Will Costco Put a Name on a Cake? Here's What You Need to Know

Ever walked past the bakery section at Costco and wondered if you can get a simple name written on a birthday cake? You’re not alone. Thousands of people ask the same thing every year - especially around holidays and birthdays. The answer isn’t always obvious, and it’s not the same everywhere. But here’s the truth: Costco will put a name on a cake - but with limits.

What You Can Actually Ask For

Costco’s bakery team can write names on cakes, but they don’t do fancy designs, cartoons, or detailed artwork. Think simple: "Happy Birthday Sarah" in plain white or chocolate icing. No glitter, no fondant figures, no photos printed on icing. It’s a straightforward, no-frills service.

The cake itself is usually a 10-inch round sheet cake, either vanilla or chocolate, with buttercream frosting. You can choose the color of the icing - white, chocolate, or sometimes pink or yellow - but that’s it. No rainbow swirls, no drip cakes, no themed decorations.

How to Order a Name on a Costco Cake

You can’t just walk in and ask for a name on the spot. Most locations require a 24- to 48-hour advance notice. That means if you need it for Saturday, you need to call or visit by Thursday. Some stores in high-demand areas (like suburbs near big cities) may need even more time, especially during November and December.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Call your local Costco bakery department - don’t rely on the front desk. Ask for the bakery.
2. Confirm they take custom cake orders. Not every location does, especially smaller ones.
3. Give them the exact spelling of the name. Double-check it. One misspelled letter means a cake you can’t use.
4. Specify the date you need it. They’ll schedule it into their production line.
5. Ask about pricing. Most name additions are free, but some stores charge $5-$10 for extra letters or special fonts.

Pro tip: Bring a printed card with the name written clearly. Handwriting can be hard to read over the phone, and you’ll avoid mistakes.

What Costco Won’t Do

Costco isn’t a specialty bakery. They don’t have the staff, time, or equipment for complex requests. Don’t ask for:

• Names in cursive or fancy fonts
• Names on cupcakes or mini cakes
• Names with borders, hearts, or stars around them
• Names on gluten-free or vegan cakes (they don’t offer custom decorations on those)
• Names on cakes ordered online

Costco’s cake system is built for volume, not customization. They make hundreds of cakes a week. Each one has to be identical in shape, size, and decoration. That’s why they stick to simple text.

Costco Cake Prices and Sizes

A standard 10-inch sheet cake with a name on it costs $18.99 in most U.S. and Canadian locations. In the UK, it’s £14.99. That’s it - no hidden fees for the name. If you want a two-tier cake, you’re out of luck. Costco doesn’t make those.

They do offer smaller options:

• 6-inch round cake - $12.99 (no name option)
• 10-inch sheet cake - $18.99 (name included)
• 12-inch sheet cake - $24.99 (name included)

Only the 10-inch and 12-inch sheet cakes support custom names. The smaller cakes are pre-decorated and not customizable.

Regional Differences Matter

Not all Costcos are the same. In the U.S., most locations will write names without issue. In the UK, some stores say no to names at all - they only offer pre-printed messages like "Happy Birthday." In Canada, it’s usually allowed, but you’ll need to order at least 48 hours ahead.

Why the difference? It comes down to staffing. Stores with fewer bakers, or those that are understaffed during holidays, may cut back on custom requests. If you’re in a smaller town or a mall-based Costco, don’t assume they’ll do it. Always call ahead.

Alternatives If Costco Won’t Do It

If your local store refuses to write a name, or you want something more personal, here are three solid alternatives:

1. Local bakeries - Most small-town bakeries will write names, add flowers, or even do simple fondant shapes for $25-$40.
2. Walmart bakery - They offer name writing on sheet cakes for $15-$20, with more font options than Costco.
3. Online custom cake shops - Sites like CakeLove or Sugar & Spice let you upload text and choose fonts. Delivery takes 2-3 days and costs $40-$70.

But if you’re on a budget and just need a name on a cake, Costco is still one of the cheapest options out there.

When to Avoid Costco Altogether

Costco cakes aren’t gourmet. The texture is dense, the frosting is sweet, and the flavor is basic. If you’re celebrating a milestone birthday - like 50th, 60th, or a wedding anniversary - you might want something more refined.

Also, if you need a cake for a child with allergies, skip it. Costco doesn’t label their cakes for cross-contamination risks. They use shared equipment for nuts, dairy, and gluten. If you need a safe cake, go to a dedicated allergen-free bakery.

Real-Life Example: A Mom’s Experience

In Brighton, a mother named Lisa ordered a cake for her daughter’s 8th birthday. She called three days ahead, gave the exact spelling of "Ella," and picked it up on the day. The cake arrived with "Happy Birthday Ella" neatly piped in white icing. It wasn’t fancy, but her daughter cried when she saw it. "It was perfect," Lisa said. "It cost less than a coffee at Starbucks, and she loved it. That’s all that mattered."

Final Verdict

Yes, Costco will put a name on a cake - if you plan ahead, call your local store, and keep your expectations simple. It’s not a luxury cake, but it’s reliable, affordable, and gets the job done. For everyday birthdays, school parties, or office celebrations, it’s one of the best value options around.

Just remember: no cursive, no emojis, no surprises. If you want something more, you’ll need to pay more. But if you just need a name, a cake, and a smile - Costco still delivers.