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Whether you’re starting a new family tradition or looking to take your annual gingerbread house to the next level, we’ve got lots of great ideas to make this year’s creation a masterpiece your kids will remember forever. But the most important criteria? They have to be doable with kids. None of these fancy and elaborate gingerbread mansions that require a culinary degree and/or a background in architecture – these gingerbread house ideas are easy to let your kids help with and make a fun family project for everyone.
Not a fan of the taste of gingerbread, or got a picky eater who isn’t? No problem! We’ve included “gingerbread” houses that are made of Pop-Tarts, pretzels, graham crackers, Rice Krispies, and more … which are pretty much pantry staples when you’ve got little ones around anyway. We’ve also rounded up a couple of non-edible options!
So roll up your sleeves, crank up some holiday tunes, and create a cute little gingerbread house — and, most importantly, some treasured memories too.
A version of this post was originally published in 2015.
Pop Tart Gingerbread House
This genius idea from Gluesticks Blog doesn’t use gingerbread at all — but rather Pop Tarts, which are already made and easy to assemble! Win!
Log Cabin Gingerbread House
This is one “gingerbread” house that requires no kit — just simple pantry staples like graham crackers and pretzels! Find an easy-to-follow video tutorial over at Bake Me Some Sugar.
Funfetti Sugar Cookie House
Studio DIY’s adorable pastel “gingerbread” house is made of confetti-sprinkled sugar cookie instead — perfect for those family members who just don’t like the taste of gingerbread!
Frosted Christmas Tree Cones
Everyone knows the best part of making a gingerbread house is the decorating. These fun edible Christmas tree cones as seen on Crafts by Courtney will let your kids skip to their favorite part — using sprinkles!
Gingerbread Peppermint House
If your family prefers their holiday treats in the form of peppermint over gingerbread, try making this mini gingerbread peppermint house from Sugartown Sweets. It’s cool on so many levels.
Easy Gingerbread Tree
If your toddler enjoys stacking blocks, then they will love this gingerbread tree tutorial from Nellie Bellie. It’s perfect for small hands to assemble, and uses delicious cream cheese frosting to hold the layers together.
Rice Krispie Treat Gingerbread House
Minimal measuring and zero baking — what’s not to love about this Rice Krispie Treat gingerbread house from Go Go Go Gourmet? It’s family fun without the fuss!
Peanut Butter Gingerbread House Hack
If your gingerbread houses are known to collapse, try a little structural support and make your gingerbread house using peanut butter and cardboard boxes with this genius hack from Swanky Recipes. Empty boxes of graham crackers provide a base structure to build your gingerbread house around, and peanut butter works as the glue to hold it all together. Yummy and easy!
Gingerbread-Scented Playdough
The warm, inviting smells of baked goods shape our memories just as much as tasting a yummy treat. If your child has food sensitivities or just isn’t a fan of gingerbread, playing with this gingerbread-scented playdough from One Time Through is a wonderful-smelling alternative to traditional gingerbread houses.
Kid-Sized Gingerbread House
Some gingerbread houses are so pretty, your child might wish they could live inside them. Put a giant cardboard box to good use and make their gingerbread-dwelling dreams come true with this kid-sized gingerbread house tutorial from Crafting a Green World.
Gingerbread Train
If you love the tradition of making gingerbread houses but your family is looking for a new challenge, this gingerbread train decorating kit is a fun twist on a classic idea. And it’s close to 60 percent off.
Everlasting Gingerbread House
After all the time and energy you and your family put into your gingerbread house, it’s a shame to see it eaten or thrown away at the end of the holiday season. This wooden everlasting gingerbread house tutorial from Shabby Art Boutique is a sturdy and beautiful way to keep your gingerbread creation on display year after year.
Cookie-Candy Tree Cones
Gingerbread house decorating is hungry work. Make your family a snack that’s on theme with these cookie-candy tree cones from Coupon Clipping Cook. The best part? You can remove the lollipop sticks from any leftover cookie trees to use as outdoor decor for your gingerbread house.
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