Gingerbread Man Puppet Craft and Gingerbread Books
Lately, my five year old has been running around saying, “You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread girl!” It’s perfect that she’s so into it because this week’s Virtual Book Club theme is The Gingerbread Man. Here is a super simple Gingerbread Man puppet craft that’s sure to have your kids giggling while they pretend to have their puppet run away! Plus, it’s a cute way to retell the story.
This activity is great for preschoolers to practice prewriting skills such as tracing and cutting, yet still suitable for slightly older kids. For another tracing and cutting activity, you kids might love doing this life-sized Gingerbread Girl (and boy here!).
How to make the Gingerbread Man Puppet Craft
*This post contains affiliate links. You can read more about this here.
Supplies Used:
- brown cardstock
- pencil
- scissors
- glue
- gingerbread cookie cutter or template
- ric-rac (ribbon, glitter glue, etc.)
- googly eyes
- buttons/sequins/brads
- paper straws in Christmas colors
- markers
Wilton Gingerbread Boy Comfort Grip Cookie CutterWilton Holiday 18 pc Metal Cookie Cutter SetChristmas / Holiday Cookie Cutter Set – 3 PieceBEEKLEY BOWS Ric-Rac 5/8Christmas RIbbonElmer’s Washable Glitter Glue, Classic RainbowDCWV Double Sided Cardstock StackMini Self-Adhesive Back Jewels Multi-Color Assorted Gems150 Christmas Holiday Paper Straw Combo, 6 DesignsSequins and Spangles Craft Supplies
&
Instructions:
Have the child trace around the gingerbread cookie cutter or template (there’s ones you can find on the internet and print). Next, have them cut it out.
Now it’s time to decorate the cookie! Little Sister made a Gingerbread Girl puppet, Big Brother made a Gingerbread Boy puppet, and I made the Gingerbread Man.
Place on two googly eyes and draw on a smile. Color a pink circle on both sides of the smile.
Create buttons using things like buttons, gems, sequins, stickers or even draw them on.
Then, cut four pieces of ric-rac in white to place on the arms and legs. We only had red on-hand, so that’s what we used. Glitter glue or Christmas ribbon would also look festive.
Finish by gluing on the paper straw to the backside.
Now you gingerbread puppets are ready to put on a show! My kids get a kick out of chasing each other with their puppet craft, reciting lines from the books they have come to love.
See Also: Sponge Painted Gingerbread Crafts – 4 Ways!
Gingerbread Books for Kids
Here are a few of my kids’ picks for books with a gingerbread theme, the ones they typically request every year:
- The Gingerbread Man
- Gingerbread Boy
- The Gingerbread Girl
- Georgie the Gingerbread Fairy – see our book-inspired ornament here.
The Gingerbread ManThe Gingerbread GirlThe Gingerbread BoyGingerbread BabyGingerbread ChristmasGingerbread Friends
For more awesome gingerbread activities to go along with The Gingerbread Man, check out the Virtual Book Club posts linked below!
Gingerbread Name Activity
Counting with Gingerbread Men
Build a Gingerbread Boy Number Game
Yummy ABC Gingerbread Man Cookies
Yummy Honey Gingerbread House Cookies Decorating
Gingerbread Color Patterns
Decorate a Gingerbread Man
Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt with Free Printables
Roll a Gingerbread Man
How to Sew a Gingerbread Ornament With Your Child
Gingerbread Man Number Line Game
For another book-inspired craft like our Gingerbread Man puppet craft, head over to: Georgie the Gingerbread Fairy Book + Kid-made Ornaments.
Would brown construction paper work instead of cardstock?
Yes, you can use construction paper. It might be a little flimsy/floppy so I suggest placing the straw/stick a little higher up.