Easy Gingerbread Garland

I love love the Christmas season because it’s when we get to spend beautiful moments with our family and close friends, drink hot chocolate together and be Santa for our kids. As parents, we know that the things that really makes this time of year beautiful is the little traditions we make together (for us, that’s crafting and baking) because that’s actually the stuff our kids remember, nothing else.

That’s why I’m always on the look out for cute for low-prep Christmas crafts we can do with basic stuff around the house, or under €10 items. It’s also why I save my toilet paper rolls every time, because they always come in handy at the right moment (that would be Christmas).

If you enjoy simple crafts like this, be sure to check out my collection of simple craft ideas here.

Table of Contents

Supplies

Empty toilet paper rolls
Scissors
Paint markers
Tape
Yarn

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Step-by-Step: Toilet Paper Roll Gingerbread Village Garland

Step 1: Flatten the Toilet Paper Rolls

Start by gently pressing your toilet paper rolls flat with your hand, as this makes them easier to cut and helps them take that “house” shape once you trim the tops.

Step 2: Cut the Rolls Into an Ark Shape

Cut the top of each flattened roll into an ark shape. Begin on one side, curve your cut up and over the top, then back down to the other side. When you’re done, it should look like two stone tablets with a soft, rounded top. This immediately turns your toilet paper roll into the shape of a little gingerbread cottage.

Step 3: Design Your Gingerbread Houses

This is the fun part. Put the rolls on your craft table and design them together with your kids using your paint markers. You can draw gingerbread “icing” lines, windows, doors, hearts, dots, swirls, Christmas trees, wreaths or even their names. Note: A white paint marker works best for this part because it mimics the look of icing. You can also encourage your kids to add stickers or patterns to make this step incredibly fun.

For another festive recycled craft, check out my easy Toilet paper roll reindeer craft for kidshere.

Step 4: Assemble Your Village

Once your houses are decorated, it’s time to turn them into a garland. Lay out the houses on the table and tape them together, side by side, in a straight line.

Step 5: Hang Up Your Garland

Find a cosy spot in your home and hang up your gingerbread village, and just like that, you’ve made your own DIY Christmas decor.

Tip: Pair it with other easy crafts, like paper snowflakes or paper Christmas trees, because the truth is that kids love seeing all their creations displayed together. I know this because my kids were super stoked to see theirs hanging on the wall.

If you make this craft, tag me on Instagram at @3craftmama. It would mean a lot to me! And don’t forget to check out other holiday crafts and printables on 3craftmama.com.