We wanted to put together a special gingerbread gift idea for the kids’ little cousin.  This would make a perfect Christmas present for a child in Preschool, Kindergarten or elementary school.  You could pre-create the puppets or include the decorating supplies for them to make the puppets themselves.  The sewn gingerbread house or person is a beautiful way to decorate the gift and then can be hung on the Christmas tree as a keepsake gingerbread ornament.  This Christmas craft gift idea adds a handmade touch the holidays and is sure to make it one that the recipient would remember! 

You could also create this package for a teacher gift for them to use in their classroom!  (I know I would have loved it as a teacher!) 

Materials

Gingerbread Building Blocks

  • Blank building block set (we used one from Melissa and Doug https://www.melissaanddoug.com/ which you can purchase at many toy shops or online as we know the quality of their toys)
  • Paint pens (our favourite are the Posca brand)
  • Line and Design Ideas: gingerbread pattern

Gingerbread Puppets

  • Wooden puppets (you can purchase these online) OR here’s a template to make paper ones:
  • Gingerbread people print out gingerbread people
  • Tongue depressors or popsicle sticks.
  • Cardstock or thick paper
  • Decorating items  (Use up odds and ends- felt, ribbon, beads, buttons) OR
  • Paint pens

Gingerbread Ornament

  • Gingerbread person template: gingerbread
  • Gingerbread house template: house
  • Felt
  • Embroidery thread or sewing machine (with direct, adult supervision)
  • Fabric glue
  • Fabric scissors
  • Decorating items (Ribbon, rick-rack, beads, buttons etc. )
  • Stuffing

Present Label 

We always find these items useful too:

SmockCraftTray

Directions

Gingerbread Building Blocks

  • Paint your blocks with paint pens to look like icing lines and designs.  If you need some ideas, we have included a printable.  Allow them to dry overnight.

Gingerbread Puppets

  • Print out the gingerbread people on thick paper such as cardstock.  (You could also print them on copy paper and glue them on cardboard if you want)
  • Glue them onto a craft stick.
  • Or purchase pre-made wooden gingerbread people.
  • Decorate your gingerbread men or gingerbread women with fabric scraps, buttons, beads, paint pens etc. (use up little odds and ends that you have on hand) OR with paint pens.

Gingerbread Ornament

  • Print out the gingerbread person or house template.  We made them quite large for beginning sewers, but you could shrink them if you like.
  • Cut out the templates.
  • Tape them to the felt with a tape donut.
  • Cut out two copies of the gingerbread person or house.
  • Decorate the top copy with beads, buttons, rick-rack, ribbon etc.  You could glue them on with fabric glue or sew the them on.  Sometimes we do both- a light glue to hold pieces in place so we can then sew them more easily.
  • Allow your work to dry overnight.
  • Sew your sides together- however be sure to sew a loop in at the top (ribbon, rick rack or folded felt) and a spot to insert your stuffing.  You could use a dowel, the eraser end of a pencil or the stick part of a paint brush to push the stuffing to the end.
  • Sew up the hole.

Present Label 

  • Print the label, add your your name.  Put all your blocks and puppets back into the box (or use another one) and then tie a ribbon around your gift!  Give it to a special friend!

Pin this idea

Transform a plain children's building block set into this seasonal STEM/ STEAM activity! We show you how to make the building blocks look like gingerbread, so you can make a house, theatre etc. We also provide you with a free template to make gingerbread people puppets to use for dramatic play! Included is a free gift label and the patterns to make a gingerbread house or gingerbread man or woman ornament for a present topper! This Christmas craft is a great, "make and play" and makes a lovely holiday gift for preschoolers, kindergarteners or kids in elementary school!

Purpose

  • Building is great for developing STEM skills, refining motor skills and the puppets lead to dramatic play, developing communication skills  and growing one’s imagination!

Safety Notes

  • We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
  • Use scissors, a needle with care and direct, adult supervision.
  • Cord, yarn etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.
  • Beads can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
  • Follow product directions.  This is not a gift idea intended for children 0-3 years of age or those that still tend to put things in their mouths.
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