Birthday Cake Topper with Dinosaurs
Birthday cake toppers are very popular when it comes to cake decorations. I am far away from those printed on paper and simply layered on a cake. I’m into “live,” 3D birthday cake toppers that truly make a cake come alive! There’s just something about layering colorful cardstock and building dimension that turns a cake into the centerpiece of the celebration.
That’s why I decided to make a dinosaur-themed birthday cake topper - a playful, colorful design that’s especially loved by boys, but trust me, girls enjoy dinosaurs too! With a few pink and purple dinos, even a dinosaur can be adorable.
This design is created using cardstock and a layered SVG file, which brings every little detail to life - from the cheerful T-Rex to the playful triceratops. The bold number "1" and personalized name make it a perfect keepsake from a first birthday.
👉 If you'd like to make this exact topper, you can grab the SVG file here (this is an affiliate link, which means that if you make a purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and love, and your support helps me continue creating and sharing crafting ideas like this one—thank you!)
Tips for Assembling a Sturdy and Stunning Cake Topper:
Adjust the size to fit your cake – Make sure the topper is slightly narrower than the cake size - leave about an inch or so on each side. Be careful with vertical designs - they may fit the width of the cake but still turn out quite tall!
Choose how to attach it – Depending on the topper's size and weight, you may need one or two straws (or sticks) to support it well and keep it from tipping over.
Use strong adhesive – Double-sided foam tape or very good glue is key. You don’t want any piece falling off before the party starts. Strong adhesive makes all the difference!
Coordinate the colors – Try to match the topper’s color palette with the cake’s colors. You want everything to look cohesive.
Add shiny details – I personally love using a bit of shiny or glitter cardstock for the name and age. It gives the topper that extra pop and makes it clear who the cake belongs to!
Creative Ideas You Might Want to Try
Flat-lay toppers for the cake surface – Not all toppers need to stand upright. I’ve also laid toppers flat on the cake instead of using a stick or straw. When doing this, I like to cut an extra backing layer from baking paper and attach it to the back of the topper so the cardstock doesn’t touch the cake directly.
Keep it as a decoration – Paper cake toppers like this one can be a sweet little reminder of a birthday party. If you remove them carefully and clean them gently, they make adorable shelf decorations for a child’s room afterward!
Whether you're planning a dinosaur-themed birthday or simply love crafting with your Cricut or Silhouette, this cake topper adds a fun, handmade charm to any celebration.
