I have a cake request for a boys 1rst birthday.... to serve 40 (eek)... and on a tight budget. Not sure exactly what the budget is but I'm thinking lower end. Mom asked for something simple and cute and boyish.
I'll likely need to invest in a bigger pan for this one as my biggest is 10" right now. I'm still new to this cake for money business.

Anyone with ideas?

Why don't you just made a tiered one opposed to buying new pans?

I'd ask her what her budget is first.. you don't want to spend that much energy trying to find a design if you don't even know it's in her budget

i love blocks on first birthday cakes, i think there so cute, espically if they spell out the birthday boys/girls name. or how about a simple jungle theme, light greens and blues with mebbies on two little animals?

How about stacked blocks. That is cute like Jason and Joshua from last night's Food Network challenge.