Did You Know December 12 Is National Gingerbread House Day?
Building gingerbread houses is one of the most exciting and creative activities of the holiday season. From assembling the walls to decorating with candies, it’s a family favorite that combines fun, creativity, and tasty treats. But with so many gingerbread house kits available, it’s tough to know which ones are worth your time and money.
To help, we tested six popular kits from brands like M&M’s, Wilton, and Trader Joe’s. Our goal? To find the best gingerbread house kit that’s easy to build, delicious, and fun for all ages. Here’s what we discovered.
The Best Overall Gingerbread House Kit
M&M’s Gingerbread House Kit
This kit stands out for its ease of assembly, thanks to its innovative plastic clips that hold roof panels in place while the icing dries. Nicole Sforza, Yahoo’s executive editor, praised the kit for being less frustrating than other options.
The gingerbread itself was a surprise hit, too. “It didn’t just taste good for a gingerbread house—it tasted great,” said Sforza, noting that it was flavorful enough to eat on its own.
Pros
- Includes clips for easier assembly
- Premade icing for convenience
- Great taste
- Comes with decorative stickers
Cons
- Instructions could be simpler
- Fewer M&M’s for decorating than expected
Best Kit for Younger Kids
Wilton Gingerbread Petite House Kit
This affordable option is perfect for families with small children. Its straightforward design and creamy icing make it an enjoyable project, even if the pieces arrive broken.
Saundra Latham, a commerce editor and mom, appreciated the ample icing provided, which covered minor mistakes during assembly. However, the limited variety of decorations might leave some wanting more.
Pros
- Simple to build
- Plenty of icing included
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some panels may arrive damaged
- Minimal candy variety
Other Kits We Tested
Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House Kit
While this kit offers adorable designs, broken panels made it difficult to assemble. Despite its sticky icing, the broken roof couldn’t hold up, leading to a frustrating experience for our testers.
Target Favorite Day Classic Gingerbread House Kit
Broken pieces were also an issue here. A second attempt, picked up from a local Target store, was more successful. However, assembling the house took patience and a lot of waiting—challenging for younger kids.
Williams Sonoma DIY Classic Gingerbread House Kit
This kit impressed with its wide array of candy decorations but disappointed with late delivery. While Williams Sonoma refunded the shipping cost, the delay affected planned family festivities.
Trader Joe’s Gingerbread House Kit
Making your own icing might sound fun, but our testers found it frustrating and messy. The instructions were unclear, and the process left both kids and adults wanting to give up halfway through.
How We Tested
To ensure fair evaluations, we asked Yahoo shopping editors and their kids to try out each kit. Children did most of the building, while adults assisted as needed. Each kit was judged based on:
- Ease of Assembly: Was it simple to put together?
- Taste: Did the gingerbread and icing taste good?
- Fun Factor: Did the process provide an enjoyable experience?
Gingerbread House Building Tips
Want to take your holiday project to the next level? Here are some must-have items to enhance your experience:
- Wilton Dab-N-Hold Edible Adhesive: This glue simplifies candy placement, ensuring your decorations stay in place.
- Extra Candy Decorations: Stock up on peppermints, candy canes, and gumdrops for more creative designs.
- Piping Bags and Tips: These tools make icing application neater and easier, especially for intricate designs.
Final Thoughts
The best gingerbread house kit depends on what you’re looking for. For hassle-free assembly and great taste, go with M&M’s Gingerbread House Kit. If you’re building with younger kids, Wilton’s Petite House Kit offers a simple and affordable option.
No matter which kit you choose, remember that the joy of building a gingerbread house comes from the time spent together. So grab a kit, gather your loved ones, and create delicious holiday memories!
Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.
About The Author
More Stories