17 Amazing Gingerbread Houses You Have to See to Believe

by Susie ForesmanNovember 29, 2023

These amazing gingerbread houses will inspire you to get creative this year

Gingerbread season is here! While the candy-covered creations we make with our kids are what we’d call “shabby chic” at best (here are some gingerbread house hacks to help you this year), some folks take it to the next level. We’ve rounded up a village of amazing gingerbread houses that will make your jaw drop.

Magical World of Gingerbread Houses

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Disney World is known for displaying amazing gingerbread houses every year, and the Grand Floridian Resort tops the list of best places to spot them.

"12 Days of Gingerbread"

Omni Grove Park has amazing gingerbread houses — The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville is famous for its annual Gingerbread House Competition. This year is the 31st anniversary, and starting on November 27th, all the submissions will be displayed throughout the resort. If you won't be in the area, be sure to check out their "12 Days of Gingerbread," where, from Dec 1. - Dec. 12, the top 12 finalists are presenting on Facebook and Instagram.

Sweet & Simple’s Clever House

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British Columbia-based baker Sweet & Simple Kitchen’s beautiful use of powdered sugar and almond shingles has us dreaming of a cozy cabin somewhere.

Two-Story Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses — Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont in San Francisco is famous for its two-story gingerbread houses, which is a part of its annual holiday fun. You can even book a dining experience for up to eight guests inside the gingerbread house! The hotel officially kicks off the holiday fun on November 24th, 2023.

A Retro Gingerbread Camper

We're totally crushing on this creation by Sugar & Cloth, complete with a Rice Krispy Christmas tree on top of the sweet retro camper. There are even step-by-step instructions if you’re feeling brave enough to attempt it yourself.

There’s No Place Like This Gingerbread House

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach created a jaw-dropping take on The Wizard of Oz, made with 400 pounds of gingerbread dough, 300 pounds of fondant, and 100 pounds of chocolate.

Haunted Gingerbread House

Two of our favorite holidays collide in this spooky house from Cookie Connection. A candy-lined path leads up to a sweet mansion that’s crawling with ivy—would you dare to step inside?

White House

The White House gingerbread house is a tradition that’s been going on since the Carter administration. We think the 2019 house was pretty awesome because not only is the White House featured, but other important American landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Alamo are included too.

Gingerbread Farm

How cute is this farm setup from My Name Is Yeh? Complete with matcha trees, heart-shaped jolly rancher windows, and gingerbread ponies, it’s a farm you can really sink your teeth into.

Boardwalk Concession Stand

Disney doesn’t do anything halfway—including this life-size replica of a Jersey Shore Boardwalk concession stand at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, which has a grand total of 674 gingerbread shingles. We’ve only got one question: how do you keep the kiddos from nibbling on it as they walk by?

A Tea Party

Omni Grove Park Inn amazing gingerbread houses — The Omni Grove Park Inn

Here’s another winner from the Omni Grove Park Inn’s 2022 contest, but this time, it's the first-place winner in the teen category!

Frozen Gingerbread Ice Castle

Frozen fans will appreciate this awesome gingerbread ice castle that popped up at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida. Anna, Elsa, and the rest of the gang are all ready to wave hello.

Valentine Gingerbread House

Here’s a cute idea—combine a couple of holidays for an extra special gingerbread house. This creation from With Love and Confection is super sweet down to the last detail, from the heart-shaped roof tiles to the glittery snowman in the front yard.

Land of Misfit Toys

This amazing gingerbread house combines an iconic building at the National Institutes of Health with everyone’s favorite reindeer and all of his friends. Watch out for the Abominable Snowman in the background!

Up Gingerbread House

This clever house looks just like the one featured in Pixar’s hit movie Up. From the “grass” made out of toasted coconut to the rice paper curtains, this house makes every detail count.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Waterbar's Executive Pastry Chef Erica Land spent over 100 hours creating this amazing rendition of Halloween Town from Tim Burton's classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was three feet tall, and six feet wide, and included over 25 lbs. of gingerbread!

11 Christmas Minute to Win It Games the Kids Will Love

by Taylor CliftonNovember 5, 2023

These exciting Christmas minute to win it games are the perfect way to beat any boredom this holiday season

If you’re in need of some exciting holiday activities for the kids, look no further. We’ve got Christmas Minute to Win It games that are quick, leave very little mess, and will have everyone laughing until their cheeks hurt. If you’re looking for party games that are more on the elaborate side, check out our favorite family Christmas games, and for party games that aren’t drenched in a holiday theme, check out these other minute-to-win-it games.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute.

How to play

These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.

Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.

Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.

Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.

Our Favorite Christmas Minute to Win It Games

1. Christmas Tree Cup Stack
This is a classic Minute to Win It game, but the added challenge of decorating with ornaments. Give the players one minute to stack their cups and place their ornaments—whoever stacks the fastest wins. We recommend you use plastic ornaments for safety and speed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJHUUQ6s6P5/?hidecaption=true

2. Candy Cane Connect
Set an empty bowl off to the side and put lots of candy canes on a surface in front of each player. Have each player put a candy cane in their mouth (curl sticking out and plastic still on) and transfer it into the empty bowl. See how many candy canes each team can move in 30 seconds. The player with the most candy canes connected to each other wins!

3. Ornament Roll
Set a starting point and finish line with tape (or a different material) and choose a plastic ornament for each contestant. Have each person use a straw to blow their ornament toward the finish line and whoever crosses it first, wins! If it proves too difficult, try setting a timer for a minute and whoever’s ornament is closest to the finish line at the end, wins.

4. Antler Ring Toss
If you have a set of reindeer antlers lying around, this game will be a blast! Team up in pairs and put the antlers on one team member’s head. The other person will toss inflatable rings (or something similar) onto the antlers. Whoever gets the most rings onto the antlers within a minute, their team wins.

5. Gingerbread Cookie Face
Place a gingerbread cookie (or your favorite holiday cookie) on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands. What a yummy challenge!

6. Fill Santa’s Beard
Prep a plate of cotton balls or marshmallows and print out a picture of Santa (Make sure he has a big beard!). With a plastic spoon handle in each player’s mouth, they’ll have one minute to fill Santa’s beard with as many cotton balls or marshmallows as possible.

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7. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss
Have players stand back from the table with hot chocolate mugs on it. Give players a designated number of mini marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.

8. Marshmallow Stacking
Have players stack as many marshmallows as they can in 30 seconds. You can play this game with regular marshmallows or mini.

9. Snowfall
Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose, and ten white ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can. To make this game more festive, try using plastic ornaments.

10. Snow Scoop
Set two bowls side by side. Fill one bowl with cotton balls and leave the other empty. Each team member will put the end of the handle in their mouth and try to get as many cotton balls from the full bowl to the empty bowl in under a minute. Whoever gets the most from one bowl to the other, wins. This game can also be done with marshmallows.

11. Holiday M&Ms
Fill a plate with M&Ms and set an empty plate next to it. The goal of this game is to use a straw to separate out the holiday colors. Traditionally they are green and red, but use any holiday colors you’d like. Use the straw to transfer as many holiday M&Ms as you can in under a minute. The person who sorts the most onto the empty plate wins.

20+ Festive Holiday & Christmas Games to Play with the Kids

by Abigail MatsumotoOctober 25, 2023

Holiday party season is here and these family Christmas games bring all the cheer

Make your next family game night extra special with fun family Christmas games that are sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups!) entertained. Those who enjoy minute-to-win-it games will get a real kick out of the Gingerbread Shuffle, and those who want a good laugh should go for Christmas Mad Libs or Christmas Scattergories. This list has a game for every day leading up to Christmas so get ready for some family fun!

Christmas Scattergories

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We love the holiday flair that has been added to our favorite game of Scattergories by @michelletripple. Head over to her profile to print off the cards for a fun night filled with laughs.

Elf Monopoly

Buy, sell, and trade your way to Christmas cheer in this Elf-inspired version of Monopoly. The game tokens include fun figurines like maple syrup, a mailroom coffee cup, Santa's sleigh, and more. Buy it here.

Gingerbread Shuffle

Who’s the smart cookie of the bunch? We love this holiday game because all you need is cookies and no hands. Head over to Not Consumed for the details on how to play this game with the half-pints.

Candy Cane Ribbon Race

Ready, set, go! Grab your candy cane and race it across the ribbon to win. We love this simple yet exciting family Christmas game from Nifty Mom.

Christmas Smell Guessing Game

Smells good! Grab your Santa hats, it’s time to play the Christmas smell guessing game. Using seasonal scents like peppermint, pinecones, gingerbread, and cinnamon sticks, your little elves will love this. Head over to Kid Friendly Things to Do for a tutorial on how to play.

Holiday Tic-Tac-Toe

Let the games begin! We love this Christmas version of tic-tac-toe you can snag from SCATTERCRAFTED. It's perfect for a quick moment with grandparents or when you're just trying to keep the littles from bouncing off the walls.

Ornament Matching Game

Hide-and-seek! If the littles need a game to spice up the holiday magic, Toddler Approved has the perfect Christmas game idea. We love it because kids practice matching numbers, adding, and spelling, while having fun.

Gingerbread Cookie Relay

Run, run, as fast you can, you can't stop now—it's the gingerbread man relay! The materials for this Christmas game for kids are easy to pull together (think gingerbread cutouts and spatulas), and it's sure to inspire a ton of giggles. Learn more over at Teaching Heart Blog.

Christmas Mad Libs

Give your holiday party an extra dose of silliness with this Mad Libs game from Happiness is Homemade! The kids will love coming up with a kooky story—and it's a built-in vocab-builder too.

Christmas Gift Exchange

Look no further for a fun Christmas party game! This activity from Play Party Plan involves dice, a wrapped gift from each guest, and a whole lot of laughter. Get started with the free printable, and then see what surprise you end up with!

Christmas Charades

Charades are always a party hit, which is why we love that A Girl and a Glue Gun whipped up a Christmas-y version. Grab the free printable and get ready to act your heart out!

The Candy Cane Game

This Christmas party game from Chanele at Good Life of a Housewife is extra brilliant because it takes a classic game that your kids are probably familiar with (Spoons!), and gives it a peppermint twist.

Silver Bells Memory Game

Does this game ring a bell? Gather your guests around and try this fun idea from I Can Teach My Child. The best part is that this game uses Hershey's Kisses—so no matter your memory, you'll end up with a treat!

Name That Holiday Tune

Who can hum the best? Give your holiday party a musical upgrade by having everyone hum—and identify—popular holiday songs. Can't carry a tune? Play a game of musical chairs (holiday edition) instead. Head over to Play Party Plan for the perfect playlist!

Candy Cane Fishing

We love this simple and sweet game. It’s festive, easy, and teaches motor skills, too! Even better: You don’t need a ton of supplies. Find out how to stage your own over at There’s Just One Mommy.

Jingle Bell Obstacle Course

Ring in the holidays with a party game that guarantees a jingle-jangle good time! This obstacle course idea is sensory, active and only requires a little bit of DIY-ability. Learn more at Childhood 101.

Candy Cane Hunt

family Christmas games use a lot of candy canes — Deidre Schlabs via Unsplash

Grab a few dozen candy canes and a timer, and host your own candy cane hunt! You can hide your peppermint treats in newly fallen snow or around the house and see how many kids find in 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. You can even award a prize for the “golden” candy cane—a simple bow or ribbon around the special cane results in an extra special treat.

Pin the Heart on the Grinch

Turn your house into Whoville and celebrate the day that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes. Using a cut-out heart as a marker, spin your party guests around and let them match the ticker to the Grinch. Head over to Mom’s Tot School for more info.

Snow Shovel Race

Three cheers for a fun Minute to Win It game! With this idea, you’ll race the clock in a silly “snow” shoveling activity. It’s a guarantee for giggles and super simple to put together, too. Get the how-to at Housing a Forest.

Snowman Wrap

You may remember a version of this game from your last Halloween party. Here, the mummy wrap with toilet paper gets a Frosty-style twist. Don’t forget the hat, black paper buttons, and orange carrot nose for an extra-special touch. Find out more at Party Wishes.

Olaf Knock Down

Do you like warm hugs and party games? This genius idea combines everyone’s fave Frozen sidekick and an easy-to-set-up bowling activity. Best of all, the materials can be found around your house or at your local Dollar Store. Find out more at The Crumby Mummy.

Christmitts Game

Hold a gift-opening relay race that adds a silly oven mitt challenge. The frenzy to unwrap boxes will be even more fun when the kids are slowed down by mitts. Find out more at Karen’s Ideas Galore.

Snowball Toss

Want to get in the snowy spirit? This holiday-themed game for kids has all the fun of a snowball fight, without any of the drippy-dirty mess. Make your own snowballs or grab some at your local craft store! Get all the info you need at Just Make Stuff.

Blindfolded Coloring

family christmas games include fun like coloring — iStock

Put a twist on a classic childhood activity. Coloring was never so much fun as when you try it blindfolded! The folks over at A Subtle Revelry break it down.

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14 Creative Gingerbread House Hacks You Need to Try

by Gabby CullenNovember 28, 2022

Gingerbread houses. Kids love them, but unless you’re a master confectioner, sometimes this “delightful” holiday tradition can lead to frustration. This is why we’ve found game-changing gingerbread house ideas to make your task an easy one. From buying a gingerbread house kit to making a LEGO gingerbread house, these tips and tricks will help you make a gingerbread house. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Design It First

Any architect will tell you it’s a good idea to first lay out the design of your house. Kids can decide what candy they want to use, and where, which will help prevent running short on supplies mid-project. Psst! This is a great way to indulge in your Pinterest habit!

2. Use Graham Crackers or Cookies in Place of Gingerbread

using graham crackers instead of gingerbread is a good gingerbread house idea — Nathan Dumlao via Unsplash

We know, you're a traditionalist. But trust us, using graham crackers is a lot less expensive, and it's a great way to practice your skills before you move on to the "real deal."

3. Make Something Else

You don't have to stick with the house theme: get creative and consider something like a train or a plane, a grocery store or firehouse or even furniture! Gingerbread couch, anyone?

4. Use Up Other Supplies

If you are still trying to get rid of the Halloween stash, this is as good as time as any. Twizzlers, Tootsie Rolls, Banana Laffy Taffy, Twix (wait, you have Twix left?) and other trick-or-treat classics all work well. Clean out your cupboards and use up pretzels, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, cereal and any other food item you think could fit the bill.

Insider Tip: Pull out the peanut M&Ms and the Mike & Ikes in order to make a string of lights or two. Hungry Happenings will show you how to make it happen.

5. Buy a Kit

This might not seem like a big "hack" to you, but if you've ever been crazy enough to try to make gingerbread walls from scratch, you know you wish someone would have just told you to get the kit first. You don't have to stick to the kit-provided decor (see above re: Halloween candy), but having some basics and step-by-step instructions never hurt anyone. For something a little different this year, check out this amazing Oreo cookie house kit.

6. Use Hot Glue Instead of Icing

You will need that royal icing to make snowy rooftops and general designs, but relying on it to hold everything together can create a little mayhem. Try using a hot glue gun to make the key elements stick. We like this low-temp glue gun that is great for kids. As an added bonus, it dries way faster than the royal icing.

Still need convincing? Head over to My Little Poppies for details.

7. Use Something for the Structure

Here's a secret you might not realize: some of those elaborate gingerbread palaces have cardboard or styrofoam supports inside! Use empty cereal or tissue boxes and the hot glue trick above to ensure your base is the strongest it can be.

8. Use Fruit Roll-Ups for Stained Glass Windows

a good gingerbread house idea is to use fruit roll-ups for windows — Walmart

This is a great trick for giving a stained-glass window effect, and it's easy, too! Just cut the roll-ups to slightly larger than the window and use icing-glue or hot glue to hold them in place (before assembling). This will also hide that interior "structure" box we mentioned above.

We love these tie-dye style Fruit Roll-Ups for that easy stained glass look!

9. Be a Minimalist

Yes, you can cover your creations in all manner of goodies and gumdrops. But sometimes simple white piping and a few pieces of well-placed candy give the perfect "snow-covered cottage" look.

10. Go Small

tiny gingerbread houses — Erica Marsland Huynh via Unsplash

No one said a gingerbread house has to be huge to be amazing. A smaller house requires fewer supplies and is easier to hold together, which also means less frustration. You can make multiple small houses out of cookie bases, and line them up on a sideboard in the middle of a table for a festive centerpiece.

11. Use Ice Cream Cones As Trees

using ice cream cones for trees is a great gingerbread house idea — Mae Mu via Unsplash

File this under “why didn’t we think of that?” Turn a classic sugar cone point side up, coat it in green frosting, and even dust it with powdered sugar “snow” for a woodsy outdoor scene.

12. Have your kids make a LEGO gingerbread house

If you don't want the sticky mess that a gingerbread house sometimes makes, why not make one out of LEGO? Using bricks you already have at home, use this how-to video from YouTube to make a gingerbread house that won't go bad.

Related: DIY Gingerbread Playdough

13. Personalize your house with a photo.

Print out a mini-snap of your kids and make it so they are peeking out the window of your gingerbread house. Adds a fun personalized element and is super easy to execute.

14. Be Patient

little girl using gingerbread house ideas — Allison Sutcliffe

You can build your house in a day, but you won't be able to do it in 20 minutes. Make sure you allow for the time the glued pieces need to try: to each other and/or to the base structure. With royal icing, you need at least 30 minutes to be sure the glue has really set. Going too fast results in sliding sides and cracked walls, especially when you start adding the weight of the candy decorations too soon. But hopefully, with the hacks above, you'll find a workaround for any of your common gingerbread house-making problems.

Trader Joe’s Haunted House Cookie Kit Is Back for the Season

by Karly WoodSeptember 15, 2022

A spooky house has never looked so delicious

The seasonal Trader Joe’s Halloween Haunted House Cookie Kit has arrived! The ultra-popular treat has returned just in time for the spooky season and is the perfect tradition. The fan fave has been around for several years and is as tasty as it is cute. Why wait until Christmas when you can build your own cookie house for Halloween?

The $7.99 kit comes with everything you need to make a spooky and chocolatey haunted house. The box contains seven chocolate cookies to form the house, pre-made black and orange icing, and tons of candy goodies in fun shapes like bones and bats. Good luck constructing your house before eating it!

The box contains some brief instructions on assembling the house, but after that, it’s up to you to make your house as creepy crawly as you want it! You can probably find the kit on an end cap with Joe-Joes or some other Halloween-themed treats from Trader Joe’s.

Want to kick it up a notch? We love the creative take from @paperstreetparlour, who uses royal icing to completely transform this kit into an uber-spooky (and fancy) house!

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Trader Joe’s Halloween haunted house cookie kit is perfect for people who don’t love gingerbread—and also for any of us who just can’t wait to get in the festive Halloween spirit!

While you’re at your local market, be sure to check out all the fall products, including tons of pumpkin goodies. Before heading in, be sure to check out all the amazing spooky plants hanging out in the garden department, like skeleton yogis and air plant ghouls!

ALDI Has Gingerbread Cheese to Make Your Season Extra Bright

by Sarah ShebekDecember 8, 2021

Holiday parties just aren’t the same without a good charcuterie board. But why buy boring cheddar or Gouda when you have ALDI cheeses to choose from? Grab some gingerbread goat cheese and get the party started!

New this season, Emporium Selection Holiday Goat Logs come in festive flavors including eggnog, cranberry stuffing and gingerbread. They’re selling for $2.50 each and after a TikTok feature, they’re likely to go fast! Pair with your favorite cracker and try to decide which one you like best.

If you’re not really a goat cheese fan, the Emporium Selection Artisan Flavored Cheese Assortment ($3.50) will be right up your alley. #ButFirstCoffee combines two of life’s best pleasures in one product, Some Like it Hatch has a creamy, smoky twist and You’re Cajun Me Crazy adds a little heat. Don’t forget to grab some Rose All Day fontina for four bucks, while you’re at it.

ALDI is also offering tips for building the perfect charcuterie board, including the 3,3,3,3 rule: 3 cheeses, 3 meats, 3 starches and 3 sweets for a better board. You can find a whole page of expert advice and how-to guides on the company’s “Board Like a Pro” page.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ALDI

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18 Holiday Garlands You Can Make with the Kids

by Erica LoopDecember 7, 2021

Ah, the holidays! It’s time to get into the mood, and this year, instead of buying bags upon bags of ready-made holiday décor, why not let the kids DIY it? That’s right—it’s time to spread some cheer with crafts for kids, and these holiday garlands are the perfect way to get started! Scroll down to see them all.

Woven Paper Stars

Looking to get rid of all those old magazines lying around? Then, this woven star garland from My Poppet is just the ticket. Stunning, and not to hard to do, this one can be left up after the holiday season! Click here to see what else you'll need to get started.

Printable Banner Garland

Do you have a printer? Do you have string, tape and scissors? Then you have what it takes to make this printable banner garland from Brit + Co. They provide the template, all you have to do is click here for the tutorial.

Sparkly with Straws

Give your holiday décor that special sparkle with this completely creative DIY garland. Seriously. The glitz and glam that this craft gives will light up your home—minus the actual lights. Learn how to make this Christmas craft from Projects with Kids.

Coffee Filter Festivities

Coffee filters aren’t just for your morning cup of "wake me up, please." No way. They’re also a super science supply and more than a little bit artsy. Check out how Hands On As We Grow turns regular coffee filters into a gorgeous garland.

Santa Stars

Okay, okay, we all already know that Santa is kind of the star of the show when it comes to Christmas. Well, this artsy activity literally makes Santa into a star. A star shape that is. Get the full garland how-to from Red Ted Art.

Happy Herbs

Oh, sweet smelling and pretty? Yes, please! These mini rosemary wreaths from The Sweetest Occasion pull double duty. Not only do they string together into a rad little garland, but they also give your home a fresh holiday scent too.

Snowy String

You’ve seen them all over Pinterest. They’re 3D paper snowflakes, and they sorta look like you need Martha Stewart-level skills to make them. At least, to make them in a way that you’d actually want to display. Well, don’t fear—a totally easy, kid-friendly version is here. Check out Art Bar Blog’s tutorial for a full how-to.

Pieced Together

You have no less than a zillion puzzle pieces floating around your playroom. And none of them go to the same puzzle. Recycle and reuse them, turning those random pieces into this adorable garland from Raising Whasians.

Bright Lights

When it comes to twinkle lights, sometimes the real deal just won’t do. You have too much plugged into the outlet already, you don’t want your tot anywhere near a tangle of wires, or you just want to save a few dollars on electricity costs. Whatever the reason is, you can still hang light—the faux kind. This paper light Christmas garland from Stubbornly Crafty is bold, bright and fun to make.

Classic Creation

Go old school this holiday season and try out this classic cranberry and popcorn garland. This fab foodie fun project, from Mama Papa Bubba, may not be anything that the family should eat. But, after the holiday fun is over, you can dismantle the cran-corn mantle decorator and feed it to the birds.

Felt Candy Fun

Are your crafting skills totally Pinteresting or Insta-worthy? If so, this is for you. Help your crafty kid create this absolutely adorable felt candy garland from Growing Up Gabel.

Picture Perfect

How many pics of the kids do you take? Um, probably plenty. Instead of keeping them on your phone or storing them in some cloud somewhere, print them out and create this festive holiday garland from Cupcakes and Cutlery.

Chip Off the Color Block

The stack of paint chips that the kids stashed in your purse at the home improvement store doesn't have to end up in the trash. No way. Turn them into this cute craft from A Girl and a Glue Gun.

Trim the Tree

If you have felt and glue, you have the makings of this adorable garland from It’s Always Autumn. The kids can get as creative as they want, crafting trees with stars, polka dots, hearts, stripes or anything else they can dream up.

Gingerbread Cuties

These gingerbread people don’t go in the oven, and they have no calories. How could that be? They’re purely paper! Your little artist can decorate their gingerbread people with sweet smiles, pretty bows, and cute clothes. Get the full how-to from What Can We Do With Paper and Glue.

Star of the Show

This glowing garland by Mer Mag uses LED lights, cardboard, and Perler beads to create colorful décor that you’ll definitely want to leave up through the New Year. Now that’s a bright idea! Find the materials and how-to over at Julep.

DIY Lyric Garland

This next garland from Squirrelly Minds has us ready to get crafty. Pick out your favorite song lyrics that capture the magic of the holiday season, and you're halfway to having a personalized garland to give as gifts or to decorate your home. Check out all the details, including what you'll need, here.

What Did the Ninja Bring to the Holiday Party? This Ninjabread Kit

by Karly WoodDecember 6, 2021

‘Tis the season for creative gingerbread! If you’re looking to your hone your frosting skills, why not try a few new kits that don’t involve just a house?

Walmart is stocked a plenty with fun gingerbread house kits that not only include humble abodes, but the Peanuts gang, Minions, Corgis and even Ninjabread. Keep scrolling to see plenty of options that all come in under $20, but bring an afternoon of sweet, ginger-y fun.

Ninjabread Cookie Kit

Peanuts DIY Holiday and Christmas Gingerbread House Kit

$13

Minions Gingerbread House Kit

$13

Wilton Ready to Build Gingerbread Corgi Doghouse Kit

Gingerbread House Competition Kit

$16

Gingerbread Village Kit

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Walmart

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All the Festive Finds at ALDI in December

All the Festive Finds at ALDI in December

by Sarah ShebekNovember 30, 2021

On the first day of December ALDI brought to me…tons of great finds! We have the inside scoop on what to expect at your local ALDI for the ultimate holiday month. Including a premade charcuterie board kit and gingerbread mulled wine!

Starting Dec. 1, you’ll be able to snag Three Mills Gingerbread Mulled Wine for only $5. You’ll also find some gems in the baking department: Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Kitchen Holiday Tree or Star Pizza ($2.50), Baker’s Corner Jumbo Christmas Cookie Kit ($5) and Elf on the Shelf Baking Kits ($3.50). Don’t forget the Nestle Morsels in Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Funfetti Flavors!

Later on, look for Sundae Shoppe Snowflake Cones, a raspberry and cream flavored treat with chocolate coating and sugar sprinkles ($3.50 on Dec. 8). Grab some cute Gouda Trees the same weekend that are perfect for your holiday boards ($4). And speaking of charcuterie, don’t forget the Specially Selected Charcuterie Board Kit ($10) that’s available on Dec. 15 and makes your board prep a snap.

Finally, we’re super excited about the Sparkling Wine calendar that counts down to the New Year. You’ll have seven bottles to open and it’s available for $30 on Dec. 1. Don’t forget ALDI’s version of the Grouch Tree! At $8 each, you’ll want to buy a few when they release on Dec. 8. ‘Tis the season for shopping merriment at ALDI!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of ALDI

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Hallo! Trader Joe’s German Gingerbread House Is Your New Holiday Tradition

by Karly WoodNovember 28, 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the tree going up, decorations adorning your home and holiday music playing all day, it’s time to break out the traditions.

But in lieu of your traditional gingerbread house, why not update your style with Trader Joe’s “hexen haus?” The authentic German-style kit is a nice refresh on this holiday classic.

photo: Karly Wood

For $7.99, you get everything you need to whip up a gingerbread creation. Each kit comes with gingerbread house pieces and people, plus icing and candy decorations. Plus, the entire thing is free of preservatives!

Grab your Trader Joe’s Gingerbread House Kit on your next grocery run before they sell out for the season.

––Karly Wood

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1. Design It First

2. Use Graham Crackers or Cookies in Place of Gingerbread

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9. Be a Minimalist

10. Go Small

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13. Personalize your house with a photo.

14. Be Patient

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