Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Gingerbread house crafts are a fun, festive way to celebrate! Whether you’re making edible creations or crafty decorations, these 11 easy projects will spark your creativity and bring some extra holiday cheer to your home. Let’s get started!
1. Brown Paper Bag Garland
2. Kraft paper Gift Bags
3. Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
4. Three Dimensional Cardboard House
5. Cinnamon scented Salt Dough ornaments
6. Scrap wood Decor
7. Cardboard Playhouse Facade
8. Two Dimensional Cardboard Decor
9. Cardstock Ornament
10. Plastic Dollar Store Decor Glowup
11. $5 Doormat Glowup
12. White Paper Gingerbread House
Gift Wrapping
No matter which gingerbread house craft you choose, these fun and festive projects are sure to bring a touch of holiday magic to your home. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating your space, or just enjoying some creative time, these ideas offer something for everyone. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and make this holiday season extra sweet with your own gingerbread-inspired creations! Happy
The holiday season is the perfect time to engage kids in activities that teach important values like kindness, gratitude, and creativity. One of the most fun and memorable ways to do this is by creating your own advent calendar filled with thoughtful, hands-on activities for the family. I started making these advent calendars a couple of years ago, and every year I add a little something special to make it even more meaningful.
My Advent Calendar Journey
I first began this craft in 2022, planning to make individual calendars for each of my kids. But life had other plans, and I didn’t quite finish them. Last year, I was still working through grief after the loss of my dad, so I ended up keeping it simple — just gluing the pieces together and displaying it as a basic version of what I had envisioned.
But this year? I’m so excited to share that I’ve completed my advent calendar project and made it better than ever! I even created printable inserts with a list of 24 thoughtful activity ideas to inspire family fun during the holiday season. If you’re looking to craft your own meaningful advent calendar, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started!
Materials You’ll Need:
Cardboard (for the base of the calendar)
Hot glue gun & glue sticks (for assembly)
Box cutter (for cutting out shapes)
Cutting mat (to protect your work surface)
White Sharpie Creative Marker (for adding details)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cut the Cardboard: Start by cutting 15 strips of cardboard, each 4-5 inches wide. The height of these strips will vary from 6 inches to 22 inches, depending on how tall you want your advent calendar village to be. These strips will form the walls of your little cardboard village.
Shape the Roofs: For each piece of cardboard, cut out the roof shapes to give your village a house-like look. You can make the roofs as simple or as intricate as you like.
Add Windows and Doors: The next step is to create a minimum of 24 cutouts for windows and doors on your village houses. Most of these will be the “surprises” that hold your daily activity cards. Make sure to place the doors and windows thoughtfully — you’ll want to have them evenly spaced across your village.
Dry Fit and Assemble: Before gluing everything together, dry fit the cardboard pieces to make sure everything aligns the way you want it. Once you’re happy with the layout, start gluing the pieces together using your hot glue gun. Be sure to leave the backs of the windows and doors open so you can insert the activity cards.
Final Touches: Once your village is assembled, add finishing touches like a bit of decoration with your paint marker. You can draw lines, patterns, numbers, or add little details to the cardboard houses to make them feel even more festive!
Thoughtful Advent Activities for the Family
The best part about this DIY advent calendar is that it’s filled with meaningful activities to do together as a family. I’ve included a list of thoughtful ideas that promote gratitude, kindness, and creativity.
These activities don’t require a lot of time or money but are a great way to slow down and savor the season with your kids.
Creating an advent calendar for your kids can be a fun and meaningful holiday tradition that helps teach important values while also sparking excitement and joy as you count down to Christmas. Whether you go all out with a creative DIY village like I did or keep it simple, the goal is to make memories and share quality time together.
What activities would you include in your advent calendar? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your ideas!
Creating an advent calendar with meaningful activities for kids is a wonderful way to engage them in the holiday season while teaching values like kindness, gratitude, and creativity. Here’s a list of 24 kid-friendly, meaningful activities that can be incorporated into an advent calendar:
1. Write a Letter to Santa
Encourage kids to express their wishes, hopes, and gratitude in a letter to Santa. They can also add drawings or stickers.
2. Do a Craft Project
Create simple holiday-themed crafts like snowflakes, garlands, or handprint ornaments.
3. Make a Paper Chain Countdown
Let the kids make a colorful paper chain to count down the days until Christmas.
4. Read a Christmas Story
Read a holiday book together, like The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Night Before Christmas.
5. Donate Toys
Have your child go through their toys and donate gently used ones to children in need.
6. Bake Cookies Together
Bake Christmas cookies and let the kids decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, and candy.
7. Write a Thank-You Note
Help your child write a thank-you note to a family member, teacher, or friend.
8. Give a Compliment
Encourage your child to give a genuine compliment to a friend, family member, or teacher.
9. Make a Gingerbread House
Put together a fun gingerbread house using a kit or homemade gingerbread pieces.
10. Have a Family Movie Night
Watch a holiday movie together, like Elf, Home Alone, or Frozen.
11. Do a Random Act of Kindness
Help your child perform a small act of kindness, like helping a sibling, drawing a picture for someone, or sharing a treat.
12. Create Holiday Cards
Let the kids make homemade holiday cards to send to family or friends.
13. Build a Snowman (or Paper Version)
If you have snow, go outside and build a snowman. If not, make a paper snowman with craft supplies.
14. Go Ice Skating
If possible, take the kids to an ice skating rink for a fun winter activity.
15. Have a Pajama Day
Spend the day in cozy pajamas, watching movies, playing games, and enjoying indoor activities.
16. Make Hot Chocolate
Have a fun hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and toppings for a cozy treat.
17. Create a Holiday Playlist
Have your kids help you make a playlist of their favorite holiday songs to play during the season.
18. Do a Puzzle Together
Work on a holiday-themed jigsaw puzzle as a family.
19. Make Snow Globes
Craft simple snow globes using jars, glitter, and mini figurines.
20. Sing Christmas Carols
Teach your kids a few Christmas carols and have a family sing-along.
21. Color a Christmas Coloring Page
Print out holiday-themed coloring pages and let the kids get creative with crayons or markers.
22. Make a Holiday-Themed Craft for Others
Encourage your child to create a simple craft (like a hand-painted ornament, a holiday card, or a small wreath) to give as a gift to a friend, teacher, or family member. It’s a great way to teach them the joy of giving and spreading holiday cheer.
23. Do a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Set up a holiday-themed scavenger hunt around the house or yard, with clues or items like candy canes or ornaments.
24. Write a Kindness Journal
Help your child start a journal where they can write down one kind thing they did or saw each day.
These activities focus on connection, creativity, and spreading joy, while also allowing kids to engage in hands-on learning, kindness, and reflection. They’re great for fostering a sense of holiday spirit and family togetherness.
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