Paper Plate Gingerbread Craft: Christmas Craft for Kids

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When it comes to holiday projects, nothing beats a cheerful gingerbread design. This paper plate gingerbread craft is simple, colorful, and packed with charm. With just a few supplies, some paint, and a printable template, kids can create an easy gingerbread craft that looks good enough to eat.

a paper plate decorated to look like a gingerbread Save

This easy paper plate Christmas craft for kids is budget-friendly and easy to adapt for classrooms, playdates, or cozy craft days at home. The result is a jolly decoration that’s perfect for display on walls, bulletin boards, or the fridge.

Why this Paper Plate Gingerbread Craft is a Hit

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This gingerbread craft for kids goes beyond painting and gluing. It encourages imagination, builds fine motor skills, and gives kids a chance to create something that feels special for the season. The paper plate Christmas craft is simple enough for little hands but detailed enough to keep older kids engaged.

Best of all, the template makes the process straightforward. With pre-drawn shapes for the holly sprig and the mouth, there’s no guesswork. All kids need to worry about is tracing, cutting, and assembly. The final result is an adorable gingerbread face that looks like it came straight from a storybook.

Materials Needed for the Paper Plate Gingerbread Craft

Gathering supplies is quick and easy. Most of these items are likely already in the craft bin:

construction paper, brown and white paint, a paper plate, scissors, and a marker Save
  • Paper plate
  • Construction paper (various colors)
  • White and brown paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Glue
  • Mouth and holly template

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Paint the Base

Start by painting the entire paper plate brown. This becomes the base for the gingerbread face. Once it dries, apply a second coat to give the plate a smooth and even finish.

a paper plate painted brown with white painted dots are the endge and scalloped at the top to look like icing Save

2. Add Icing Details

Using white paint, outline the outer edge of the paper plate in a broken line. At the top, paint dripping shapes to mimic melting icing. This instantly transforms the brown circle into a gingerbread cookie.

a paper plate painted brown with white painted dots are the endge and scalloped at the top to look like icing with colored paper to look like gumdrops Save

3. Sprinkle on Candy Colors

Cut small circles from different shades of construction paper. These act as colorful candy pieces. Glue them along the top of the plate, right above the painted icing, to add a bright pop of color.

a paper plate painted brown with white painted dots are the endge and scalloped at the top to look like icing with colored paper to look like gumdrops and a holly bow tie Save

4. Use the Template Pieces

Print and cut out the holly and mouth templates. Trace each piece onto construction paper in the proper colors. Cut them out neatly and prepare to assemble.

5. Attach the Holly

Glue the holly leaves and berries at the bottom of the plate. This adds a touch of greenery and balances the design.

eyes, cheeks, and a mouth cut out of construction paper Save

6. Create the Gingerbread Face

Finally, glue the mouth in place, then use markers and construction paper cutouts to add eyes, a nose, and any extra details.

Tips for Easy Gingerbread Craft Success

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  • Layer the Paint – A second coat of brown paint gives the plate a polished cookie-like look.

  • Mix Up the Candy Colors – Use bright paper scraps in red, yellow, green, and blue for fun variation.

  • Add Personality – Try giving the gingerbread face rosy cheeks, eyelashes, or even a bow tie for extra flair.

  • Make it Hangable – Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon through so the craft can be displayed on walls or doors.

Creative Variations

One of the best parts of a paper plate gingerbread craft is that every creation can look unique. Here are some fun twists to try:

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  • Gingerbread Family – Make several faces and display them together as a group.
  • 3D Candy – Glue on real buttons or pom poms instead of paper candy circles.
  • Glitter Icing – Add sparkle by sprinkling glitter on the white paint before it dries.
  • Holiday Accessories – Give the gingerbread a hat, scarf, or earmuffs for extra personality.

These small changes make the Christmas craft for kids feel fresh and keeps them coming back for more crafting fun.

Why Paper Plate Crafts Work So Well

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Paper plate crafts are always a hit because they use everyday supplies in creative ways. The sturdy round shape is the perfect canvas for faces, animals, or seasonal characters. Add paint, glue, and paper cutouts, and suddenly an ordinary plate becomes a work of art.

For parents and teachers, they’re an excellent choice because the materials are inexpensive and easy to prepare. For kids, they’re fun, colorful, and satisfying to complete. The paper plate gingerbread craft is a perfect example of how something simple can bring so much joy.

Displaying the Gingerbread Craft for Kids

Once complete, this paper plate Christmas craft for kids deserves to be shown off. A few fun display ideas include:

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  • Pinning to a classroom bulletin board for a cheerful holiday scene
  • Hanging several along a string to create a garland
  • Using them as part of a door decoration
  • Attaching magnets to the back for fridge art

Each gingerbread face adds charm to any space and shows off the creativity of the crafter.

Final Thoughts on the Paper Plate Gingerbread Craft

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This paper plate gingerbread craft is sweet, simple, and full of character. With a paper plate, some paint, and a printable template for the holly and mouth, kids can create a decoration that looks as joyful as a gingerbread cookie.

Whether it’s for a classroom project, an afternoon craft session, or a seasonal display, it’s an easy gingerbread craft that is a guaranteed winner. Simple instructions, colorful materials, and the fun of assembling the smiling gingerbread face make this one to remember.

Grab a plate, paint it brown, and watch the magic unfold, one happy gingerbread face at a time.

Grab your free gingerbread template below

free gingerbread craft template

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