Cake recipe ideas for a birthday?

Hi bakers!

I’m planning a 2-layer, 6” birthday cake for my husband. He is a huge chocolate chip cookie lover in general, but we opted for a cake since it’s going to be his birthday.

The only "real" cake I’ve made before was a layered carrot cake (which turned out great), so I’m looking to try something new. When I asked what he’d like, some flavor ideas he was interested in are:

• A vanilla bean cake (with almonds and/or cardamom) paired with a fruit-flavored chocolate ganache.

• A red velvet cake with small-to-medium chocolate chips mixed in or used as a topping.

I have some fresh vanilla beans I’d love to use while I have them, so I’m leaning toward that first idea. Or, maybe a cake that is inspired by/includes chocolate chip cookies.

I would greatly appreciate any recipes or advice on how to execute these flavor profiles.