Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft: A Christmas Craft That Lasts for Years

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft a wooden board cut to the height of a child and painted to look like a gingerbread man Save

A wooden gingerbread marker of a child’s height carries the charm of a holiday tradition and the heart of a family memory. This wooden gingerbread keepsake craft is a fun Christmas activity for kids that turns a simple board into a tall, smiling character. One that stands proudly through the seasons. Kids help guide the vision, caregivers handle the details, and the final product is a perfect Christmas craft. Each board bears a little of the style from the year it was created, giving families a keepsake worth pulling back out every December.

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft a wooden board cut to the height of a child and painted to look like a gingerbread man Save

This wooden gingerbread keepsake craft is wonderfully approachable. It uses classic holiday colors, playful icing lines, and familiar gingerbread features. Whether displayed next to the tree, hung in an entryway, or propped near a fireplace, this DIY Christmas decoration adds a sweet touch to seasonal decor. Even better, it marks a point in childhood in a creative way that photos can’t quite match.

Supplies for the Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft

A few reliable materials bring this Christmas craft to life:

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft supplies Save
  • Wooden board or fence board
  • Brown acrylic paint
  • White acrylic paint
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Red and green acrylic paint
  • Small and medium paintbrushes
  • Optional bow or ribbon
  • Clear sealant
  • Marker

These simple supplies transform the board into a gingerbread friend with bright cheeks and a cute “icing” design, ready to stand out among the holiday decorations.

How to Make This Gingerbread Craft for Christmas

The process turns an ordinary wooden board into a child-sized gingerbread friend with details that feel both classic and personal. Each added detail builds the look of the familiar cookie character while giving families something to treasure, year after year.

1.   Measure and Prepare the Wooden Board

measuring and marking a child's height on a wooden board Save

Begin by measuring the board to match the child’s current height. This step gives the Christmas keepsake craft its meaning, preserving a sizing snapshot in the most adorable format. Saw the board to the precise height, then lightly sand the edges. A smooth surface helps the paint glide and supports clean, crisp icing lines later. Using a sanding block or a plane to add a slight bevel to the front edges really makes it look nice. A fence picket really shines here, since the dog-ear cut (the missing top corners) give the DIY Christmas decoration a slightly more “gingerbread man” shape than squared corners would.

2.   Paint the Gingerbread Base Color

painting a wooden board brown Save

Cover the entire board in brown acrylic paint, including the edges. This step sets the iconic gingerbread tone. Acrylic paint does dry quickly, but it helps to wait a bit longer before adding additional details so the colors remain bold. Once dry, the board looks like a gingerbread cookie waiting for its icing and cheerful personality.

painting the side of a wooden board brown Save

3.   Add the White Icing Swirls

a wooden board painted brown with wavy lines for icing and two circles for cheeks Save

Use white paint to create icing “frosting” at the top and bottom of the board. A simple scallop works beautifully here, but feel free to get a little adventurous, if desired. This detail brings the first hint of character to the DIY Christmas decoration.

  • Paint the Cheeks, Eyes, and Smile
a wooden board painted brown with wavy lines for icing and a smiling face Save

Two white circles near the upper portion of the board form the signature gingerbread cheeks. Black paint brings the eyes and smile to life. The face doesn’t need complex shading or detail. The charm lies in its simplicity. A sweet smile and round eyes give the craft its personality, and guarantee that it works well with other Christmas decorations in the home.

5.   Add Red and Green Buttons

a wooden board painted brown with red and green circles in a line Save

Bright color brings holiday cheer to the gingerbread craft. Paint bold red and green buttons down the center of the board. They create contrast against the warm brown background and tie the craft into the familiar palette of Christmas decor. Some families alternate colors, while others repeat one shade for a coordinated look. Either approach suits the craft beautifully.

6.   Optional: Add a Bow

For a gingerbread girl option, attach a bow at the top corner of the board or paint one in place. Ribbon bows add dimension and give the keepsake a sweet personal touch. This easy addition helps make each gingerbread friend feel unique.

7.   Add Name and Year on the Back

The finishing touch is hidden on the reverse side but gives the craft its meaning. Write the child’s name and the year on the back using a marker. When the board comes out in future seasons, families instantly remember the stage of childhood it represents. This small detail anchors the Christmas keepsake craft firmly in family tradition.

8.   Seal the Board

A clear sealant protects the painted surface so the gingerbread friend stays bright year after year. Matte or satin sealers both work well. This step ensures the colors stay sharp and the wooden board stays in great condition for future holiday displays.

Display Ideas for the Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft a wooden board cut to the height of a child and painted to look like a gingerbread man Save

This gingerbread craft, tall and cheerful, fits naturally into a variety of holiday setups. Position it near a Christmas tree to add height and contrast among the branches. Set it next to the fireplace for a playful greeting when lights glow across the room. Lean it by the front door so visiting friends encounter a custom piece that tells a story before stepping inside.

Some families create a yearly collection, adding a new board for each child’s growth. Over time, the lineup tells a whimsical tale of childhood through handcrafted gingerbread figures. It turns a simple tradition into handmade decor that spans years.

Learning and Skill-Building Through a Christmas Craft

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft a wooden board cut to the height of a child and painted to look like a gingerbread man Save

Painting a wooden gingerbread figure supports fine motor development and design awareness. Kids explore color placement, shapes, and symmetry. Thick icing curves help with brush control, while buttons and cheeks highlight simple geometric forms.

This DIY Christmas decoration also encourages creative expression. Kids brainstorm button colors, facial expressions, bow placement, and unique add-ons. Each board expresses personality through its details, encouraging deeper participation in holiday crafting traditions.

Why This Christmas Keepsake Craft Matters

Wooden Gingerbread Keepsake Craft a wooden board cut to the height of a child and painted to look like a gingerbread man Save

A wooden gingerbread friend stands taller than the average holiday craft, both literally and symbolically. The board marks a moment in childhood, crystallized into a handmade decoration that stays a part of seasonal celebrations year after year. Families build new holiday routines around the display, which adds meaning far beyond the paint.

The wooden gingerbread keepsake craft blends creativity, tradition, and personalization in one straightforward project. It turns holiday crafting time into a heartfelt memory, one that returns annually to the living room with a smile that never fades.

Liked This? You May Also Like…

author avatar
stacie
See Full Bio

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *