Some of the sweetest Christmas crafts are also the simplest, and this one proves it! Our paper plate gingerbread man is cheerful and colorful, and little hands can make it with almost no help. All you need are a few basic supplies, a little paint, and a big pile of dot stickers.
Preschoolers love this craft because they get to paint, peel, and stick, which happen to be three of their favorite things. You’ll love it because it’s low-prep, budget-friendly, and secretly great for building fine motor skills.
Each gingerbread face turns out a little different, with wobbly googly eyes, lopsided smiles, and rainbow “icing.” And that’s what makes them so charming.
Craft Supplies:
Here’s your simple supply list. Chances are you already have most of these at home or in your classroom.
- White paper plates (the kind with a fluted rim works best)
- Brown paint (washable tempera or kids’ acrylic)
- Paintbrush (a chunky one is easiest for small hands)
- Googly eyes (the bigger, the sillier!)
- Circular dot stickers in white and/or bright colors
- Black marker
- Glue (school glue or a glue stick)
Directions:
Step 1: Paint the Plate Brown
Set your paper plate face up and paint the entire paper plate brown. It gives your gingerbread man a real “fresh-baked cookie” look!
Step 2: Let It Dry
Set the plate aside until the paint is completely dry. This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how thick the paint is. It’s a great time for a snack break or a gingerbread story.
Step 3: Draw a Smile
Grab the black marker and draw a big, happy curve near the bottom half of the plate. Younger kids may want help here, while older preschoolers can try it on their own. A wiggly smile has just as much personality as a perfect one!
Step 4: Add the Googly Eyes
Squeeze a dab of glue onto the back of each googly eye. Then press them onto the upper middle of the plate. If the eyes end up a little crooked or looking in different directions, even better. That’s where the giggles come from!
Step 5: Stick On the Nose
Pick one dot sticker for the nose and place it right between the eyes and the smile. A white dot gives a classic look, while a pink or red dot adds a pop of rosy cuteness.
Step 6: Decorate the Rim with “Icing”
Now for the best part! Peel dot stickers and press them around the edge of the brown circle to look like icing on a gingerbread cookie. Use all white dots for a traditional frosted look, or go wild with rainbow colors for a candy-shop style gingerbread man.
And just like that, your gingerbread friend is ready to say hello!
RELATED —> Popsicle Stick Gingerbread Man Craft Idea
GRAB DOT STICKERS VIA OUR AMAZON AFFILIATE LINK
This paper plate gingerbread man is proof that holiday crafts don’t need to be complicated to be magical. With some paint, a handful of stickers, and a lot of smiles, your preschoolers will make a sweet little keepsake they’ll be proud to show off.
Give it a try this Christmas season, and we’d love to see how yours turn out! Share your gingerbread creations and tag us @GluedToMyCrafts. Every rainbow-iced, googly-eyed cookie friend makes our day. Happy crafting, my friends! 🎄
