7 Tips for Decorating a Pink Gingerbread House with Kids

Decorating a pink gingerbread house with kids is a joyful and creative way to celebrate the holidays.

It’s not just about building something beautiful—it’s also about bonding, laughing, and making memories.

Here are seven tips to ensure the process is fun, stress-free, and kid-friendly.

1. Start with a Sturdy Base

Before the fun begins, ensure your gingerbread house has a solid foundation.

Assemble the walls and roof using royal icing and allow it to dry completely before decorating.

For extra stability, place the house on a firm board or platter so it’s easy to rotate as kids decorate.

This solid base prevents frustrating collapses during the decorating process.

It also gives kids confidence as they build on a structure that’s ready to handle their creativity.

2. Pre-Sort the Candy and Decorations

Kids love options, so provide an array of candy in pink and complementary colors.

Pre-sort the candy into small bowls or muffin tins for easy access.

Think marshmallows, jellybeans, candy canes, licorice, and edible pearls in shades of pink and white.

This organization keeps the table neat and helps kids stay focused on decorating.

It also encourages them to experiment with patterns and designs without overwhelming them.

3. Use Kid-Friendly Tools

Equip kids with decorating tools that are easy and safe for little hands to use.

Squeeze bottles filled with icing are much easier for kids to control than piping bags.

Offer small spatulas or craft sticks for spreading icing onto the gingerbread walls.

Provide edible markers so kids can draw their own designs on blank gingerbread pieces.

Having the right tools ensures they can participate fully without frustration or mess.

4. Embrace Creative Freedom

Let the kids take charge of the design—even if it turns out wonderfully chaotic.

Encourage them to mix and match candy or come up with their own themes, like a candy castle or winter wonderland.

While you can offer guidance, avoid “fixing” their work—they’ll be proud of their unique creation.

If they want a pink candy roof next to rainbow gumdrops, let it happen!

This approach nurtures their creativity and makes the experience more enjoyable.

5. Add Fun Challenges

Turn decorating into a game by introducing small challenges or themes.

For instance, who can make the prettiest window design using pink candies?

Or, create a “pink-only” challenge where all decorations must match the house’s theme.

These challenges keep kids engaged and encourage teamwork or friendly competition.

It’s a playful way to keep the excitement going as they decorate their masterpiece.

6. Plan for Inevitable Snacking

Snacking is half the fun when decorating with kids, so be prepared for some candy “disappearances.”

Set aside a small bowl of extra candy specifically for eating while decorating.

This ensures you still have plenty of decorations left for the house itself.

Remind them to wash their hands after snacking before returning to decorating.

This simple step balances the joy of indulging with keeping the gingerbread house tidy.

7. Celebrate the Finished Masterpiece

Once the decorating is complete, take a moment to admire the house together.

Snap plenty of pictures to commemorate the fun and creativity of the day.

Display the gingerbread house in a prominent spot where everyone can enjoy it during the holidays.

Praise the kids for their effort and creativity, emphasizing that their work is truly special.

This celebration reinforces the value of teamwork and creativity, making the experience unforgettable.