers the list goes on, even my husband wanted a Stargate cake for his 30th.  Its amazing what ideas you can get off the internet and combine them to make your own version.  I sometimes think by the time they all turn 10 thats 30 cakes made, only to be gobbled up by the end of the day but I hope that they all will remember and cherish knowing that I have put that bit more extra time in and made their birthday a special day with a cake that is as individual as they are.