Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft
There’s something magical about the holiday season—the twinkling lights, the smell of pine, and of course, the sweet charm of a gingerbread house. That’s why this Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft with a free Gingerbread Template is the perfect way to capture the spirit of the season without the sticky mess of frosting and cookies.
Christmas crafts are perfect for homeschoolers, after-school care, and classroom use to bring fun to the holiday season!
Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft With Free Gingerbread Template
When it comes to gingerbread house crafts, most people picture the traditional edible version. While those are delicious and fun, they can also be messy, time-consuming, and not exactly classroom-friendly.
The paper bag gingerbread house craft offers the same creativity and whimsy but in a way that’s quick and affordable for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Using a brown paper or kraft paper bag and the gingerbread template as your base, you can design and decorate your house any way you like.
From candy canes made with markers to cookies cut out of cardstock, every detail is a chance to add your own flair.
Additionally, this craft is both fun to make and doubles as a cute decoration or a clever housewarming gift wrap idea.
Why Make a Paper Bag Gingerbread House?
Here are just a few reasons this paper bag craft makes the holiday season even brighter:
- It’s affordable for students to create, using basic supplies like scissors, glue, and markers.
- It’s an adorable keepsake for parents and grandparents.
- It’s an activity for a holiday party that keeps little hands busy without the sugar rush.
- It doubles as a gingerbread house paper bag gift—tuck small treat bags or goodies inside for a surprise.
- It’s one of the best ideas for kids to learn cutting, gluing, and assembling skills while having tons of fun.
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Crafty DAB GLUES DAB N STIC SchoolElmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks Washable 22 Grams 3 CountHuhuhero Kids Scissors, 5” Safety Toddler Scissor Blunt Tip with Cover, Small Craft Cutting Paper Scissors for Child Kid Age 4-7 8 9, Assorted Colors, 4 PackCrayola Construction Paper, 120 SheetsCrayola 587722 Non-Washable Markers, Broad Point, Classic Colors, 10/Set
Materials Needed To Make A Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft:
You don’t need anything fancy to create this craft. Most of the supplies are probably already sitting in your home or classroom:
- Paper bag (lunch bag size works great)
- Construction paper in festive colors
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Color pencils or crayons
- Markers (red, green, white)
- Hole punch and twine (optional for hanging as an ornament)
- Printable template (a free printable makes cutting shapes even easier)
With just these items, you’re ready to start crafting your adorable gingerbread house.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making a bag gingerbread house is as easy as coloring, cutting, and gluing. Here’s how you can do it:
Prepare the paper bag
Start with a paper lunch bag or any small kraft bag. Cut a triangle at the top to create the roofline. You’ll want to fold the top corners neatly so the house shape looks defined.
Trace and cut out decorations
Use a printable template or draw freehand. Cut doors, windows, and candy decorations out of cardstock or construction paper.
The scalloped white roof trim gives it that icing effect.
Assemble the details
Begin to assemble your craft template pieces one by one.
Apply glue to the roof trim, wreath, windows, and door.
This is where kids can really add their own flair and personalize the space.
Don’t forget to add paper cookies or even a gingerbread heart at the bottom.
Add candy canes and cookies.
Use markers or crayons to create striped candy canes.
Extra embellishment
Add dots, stripes, and scallops with a white crayon or marker to mimic the look of icing. You can even punch a hole at the top with a hole punch, thread some twine through, and turn your adorable gingerbread house into an ornament.
Fill and finish
The beauty of this project is that your paper bag gingerbread house can be left open to hold small trinkets, candy, or a note. It becomes both a craft and a gingerbread house treat bag.
Creative Ways to Use Your Gingerbread House
This isn’t just a craft—it’s a doorway to imagination. Here are some of the best ideas for using your paper bag craft:
- Holiday party favors: Fill with candy or toys to hand out at a classroom or family gathering.
- Gift bags: Turn them into treat bags for small presents—an adorable paper bag gingerbread house gift that doubles as a convenient wrapping option.
- Unique bulletin board: Teachers can pair with student writing for a unique bulletin display. Each student decorates their own house and writes about a holiday memory.
- Festive way to decorate: Line them up on a shelf or mantle for a festive gingerbread house village.
- Pinterest inspiration: These houses are perfect for sharing on Pinterest, an accurate paper bag gift wrap idea that spreads holiday cheer.
This is the kind of fun December project that becomes a tradition year after year.
Crafting Tips to Make It Extra Special:
- Mix and match your paper colors for candy decorations to make each house one of a kind.
- For younger kiddos, pre-cut the shapes using a craft template or PDF so they can focus on gluing.
- Teachers will love this because it’s quick and affordable for students, making it fast and inexpensive to prepare a class set.
- A coloring craft makes it quick for kids who don’t want to cut out too many pieces—give them a black-and-white template and let them color.
- If you want something sturdier, use cardstock instead of regular construction paper.
This project is not only crafty but also a great way to keep the kiddos busy while you prep for a holiday party or to pair it with other printables.
Why Kids (and Adults) Love It
Let’s face it: the holiday season is all about finding joy in small things. Watching your children create a gingerbread house made out of paper bags is heartwarming.
It’s a festive way to spread holiday cheer while also giving them an activity for a holiday party that keeps their minds and hands engaged.
And honestly? Even adults find it tons of fun to decorate these little houses. Whether you’re making a gingerbread house paper bag gift, crafting a gingerbread house treat, or simply enjoying a fun and easy creative break, this project is the cutest blend of tradition and creativity.
Gingerbread Craft Ideas:
Free Printable Gingerbread House Template
Teachers especially love this paper bag craft because it’s not only a perfect activity for a holiday celebration but also versatile.
You can pair with student writing about holiday traditions, then hang them up as a unique bulletin board display. It’s festive, personalized, and brings instant holiday cheer to the classroom.
Since it’s quick and affordable for students, it’s also an affordable option for students to create when they need something hands-on during those last days before winter break.
And with simple supplies like kraft paper, crayon, and glue, it’s accessible to everyone.
More Holiday Paper Bag Crafts:
If you enjoyed the Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft, here are more festive and creative paper bag crafts you can try.
- Turkey Paper Bag Craft – A fun and easy Thanksgiving craft kids will love.
- Pilgrim Turkey Paper Bag Craft – A playful twist on the classic turkey craft with a pilgrim theme.
- Pilgrim Girl Paper Bag Craft – A sweet and simple Thanksgiving paper bag craft for kids.
- DIY Pumpkin Treat Bags – A festive fall craft that doubles as a fun way to hold treats.
If you’re looking for the best ideas for kids this Christmas, the paper bag gingerbread house craft might top the list.
It’s a fun December project that keeps little hands busy, adds a festive way to your home or classroom, and serves as both a christmas craft and decoration.
So grab your scissors, glue, and a stack of paper bags, and get ready to create adorable holiday houses that will make you say Merry Christmas with a smile.
Gingerbread House paper Bag Craft
Materials
- Paper bag (lunch-size works best)
- Construction paper (various colors)
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Free gingerbread house template
Instructions
- Shape the Paper Bag:
Begin by cutting a triangle at the top of the paper bag so that it resembles the peak of a roof. This will create the base shape of your gingerbread house. - Prepare the Template Pieces:
Print and cut out the free gingerbread house template. Trace each piece onto its corresponding color of construction paper, then carefully cut them out. You can use colored pencils or crayons to add extra details, like candy swirls or frosting lines, before assembling. - Assemble the House Base:
Start attaching the main template pieces to the paper bag. Glue each piece one at a time, following the order shown in the template example or craft photo. Make sure they line up neatly so your gingerbread house looks well-structured. - Decorate the Roof:
Cut small circles out of different colors of construction paper to look like gumdrops. Glue them along the edges of the white roof template to create a candy-covered roof. - Create and Attach the Wreath:
Assemble the wreath using the template pieces. Color or decorate it as you like, then glue it to the top center of the house for a festive touch. - Add Roof and Wreath:
Once the roof and wreath are complete, attach them securely to the top section of the paper bag. - Add Windows and Door:
Assemble the window and door pieces using the template. Decorate them with colored pencils if desired, then glue them onto the front of the paper bag to complete the house’s exterior. - Add Extra Treats:
Cut and attach cookie shapes, candy canes, or any other fun decorations included in the template. Arrange them around the door and windows to make the house look sweet and festive.
