There is something so charming about turning a simple paper plate into a cute little gingerbread character. This paper plate gingerbread man craft is easy, fun, and perfect for kids of all ages. It is a lovely hands on activity for Christmas, and it also works brilliantly with a fairy tale theme when you are reading the classic Gingerbread Man book. If you are looking for paper plate crafts that feel warm and magical for the holiday season, this one is always a hit.
This theme is full of charm, simple steps, and plenty of opportunities for little ones to build fine motor skills while they create their own gingerbread friend. Whether you are crafting at home, making decorations for a kids Christmas party, or setting up a quick activity for a classroom, this plate gingerbread idea fits right in.
The gingerbread theme is always such a winner with kids, especially if you have been reading the classic Gingerbread Man story together. There is something so fun about bringing that cheeky little character to life in craft form, and children love making their own version after giggling through the story. It is a lovely way to link books and creativity, and it naturally encourages kids to retell the tale while they glue and assemble their gingerbread face.
Materials for Your Paper Plate Gingerbread Man Craft
To make this child paper plate gingerbread craft, you only need basic supplies that are easy to access. A paper plate, a little paint, and a few scraps of paper come together to form such a cute gingerbread character.
You can also adapt your gingerbread man paper plate craft to add your own colors and designs. Kids love how simple it feels while still looking adorable once finished.
How to Make the Paper Plate Gingerbread Craft
Here is the easy step by step guide to help your child bring their gingerbread craft to life.
Gingerbread man paper plate craft
This adorable paper plate gingerbread craft turns a simple plate into the cutest Christmas character, perfect for little hands and a fun holiday activity.
Materials
- Paper plate
- Red and Green Construction paper for the leaf and holly
- Pink and red construction paper for the face
- Mixed colors of construction paper, whichever you like for the spot decorations.
- White and brown paint
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Black Marker
- Glue
- Free printable template
Tools
- Printer if using the template
Instructions
- Paint the paper plate brown. Let it dry before painting it again.Paint an outline of white on the outer part of the paper plate. Then paint the top part like melting.
- Cut small circles from different colors of paper
- Then attach these at the top of the paper plate using glue
- Cut the templates and trace them to their corresponding paper, to create the decoration for the bottom of your craft
- Attach the leaf at the bottom.
- Prepare the templates for the face details
- Attach the details of the face.
- Your paper plate gingerbread man is ready
Once everything is glued in place, your gingerbread plate has so much personality. Kids love choosing their colours, adding little freckles or cheeks, or even turning it into a gingerbread house paper plates display. You can add glitter, stickers, ribbon bows, or anything else that makes it feel extra fun. These kinds of crafts are brilliant for building confidence because they always turn out cute no matter what.
In our house, gingerbread has become part of our Christmas Eve tradition. I always buy the absolutely huge gingerbread men from Costco and let the kids go wild decorating them with icing and candies. It is messy, chaotic, and completely brilliant. This paper plate gingerbread craft has the same joyful feel, but without the sugar rush. Kids get that same excitement of designing their own gingerbread friend, and it pairs so nicely with the real decorating fun later on.
Printable Gingerbread Man Craft Template PDF
If you prefer to use a paper plate gingerbread template, we have a free pdf that includes the pieces you need. It makes the process quicker and easier, especially if you are crafting with a group of children or setting up a holiday activity station. This also works well if you want your gingerbread characters to be similar in size for a classroom display. Simply print the paper plate gingerbread printable, trace, cut, and assemble.
Terms of use: Our gingerbread man plate template is free for personal use and classroom use.
This paper plate gingerbread diy activity is fun, simple, and always brings a smile. It is a lovely addition to your Christmas crafts collection, and it pairs beautifully with story time, home learning themes, or just a cosy holiday afternoon at home.
Paper plates are such an affordable base for crafting, and this project proves how creative you can be with just a few materials. We’re sure your paper plate gingerbread ideas are going to come out so cute!
Why not make a paper plate gingerbread house for your ginger man to live in too?
More Gingerbread Crafts for Kids
If you love gingerbread crafts, we have plenty more ideas beyond these gingerbread man paper plates including gingerbread house craft projects, and other sweet seasonal activities for kids that you can explore next.
- Paper Bag Gingerbread House Craft for Kids with Free Printable Template
- DIY Gingerbread House Costume Tutorial
- Printable Disguise a Gingerbread Man Project
- Gingerbread Man Paint Stamping
- Rocking Gingerbread Man Craft
More Christmas Paper Plate Crafts
Paper plate crafts make holiday creating so easy. We have more Christmas ideas using paper plates, perfect for little hands and quick craft sessions at home or in the classroom.
- Easy Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
- Paper Plate Christmas Candle Wreath
- Paper Plate Christmas Ornament Craft
- Paper Plate Elf Craft
If you enjoyed this paper plate gingerbread craft, please share this blog post on social media so more families can try it too, and have fun making their own gingerbread plates.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.