This year we went for truly large-scale Christmas decorations – literally! We created giant gingerbread houses and figures from XXL cardboard, and they look like they came straight out of a magical land of icing and warm spices. And the best part is that making them brings so much joy that it’s impossible not to smile!
If you’re in the mood for something bold and magical in an XXL version, you absolutely have to try making these gingerbread decorations. They were a huge hit for us — lots of laughter, glue and “icing” everywhere ❤️
What can you make from XXL cardboard?
🎄 Huge Christmas trees – perfect as photo props
🏠 Gingerbread houses bigger than the kids – windows, doors and tons of “iced” details
🍪 XXL gingerbread man – with a face cut-out, ready to use as a photo stand
🍬 Candy canes and sweets – great as complementary decorations
Each piece is painted with white acrylic paint, which creates a wonderful “iced” look. And the natural cardboard brown makes everything resemble real gingerbread dough!
Materials you’ll need
- XXL cardboard sheets – ideally from furniture or large appliances
- White acrylic paint
- Large paintbrushes
- Palettes or any boards for squeezing out the paint
How our XXL gingerbread decorations were made
Cutting the shapes
This is the hardest part because cutting huge pieces of cardboard is quite a workout — scissors and stretching included!
🏠 The easiest shape to cut is the house — you only need to trim the roof angles. If you want to level up, you can add a chimney.
🎄 The tree is a bit trickier because you need to plan the shape to use as much of the cardboard surface as possible.
🍪 The gingerbread man is the most challenging because of all the rounded edges. But it’s perfect as a photo booth prop!
🍬 You can also cut out a candy cane shape. Why didn’t I think of that earlier? 😉
‘Icing’ decorations with white acrylic paint
Use white paint to add icicles, snowflakes, windows, dots, sprinkles — anything that reminds you of gingerbread cookies.
Giant cardboard gingerbread decorations
Why make XXL gingerbread decorations?
✨ They’re eye-catching and super photogenic — perfect for Christmas photos
✨ They decorate any space: schools, offices, workshops or homes
✨ Creating them is a fantastic activity for both kids and adults
✨ They take up lots of space… and make an even bigger impression!
✨ It’s a cheap, easy and eco-friendly project
Check out our ideas
If you are looking for more DIY Christmas ideas, you can find them in the Christmas section.
Advent calendars tutorials are here. We also check ideas for activities for the advent calendar which you can download and print.
Ideas for Christmas cards you will find here.
Ideas for Christmas tree ornaments are here.
All other DIY ideas for Christmas, including potato stamps or gift tags are available here.
If you are looking for more inspiration for playing with children, check our section DIY with kids.
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Nothing gives more satisfaction than doing something yourself. I haven’t even thought about DIY as my hobby, I’ve just done different “projects” when it was needed. Sometimes it’s a disguise for the Masquerade Party in kindergarten. Another time, cutting out the pumpkin and baking the witch’s fingers for Haloween. Or simply organizing holiday souvenirs. Now I decided to share my realizations with you. Let’s go it together!
