Inside: Check out these hands-on gingerbread theme ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Free gingerbread printables included!
The gingerbread theme is one of my favorites, and our toddlers and preschoolers love all the activities provided. After reading several versions of The Gingerbread Man/Boy/Girl, we put together several gingerbread dramatic play ideas in our classroom. During the same time, we create gingerbread art activities, use gingerbread mats at the playdough table, and provide gingerbread matching games for the children to enjoy. Here is a collection of gingerbread theme ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Enjoy!
👉 I’ve created some fun FREE gingerbread printables to use with this theme! Scroll down to find the downloads.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
Gingerbread Dramatic Play
Each year we seem to find more gingerbread items to add to our dramatic play area. This year my co-teacher’s mother found these stuffed gingerbread people at Goodwill. They were adored by our toddlers and preschoolers! They carried them on trays to serve to all their classmates. Oh, and to their teachers, too.
We also added our Christmas slice and bake cookies that I found on Amazon last year. (Seriously, this is worth every penny. It is loved THAT much. And it doesn’t have to be limited to Christmas. Kids would have fun with it year round!)
Manners were practiced as the children asked if we wanted a gingerbread cookie.
Language skills were strengthened as the children role-played.
Gingerbread Theme Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers
And now, here is my favorite collection of gingerbread theme ideas. If you have gingerbread theme posts, please share the link in the comments section!
ART
Brighten your classroom with gingerbread people sun catchers. They can be hung on a tree or in the window.
Paint on ice shaped like gingerbread men!
Put together a fun sensory art experience with gingerbread puffy paint. (Growing a Jeweled Rose)
Mix together some gingerbread dough and make ornaments.
Make your own upcycle gingerbread house using small milk cartons. (Coffee Cups and Crayons)
Paint a gingerbread man made from a paper plate. (Happy Hooligans)
SENSORY
Create a scented gingerbread boy sensory bin. Our preschoolers loved it!
PLAYDOUGH
Your home or classroom will smell so good with some super fragrant gingerbread playdough. (Mama Papa Bubba)
FINE MOTOR
Strengthen those fingers with a gingerbread salt tray. (Creekside Learning)
Lace some gingerbread men as a fun pre-sewing activity. (Creative Little Explorers)
MATH
Work on simple math skills by downloading free gingerbread number puzzles. (Teach with Me)
This gingerbread busy bag works on simple counting skills. (Wildflower Ramblings)
LITERACY
Take the kids on a gingerbread letter hunt . (Free Printable from Pre-Kinders)
Add literacy to your gingerbread theme making your own gingerbread man books. (Fun-A-Day)
LARGE MOTOR
Get those little bodies moving while playing the gingerbread number hop game. (Toddler Approved)
MUSIC
This Five Gingerbread Men Song would be a fun way to add some counting. (A Teacher’s Touch)
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Explore different emotions with an emotions matching activity. (Free printable from Natural Beach Living)
MONTESSORI
Living Montessori Now has a great gingerbread man resource with free printables and activities.
FREE gingerbread printables to go with this theme:
(Click on photo for digital download.)
Make sure to follow our Christmas pin board for lots more toddler and preschool activities!
Related Posts:
Easy Christmas Jingle Bell Sticks
Christmas Sensory Play Activities
12 Fun Christmas Dramatic Play Activities
More Gingerbread Fun!
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