Navigating: birthday cakes for procrastinators

Phoenix Bakery

The cake: The good thing about being famous for something is you keep a lot of it in stock, as is the case with the strawberry whipped-cream cake at this popular Chinatown bakery. With moist yellow cake and layers of light whipped cream, the cake itself is heavenly, its daily presence a godsend for procrastinators.

The price: Ten round and eight sheet sizes are available. (The larger sizes, of course, must be preordered). $22.95 for 8-inch round as well as for 1/8 sheet.

The extras: The writing is free, decorations are an additional charge, and tons of candles are for sale.

If you have more time: Bring a photo of your child, family or dog, and you can get it replicated on the cake.