How To Make a Birthday Cake Box as a Thoughtful Donation Idea

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Use this birthday cake box idea as a fun act of service using your stockpile of cake mixes and frosting or inexpensive non-perishables from Dollar Tree or Walmart.

putting candles in a birthday box

Here’s a thoughtful and affordable way to give back to your local community!

Consider compiling and donating birthday boxes that include all the items needed to celebrate someone’s birthday such as cake mix and frosting. Be sure to check with your local food bank beforehand, but this typically makes for a thoughtful and welcomed donation.

You can even make this a group activity! Involve your family, church, or scouting organization to collect supplies and make a bunch of birthday boxes.

woman holding cake in a box

What exactly is in a birthday cake box?

It’s a collection of festive birthday cake supplies using a disposable pan so that the recipient has everything they need to make a delicious cake. You can include a can of light-colored soda, such as Sprite, which is a common substitute for eggs and oil. Feel free to print a little note that says something like, “Bake as directed except substitute in the can of soda for the eggs and oil for convenience. The cake will be delicious. Enjoy!”

Include items in your birthday kit such as a cake mix, birthday candles, sprinkles to decorate, and even party supplies to make it extra special!

supplies on the counter for birthday in a box

The best part is this birthday cake box can be a very low-budget idea!

Feel free to grab supplies for cake boxes at Dollar Tree or Walmart. They will have cake mixes and frosting for just over $1 and lots of paper products and inexpensive party supplies. At these affordable prices, this makes for a frugal donation idea to a local shelter or food pantry. You could create this with your kiddos or with scout groups as a service project.

Check out more thoughtful variations and ideas on this Facebook post!

birthday boxes cake supplies for donation

supplies for birthday box donation

woman compiling a birthday box

covering cake kits to donate

To compile, add all your items to the disposable cake pan and then wrap it using clear plastic wrap so all the items are visible. If your pan comes with a lid you could also just tape it shut. Add a little ribbon or bow to make it a bit festive.

compiling 2 cake kits to donate

This small act of kindness could really brighten someone’s day! 

You can donate your birthday in a box knowing someone will now be able to easily celebrate their child or family member’s birthday and have all the items on hand already. With everything going on in our world, if you are able to contribute, I think this is a thoughtful way to do so!


Check out our other random acts of kindness ideas to accomplish as a family!


About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.


Join The Discussion

Comments 22

  1. MamaD

    This could also be a fun donation for a foster family supporting organization if your town has one! Our local group recently posted how thankful they were for birthday party packs that had similar items!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh I love that suggestion! Thanks for sharing πŸ’•πŸ™Œ

  2. beth-3

    Yes! The girl scouts in our area donated several of these to the little food pantry that I volunteer at. They were very well received by the clients! If possible, keep gender neutral-we had to dig through bags to get the right gender.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes agree! Great tip!

  3. tipaye

    Love this ❀️

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh good, glad you like this idea!

  4. Tonya S

    This is so wonderful. πŸ₯³. Thanks for sharing your awesome talents Lina ❀️

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh I am glad you enjoyed this idea as much as we do! Thanks Tonya!

  5. Kim C.

    I had no idea that Sprite could substitute for eggs and oil.

    • Vironika

      Same! I love this idea for sure, but I’m happiest to learn this sweet little hack! πŸ™ŒπŸΌπŸ™ŒπŸΌ

  6. Beth

    Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Thanks Beth! Glad you enjoyed this one!

  7. Amy F

    Will the soda work with a chocolate cake mix?

    • Vironika

      I got so excited to see you can sub in soda that I went on a wild search! I saw that Dr Pepper is a popular one to sub in for chocolate cake! I’m thinking of trying Cherry Dr Pepper and Devil’s Food! Yummm!

  8. Mom

    Don’t forget to add a hand mixer, bowl, and spatula to that kit as well!

  9. MaryKay

    I just love your ideas, Lina! Our Godson made birthday bags including a gift for his Eagle Scout Project. It was a huge hit and he earned his Eagle Badge. Thanks for posting!πŸ˜πŸŽ‚

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh wow that is such an amazing accomplishment! Thanks for sharing!

  10. SLW

    LOVE this idea, this could be a great girl/boy scout activity too!

  11. julie

    My son is working on an Eagle Scout project and choose to do this. If anyone would like to make a donation You may contact us. jules _ ann _ 2000 at yahoo dot com

  12. Val Eats Plants

    We could help celebrations become healthier with dried fruit and nuts, or pretzels. Add in paper bowls to decorate? Earth friendly options.

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Great ideas for swapping out some items for your recipient! Thanks for sharing your suggestions, Val! πŸ₯°

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