Cupcakes have grown past their status as a fixture at third-grade parties. They’re becoming the artful stars of the bakery world. Cupcake-only bakeries are hot in big cities, and tiers of beautifully frosted cupcakes are replacing the traditional three-layer cake at weddings. Actress Katie Holmes kept herself and the crew of her movie Mad Money stuffed with cupcakes. Chicago Cupcakes has been featured on The Food Network and Ellen Degeneres’ show. This bakery will ship 24 freshly baked cupcakes (quick-frozen, packed in insulated boxes with dry ice, and delivered via FedEX) for $150. Chicago Cupcakes’ flavors include almond joy, orange poppyseed, tiramisu and pineapple cherry. L.A.’s Famous Cupcakes delivers to all 50 states. Their “cupcake bouquets,” about $60 each, are fun for birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries, Thanksgiving, etc. If you can’t stomach designer cupcakes, make them yourself with Crate & Barrel’s “500 Cupcake” cookbook ($15.95). After you’re finished, display them on their pretty three-tier cupcake stand ($37). Bed Bath & Beyond has the “Hello Cupcake” cookbook ($16) and the very fun Wilton Silly Feet Baking Cups (little cupcake holders with colored feet), $10 for a set of four. And now that you’re hooked on the little confections, what better gift to give the baker in your life than a cupcake charm bracelet ($60) decorated with 20 tiny cupcake charms and small crystals.