The festive season is upon us, and there’s nothing like decking the halls and the tree with your own personal touch!
It’s that wonderful time of year when the scent of cinnamon warms the air, twinkling lights add a cozy glow to our evenings, and creativity becomes a family affair.
Whether you’re a DIY veteran or just starting to dabble in the arts and crafts scene, making your own DIY ceramic gingerbread man ornament is a fantastic project that brings the charm of the season right into your home, and is easy enough to make together with the kids.

I stumbled upon this crafty adventure while hunting for a fun activity to share with the kids on a snowy afternoon. We all know how the holiday buzz can sometimes leave us feeling more like busy elves than jolly Santas.
So, why not take a breather, enjoy a gingerbread latte and gather the little ones, and create something that’s not only a joy to make but also a precious keepsake for years to come?
This craft is perfect for hands young and old, making it an ideal pastime for families looking to inject a little homemade happiness into their holiday decor.
There’s something truly special about crafting with your children, teaching them the value of creating something with their own two hands, and watching their eyes light up with pride as they hang their masterpiece on the tree.
How to Make Your DIY Gingerbread Man Ornament
So, let’s talk about making this adorable ceramic gingerbread ornament. To start, you’ll need a few supplies, including brown acrylic paint, a paintbrush, white puffy paint, wiggly eyes, mini buttons, and mini bows.
The blank ceramic gingerbread ornaments can be found at many craft stores, these ones are from Hobby Lobby.
These simple materials come together to create a charming ornament that looks good enough to eat (but please don’t nibble on this one!).

The process is straightforward and allows for plenty of creativity. Begin by giving your gingerbread figure a generous coating of brown acrylic paint.
Once dry, it’s time to bring that sweet face to life! A dab of red paint gives our gingerbread man a cheerful smile and a jolly nose. For a touch of whimsy, red puffy paint adds a festive hat, smoothed out with a brush or cotton swab for that perfect finish.
Next comes the fluffy white puffy paint, tracing the contours of our gingerbread man’s hair, beard, and that signature mustache.
The tactile experience of squeezing out the paint and designing the ornament is not only fun but also a great way for kids to develop fine motor skills and express their creativity. And those googly eyes? They’re just waiting to be glued on to give our gingerbread character a playful personality.

Lets go through the process step by step….
Ceramic Gingerbread Ornament Step by Step
Bring the holiday cheer to life with this adorable ceramic gingerbread ornament craft. Perfect for family crafting, this activity blends creativity and festive fun for all ages, creating cherished holiday memories and decor.
Materials
- Ceramic gingerbread ornament
- Brown acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- White puffy paint
- Wiggly eyes
- Mini buttons
- Mini bows
- Glue
Tools
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Paint your ceramic gingerbread man with the brown acrylic paint and allow to dry

- Once the brown paint is toally dry, Using a cotton swab or small paint brush, use a small amount of white paint to add details to the gingerbread man.

- Attach eyes using glue and Glue on a mini bow to create a bow tie, or you can mix things up and place the bow higher up on the head to create a girl gingerbread man.

- Add three buttons along the front of the gingerbread man, using glue

- Finally use the white puffy paint to draw on the mouth

- Allow the ornament to dry completely and string the ribbon or thread ready to hang.
Once your gingerbread ornament is fully adorned and dried, it’s ready to take pride of place on your Christmas tree. As you hang your new creation amongst the twinkling lights, you’ll feel the satisfaction of having made something truly special.
Variations
The beauty of this gingerbread ornament craft lies in its versatility, the best part is kids can really make it their own and add their own dose of creativity.
Imagine swapping out the mini buttons for sparkling adhesive gems that catch the light from your Christmas tree, adding an extra twinkle to your gingerbread creation.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a different texture, why not opt for wooden gingerbread blanks? They offer a rustic charm and can be just as easily painted and decorated.
For the DIY enthusiasts, creating your own gingerbread figures from salt dough is a fantastic twist on the traditional.
It’s a wonderful way to get hands-on with your holiday decor, and when it comes to embellishments, the sky’s the limit. Ribbons, sequins, colored glitters – each addition makes your gingerbread ornament uniquely yours. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with a dash of dazzle, your ornament will surely be a reflection of your festive spirit.

This ornament is not just a decoration; it’s a memory, a conversation starter, and a testament to the love and laughter shared during its creation.
This craft is fantastic for kids of all ages, from toddlers who are mesmerized by the colors and textures to older children who can handle the more detailed work.
Not only does it foster family bonding, but it also encourages concentration, patience, and the joy of creating something from the heart.
More DIY Christmas Tree Ornaments to Make with Kids
As the holiday season unfolds, why not continue the merriment with more Christmas tree ornaments to make with kids?
Crafting together is a beautiful way to create lasting memories and traditions that your children will cherish and perhaps even pass down to their own little ones someday.
Let the spirit of the season inspire you to create, share, and celebrate with those who mean the most. Happy crafting!
- DIY Reindeer Ornaments
- Make Your Own Wooden Love & Joy Christmas Ornament
- Cinnamon Stick Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Easy Glitter Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft for Kids
- Frozen Nature Ornaments
- DIY Clothes Pin Snowflake Ornament Craft
- Salt Dough Christmas Tree Decoration
More Gingerbread Theme Crafts and Activities for Kids
Loving the gingerbread theme? Try some of these fun ideas
- Paper Plate Gingerbread House Craft With Printable Template
- Free Printable Gingerbread House Craft for Kids
- Decorate the Gingerbread Man Free Printable Activity for Kids
- Gingerbread Man Paint Stamping
- Gingerbread People Recipe
2 thoughts on “DIY ceramic gingerbread man ornament”