28 Gingerbread Christmas Decorations DIY
This post may contain affiliate links: full affiliate disclosure.
The smell of gingerbread means the holidays are here! If you’re looking for a simple, sweet, and budget-friendly way to deck your halls, this list is for you.
We’ve gathered 28 amazing Gingerbread Christmas Decorations DIY ideas, perfect for adding cozy charm to every corner of your home.
Let’s get baking (or crafting)!
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments
Nothing beats the real thing! These classic cookie ornaments not only look gorgeous but they also give your whole house that irresistible, spicy scent we all crave during the holidays. Just remember to bake a few extra—for decorating and snacking!
How To (DIY):
Bake your favorite gingerbread cookie recipe. Before you place them in the oven, use a straw or skewer to poke a small hole near the top edge of each cookie. Once they are completely cooled, thread a festive ribbon or piece of twine through the hole. Hang on the tree for a deliciously festive look.
2. Faux Gingerbread Dough Ornaments
If you love the look of gingerbread but want decorations that you can use year after year (or if you just don’t trust yourself not to eat the real ones!), faux dough is the way to go. It smells similar but lasts forever!
How To (DIY):
Make ornaments with a mixture of ground cinnamon, applesauce, and white craft glue. Knead the ingredients until they form a clay-like dough. Roll it out, cut shapes using cookie cutters, and poke a hole for hanging. Allow them to air-dry completely (this can take 2-3 days). They will harden and smell like gingerbread without the spoilage.
3. Felt Gingerbread People
These little guys are soft, safe for kids and pets, and add a delightful texture to your holiday greenery. Plus, you don’t even need a sewing machine—just some simple snipping and gluing!
How To (DIY):
Cut simple gingerbread man shapes from brown felt. Use white puff paint or fine-line fabric paint to simulate the icing details around the edges and eyes. Add tiny, colorful buttons or sequin beads for extra charm. Attach a loop of string or ribbon for hanging.
4. Clay Gingerbread House Ornaments
Want a mini masterpiece? Air-dry clay allows you to create tiny, three-dimensional houses that look like they belong in a winter village. They’re fun to sculpt and even more fun to frost with paint!
How To (DIY):
Shape small, simple miniature houses from air-dry clay. Let the clay fully cure and harden according to package directions. Once dry, paint them a rich, warm brown color. Then, use white acrylic paint and a fine brush or toothpick to mimic a frosted, icing effect for the snow and trim.
5. Salt Dough Gingerbread Ornaments
Salt dough is a classic DIY medium, and with a little brown paint, it transforms into a convincing (and durable!) gingerbread replica. These are perfect for family crafting time!
How To (DIY):
Mix up a batch of salt dough (flour, salt, water). Roll it out and use cookie cutters to create gingerbread shapes. Bake or dry the shapes until rock hard. Once cooled, paint them brown with acrylic paint. Use white paint for the icing details that give them that signature gingerbread look. These will last for years.
6. Oversized Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments
Sometimes, bigger is better! These large-scale ornaments make a real statement on a taller tree or can be hung individually around the house like small festive plaques.
How To (DIY):
Cut large circles (about 6-8 inches wide) from heavy corrugated cardboard or thin plywood. Punch or drill a small hanging hole. Decorate the circle with brown paint and then use white dimensional paint (or puffy fabric paint) to create thick, icing-style designs. Hang for a bold tree or wall decor piece.
7. Gingerbread Cookie Cutter Ornaments
A simple, brilliant hack! If you have cute gingerbread cookie cutters lying around, why not give them a second job as easy, festive ornaments? It’s instant, metallic Christmas charm.
How To (DIY):
Find metal cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread men, stars, or trees. Simply tie ribbons or decorative twine to the top edge of the metal cookie cutters and hang them directly on the tree. You can also spray paint them gold or bronze for extra sparkle.
8. Gingerbread Photo Ornaments
Turn your favorite family memory into a sweet decoration! This is a personalized way to add warmth to your tree, making those gingerbread shapes truly unique.
How To (DIY):
Print small family photos. Cut gingerbread-shaped frames from brown craft foam (or stiff felt). Cut an opening in the center of the foam frame that is slightly smaller than the photo. Glue the photo behind the opening. Attach a string to the back for hanging.
9. Candy & Gingerbread Mix Tree Theme
This isn’t just one ornament—it’s an entire theme! Create a deliciously cohesive look by pairing your DIY gingerbread pieces with other sweet-themed items.
How To (DIY):
Pair your handmade gingerbread ornaments (from steps 1-8) with store-bought faux candy decorations like swirled lollipops, glittery gumdrops, or striped candy canes. Use primarily red, white, and brown ribbon for a sweet-themed Christmas tree.
10. Gingerbread House Tree Topper
Give your tree a cozy roof! Instead of a traditional star or angel, crowning your tree with a tiny, perfect gingerbread house adds a whimsical, homey feel.
How To (DIY):
Craft a lightweight gingerbread house from lightweight cardboard or foam core board. Keep the structure simple and small. Decorate lightly with paint and glitter. Attach a small spring or cone to the base of the house so it can sit securely at the very top of the Christmas tree.
11. Mini Gingerbread Man Garland
Garlands are the perfect way to carry a theme across a mantle, doorway, or window. These mini gingerbread men are sweet little travelers ready to spread cheer.
How To (DIY):
Cut out small, uniform gingerbread man shapes from felt or sturdy brown cardboard. Decorate each piece with white markers, paint pens, or tiny sequins. Once dry, use a sewing needle and thread or decorative twine to string them together at regular intervals to create a playful garland.
12. Paper Gingerbread Chain
If you need fast, easy, and kid-friendly decor, this paper chain is your winner. It’s a throwback craft with a festive, modern twist!
How To (DIY):
Cut brown construction paper or cardstock into the outline of gingerbread shapes. Keep the shapes connected side-by-side (like paper dolls) so they link when unfolded. Decorate the individual paper “cookies” with markers, paint, or a generous dusting of glitter before hanging.
13. Gingerbread House Banner
This is a fantastic way to decorate a buffet table or a wall nook. By cutting out different styles of houses, you create your own miniature, charming holiday street.
How To (DIY):
Create 5-7 different stylized gingerbread houses cut from sturdy cardstock or foam board. Add details like window cutouts, chimney shapes, and colorful candy details made from paint or glued-on buttons. Punch holes at the top corners and string them onto a long length of twine to hang across a mantel or shelf.
14. Cookie Cutter Garland
This is a fun, rustic garland idea that lets you show off your best baking tools! Alternating them with other items adds great visual interest.
How To (DIY):
Gather a variety of gingerbread-shaped cookie cutters (men, stars, hearts). Wrap twine or jute through the top opening or handles of the cutters. Alternate the cutters with other lightweight, festive ornaments like faux candy cane stripes or small wooden beads.
15. Gingerbread Cookie Wreath
Welcome guests with a wreath that looks good enough to eat! Gluing faux or well-sealed cookies around a wreath base creates a wonderfully textured and inviting front door decoration.
How To (DIY):
Purchase a simple foam wreath base (about 12 inches). Using a hot glue gun, glue faux gingerbread cookies (salt dough or clay work best) completely around the foam base. Ensure there are no large gaps. Finish the wreath with a large, bright red burlap or velvet bow at the top or bottom.
16. Felt Gingerbread Wreath
For a softer, cozier look, use felt. The felt material is durable and gives a beautiful, matte finish, making the white “icing” details really pop.
How To (DIY):
Cut out several dozen gingerbread men or star shapes from brown felt. Lightly stuff some of the pieces with cotton batting or fiberfill before gluing the edges shut—this gives them dimension. Attach the stuffed and flat pieces to a circular wire or cardboard base, overlapping them slightly to build a full, textured wreath.
17. Gingerbread & Candy Cane Wreath
Mixing textures and classic holiday treats elevates your wreath game. The striped candy canes add a burst of color against the neutral brown of the gingerbread.
How To (DIY):
Start with a natural grapevine wreath. Combine faux gingerbread cookies (store-bought or DIY) with candy cane stripes (either faux, plastic, or painted wooden pieces). Glue the pieces onto the grapevine base, scattering them evenly. Use red and white accents to tie the pieces together.
18. Gingerbread House Door Wreath
Want something truly unique for your front door? Centering a small gingerbread house inside a wreath makes a stunning focal point.
How To (DIY):
Purchase or craft a small, lightweight DIY gingerbread house (cardboard or foam works well). Affix this house to the center of a larger, plain wreath (use pine greenery or plain brown branches). Surround the house with extra greenery, small ornaments, and battery-operated twinkle lights.
19. Edible Mini Cookie Wreath
If you are hosting a party or event, this is a gorgeous, temporary centerpiece! It’s a festive craft that turns into a dessert after the gathering.
How To (DIY):
Bake dozens of mini gingerbread cookies (circles or stars). Let them cool. Thread the cooled cookies closely together onto a piece of thin floral wire, pushing them together tightly. Shape the wire into a small, sturdy wreath shape and secure the ends. Place it on a platter for a festive tabletop display.
20. Gingerbread House Centerpiece
A classic that never gets old! A large, impressive gingerbread house is the ultimate centerpiece for your dining table or hall console.
How To (DIY):
Create a large, sturdy gingerbread house structure using baked pieces or heavy cardboard (if it’s non-edible). Decorate the house lavishly with colorful candy details (licorice, gumdrops, peppermints) and tons of white icing (or paint/puffy paint). Place it on a platter surrounded by cotton ball “snow” for your holiday table.
21. Mini Gingerbread House Place Cards
Need a charming, personalized touch for your holiday meal? These tiny houses act as decorations and practical place settings all in one.
How To (DIY):
Build tiny gingerbread houses (3-4 inches tall) using either royal-iced cookies or small cardboard pieces. Use a small piece of icing or glue to stand a card upright against the house, which has the guest’s name written on it. Use them to hold place cards at the dinner table.
22. Gingerbread Candle Holders
Candlelight makes everything cozier, and adding a gingerbread theme turns a simple jar into an enchanting display.
How To (DIY):
Wrap glass jars (like mason jars) in brown gingerbread-themed paper, felt, or even a sheet of plain brown paper. Carefully cut small window shapes (square or arched) into the material. Glue the material to the jar. Insert battery-operated tealights inside for a safe, glowing effect.
23. Gingerbread Cookie Jar Display
This is an easy, low-effort display that looks incredibly rustic and inviting. The simple act of stacking and tying cookies creates instant holiday charm.
How To (DIY):
Bake and decorate a batch of classic gingerbread cookies. Fill a clear apothecary jar or large glass canister with the decorated cookies. Tie a thick red or plaid ribbon around the neck or lid of the jar for a rustic holiday look that’s ready to display in the kitchen or living room.
24. Gingerbread Napkin Rings
Don’t let your table settings miss out on the gingerbread fun! These little rings are a charming detail your guests will love.
How To (DIY):
Cut small gingerbread man or star cutouts (about 2 inches wide) from stiff felt or thick cardboard. Use hot glue to attach the cutouts to pre-made napkin rings, or create the rings yourself by gluing short strips of brown felt or cardboard into loops. Slide onto your napkins for festive table settings.
25. Oversized Wooden Gingerbread Man
Ready for a big statement? Painting a large wooden cutout is a fun, weekend project that can transform your porch or yard into a festive fantasy.
How To (DIY):
Purchase or cut a large wooden cutout (plywood works great) shaped like a classic gingerbread man. Paint the entire figure a rich brown. Use weather-proof white paint to add the icing trim, eyes, buttons, and smile. Apply a sealant, and place it prominently by the front door or in the yard.
26. Gingerbread Porch Sign
Say “Happy Holidays” with a sweet, decorative sign! This adds height and personality to your entryway, welcoming everyone with warmth.
How To (DIY):
Get a long, vertical piece of wood. Cut the top into a slight peak, mimicking a house roof. Paint the whole piece brown. Use paint or vinyl letters to write festive wording like “Sweet Holidays” or “The Gingerbread Lane.” Decorate the top with painted candy details or “icing” to mimic a gingerbread house sign.
27. Candy-Themed Gingerbread Pathway Stakes
Make your walkway look like it leads directly to Santa’s workshop! This outdoor decor adds a fun, whimsical touch.
How To (DIY):
Attach faux, weatherproof gingerbread men (made from sealed wood or durable plastic) to short garden stakes. Line your walkway by placing the gingerbread stakes alongside other fun, exaggerated outdoor decor, like oversized lollipop cutouts or plastic candy canes, for a magical, sweet-themed entry.
28. Gingerbread Porch Welcome Mat
Since we already used the tree topper, let’s substitute this last one with a simple, cozy outdoor item!
How To (DIY):
Purchase a plain coir (or rubber-backed) welcome mat. Use stencils and brown or white outdoor-safe acrylic paint to paint a large gingerbread man outline or the word “Sweet” on the mat. You can also create a border that looks like white icing around the edge for instant gingerbread appeal.
Conclusion: Share Your Sweet Creations!
We hope this list has given you plenty of inspiration to turn your home into a cozy, gingerbread paradise this year! Whether you’re baking a batch of edible ornaments or breaking out the hot glue gun for some lasting decor, you can’t go wrong with this classic holiday theme.
We’d love to see what you create! Drop a comment below and tell us which DIY Gingerbread Decoration you’re going to try first. Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow craft enthusiasts and pin your favorite ideas to your holiday boards for later!
