Gingerbread houses are an amazing way to gather the family together, let the creativity flow, and even learn a little bit about construction and décor! But making the same kit every single year can get boring, so we’ve put together 10 unique ideas for gingerbread houses that the entire family can enjoy.
A Log Cabin Gingerbread House
This log cabin gingerbread house is simple, doesn’t require too many supplies, and has tasks that even your littlest one can take on!
Start with a gingerbread house kit that you can find in your local grocery or craft store. Modify the gingerbread pieces just a bit and then use icing to stick on pretzels of various sizes. You can mix together other types of candy to decorate the house if you like. And the Gingerbread Journal even walks you through how to use jellybeans to construct a realistic-looking chimney.
Sprinkle Gingerbread House
Sprinkles are fun, colorful, and delicious – how can you go wrong? Just start with your basic gingerbread house kit, cover the walls and roof with piping gel, and add your sprinkles in whatever colors you like. You can be as creative as you want!
Wilton has an even more detailed tutorial and walkthrough here.
Bird Seed Gingerbread House
Who says that birds shouldn’t enjoy Christmas, too? This birdseed gingerbread house is a fun way for everyone to build something together and learn more about nature.
Make the walls of your house out of crackers, use peanut butter instead of icing, and add birdseed, cranberries, popcorn, peanuts, or pretzels as décor. Then, stick the house in your yard (make sure it’s somewhere your kids can watch!) and wait for the birds to arrive! Checkout the full tutorial for all the details.
Pink and Red Gingerbread House
While this is technically a “Valentine’s Day” gingerbread house, it’s also a great idea for Christmas, especially if you have kiddos who love pink! You can make your own gingerbread (recipe here) or start with a pre-made kit if you’d rather save the hassle.
Then, use licorice, conversation hearts, pink and red M&M’s or whatever other candy you’d like to decorate!
Christmas Tree Truck Gingerbread House
This one’s not technically a house, but it’s just as much (if not more!) fun! It takes a little extra work – like making your own dough and cutting out the shapes – but it’s a great piece that will stand out in your home.
Simply bake gingerbread dough and cut out each piece of the truck (doors, truck bed, grille, etc.). Use icing to “glue” the pieces together, and add Christmas tree gingerbread cookies to the back. Get as creative as you want with the decoration! You can find the pattern here.
Nativity Scene Gingerbread House
This gingerbread house serves as your nativity as well! It’s a great way to get everyone involved and remember the “reason for the season.”
The unique recipe uses honey (though you could use a classic gingerbread recipe instead) and is a bit time-consuming but worth it! You’ll love decorating each “character”, from the wise men to Mary and Joseph. Instructions and a link to purchase the molds here.
(http://www.planetsmarty.com/2016/12/15-gingerbread-houses-to-make-with-kids.html)
Vegetable Gingerbread House
Okay, okay, so this one isn’t actually made of gingerbread. But it’s a fun way to present an appetizer at your holiday party and a great alternative when your kids have had way too many Christmas cookies and candy.
Build the walls out of carrots and the roof out of celery and cucumbers. Use cream cheese or vegetable dip to tie it all together! You could also get creative with other vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, or tomatoes might make things interesting.
Checkout all their gingerbread house designs.
Blue and White Gingerbread House
Turn your gingerbread house into a winter wonderland! Plus, it’s a great tie-in for all the Frozen fans out there.
This house starts with a gingerbread kit and uses fondant to make the windows and door, but feel free to use icing – gingerbread houses are all about being creative! Then, use blue and white candy to decorate the roof, and exterior of the house. See a tutorial here.
Victorian Storefront Gingerbread House
Even though this gingerbread house looks elaborate, its boxy design makes it straightforward.
Start with a simple gingerbread dough and royal icing, then use sticky candy, candy canes, and icing sugar to decorate. You can even us melted jolly ranchers for the stained glass window! You can download the template and find full instructions here.
Hansel and Gretel Gingerbread House
After reading the classic fairytale of Hansel and Gretel, it’s time to make this fun gingerbread house! It uses frosted mini wheats for the shingles on the roof and Belvita breakfast cookies for the door.
It starts with an easy gingerbread recipe and then allows for all the creativity you have to muster! View the tutorial here.