This gingerbread man craft is super cute and easy to make with a popsicle stick and a few other materials.
If you need a frugal holiday activity that can be used for a decoration or creative play, this DIY project is perfect. It’s easy to customize and doesn’t take long to make.
I’m sharing my tips and ideas for enjoying this Christmas craft with your kids. And get ready for some crafty holiday fun!
Add a DIY Touch to Your Holiday Decorations
Gingerbread man is such a great educational theme to use with kids of all ages. It’s fantastic for holiday fun or if you’re reading a book featuring this cute character (like one of our favorites, The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett).
This simple DIY project helps your children make an adorable gingerbread man out of a popsicle stick. It can be used for a Christmas tree ornament, part of a decorative wreath or banner, and for creative hands-on play.
I first made this craft with my oldest after reading a version of the classic gingerbread man tale. I wanted something that he could work on and use to extend our reading adventures. I remember him giggling with delight as he crafted his very own “gingerbread friend”.
By some sort of cool coincidence, we had read this story a few weeks before Christmas. He asked to make more gingerbread friends to put on our tree and to give to family members. Oh my stars! He had a blast making gingerbread people in all sorts of colors and styles!
As we start to plan and prepare for another holiday season, I’m reminded of all these amazing crafty times that I’ve had with him and his brothers. When I found their popsicle stick gingerbread men, I just knew that I had to recreate and share with you.
Suggested Supplies for This Gingerbread Man Craft
WooHoo! You only need a few supplies for a basic version of this craft. I’ve put together this list and added a few options if you’d like to take it to the next level. I encourage you to go through your craft materials and think out side the box for easy way to customize your gingerbread man.
- Popsicle Sticks
- Brown and White Paint
- Sequins
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Options: pom poms, stickers, glitter glue, washi tape
If you’d rather not use paint (I totally get it!), washable markers or tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix) can make this project more mess-free.
KTOJOY 100 Pcs Craft Sticks Ice Cream Sticks Natural Wood Popsicle Craft Sticks 4.5 inch Length Treat Sticks Ice Pop Sticks for DIY CraftsJOYIN Washable Paint for Kids 42PCS – Non-Toxic- Tempera Paint Set (2 oz Each), Liquid Paint with 15 Brushes and 4 Palettes – Paint for Arts and Crafts Project, Finger PaintingArts and Crafts Supplies Kit for Kids – Boys and Girls Age 4 5 6 7 8 Years Old – Toddler Art Set Activity Materials – Great for Preschool and Kindergarten Crafting Project – Carl & Kay2774pcs Gem Stickers Jewels for Crafts – Self Adhesive Rhinestone Jewel Stickers, Stick on Gems Rhinestones for Crafts, Acrylic Bling Heart Stickers, Craft Supplies for KidsLIUYAXI 100 Yards 20 Rolls Christmas Ribbons Printed Grosgrain Ribbon Metallic Glitter Holiday Festival Double Faced Satin Ribbons 10 mm Wide for Gift Wrapping Crafts Xmas Decorations
How to Make This Popsicle Stick Gingerbread Man Craft
01
Prepare popsicle sticks
Paint as many popsicle sticks as you’d like gingerbread men. If you’d rather skip paint, use washable markers or tempera paint sticks.
02
Add gingerbread man faces
Using white paint, add the face and details. Try different colors, markers, glitter glue, or paint pens for cool effects.
03
Make bows
Make a small bow with the ribbon for each gingerbread man craft.
04
Add bows
Glue a bow just below the face.
05
Add decorations
Glue sequins down the body for decoration. You can use other materials (like pom poms or small buttons) if you’d like!
Extend Your Gingerbread Man Fun
Ooh! I’m so excited to share these incredible ideas for keeping your gingerbread man fun going. First, I’ve got some free printables featuring gingerbread man and friends that I hope your students love:
Next, you’ve got to try our homemade gingerbread playdough recipe! It’s so easy to make and smells amazing. Wonderful for hands-on sensory play!
These gingerbread man books and stickers are our top picks:
The Gingerbread Man (My First Fairy Tales)Gingerbread BabyThe Gingerbread GirlHow to Catch a Gingerbread ManRichard Scarry’s The Gingerbread Man (Little Golden Book)The Gingerbread Man Padded Hardcover Christmas StorybookThe Gingerbread ManThe Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)Lesnala 600Pcs Christmas Stickers roll Make Your own Gingerbread Man Stickers DIY Christmas Gingerbread Man Scene Sticker roll Gingerbread Man Decal for Xmas Activities Party Game Gift Decor-6 StylesHubirdSall 36Pcs Christmas Gingerbread Make-a-Face Stickers Make You Own Gingerbread Holographic Stickers Games Xmas Decorations for Kids School Home Crafts Activity Party Favors Gifts for Boys Girls
Ideas for Making and Using This Christmas Craft for Kids
You can totally used this gingerbread craft in a bunch of ways for educational and holiday fun with kids. If you could use a bit of inspiration on how to make and display, here are a few of my ideas:
Easily customize your DIY gingerbread men by using different colors of markers or paint. Glitter glue can easily add a nice sparkle to your project.
Make several gingerbread men. Attach to string, yarn, or ribbon to create a banner that you can hang along a wall, on a fireplace mantle, in a hallway, or above a door.
Enjoy a DIY gingerbread man scavenger hunt! Hide your gingerbread men around a room or one level of your home. Play music and see who can find the most!
Adhere a thin magnet to the back of your gingerbread craft. Use to add some unique decor to your refrigerator or magnetic white board.
Use your DIY craft for an interesting bookmark. Oh, and it can be so much fun to brainstorm names for your gingerbread friends! Think of “G” names or get creative.
⭐ Okay, I’d LOVE to hear your ideas for making and enjoying this popsicle stick gingerbread man craft with kids! Let me know if you have any questions about the instructions. Please share your ideas and questions in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
