5 Best Gingerbread House Making Kits for Family Fun

I’ve had my share of gingerbread house mishaps! I still remember that Christmas when my roof caved in, scattering gumdrops all over the kitchen floor. After years of practice, I’ve become quite skilled at making gingerbread houses. Today, I’m excited to share my insights on the best gingerbread house kits out there.

What to Look for in a Gingerbread House Kit

Before we get into the specifics of the kits, let’s discuss what makes a great gingerbread house kit.

The ideal kit should have:

• Pre-baked pieces that are fresh and intact
• Strong royal icing (or icing mix)
• A sturdy base
• A variety of decorative candies
• Clear instructions with assembly tips

I especially appreciate kits that come with extra pieces—because let’s face it, accidents can happen!

Best Overall Gingerbread House Kit

I’ve found the Wilton Ready to Build Gingerbread House Kit to be fantastic. The pieces are consistently well-baked, and the pre-made icing is really strong—no more sliding roofs!

What makes this kit exceptional:

• High-quality pre-baked pieces that taste great
• Quick-drying icing that holds everything together perfectly
• A generous assortment of decorative candies
• Easy-to-follow instructions with helpful images
• A sturdy display board included

The kit has everything you need, but I usually pick up some extra treats. My top picks are:

• Wilton Holiday Mix Sprinkles (ideal for creating snow effects)
• Haribo Gummy Bears (great for adding cute garden scenes)
• M&Ms (perfect for making colourful roof designs).

Best Budget-Friendly Option

If you’re trying to keep costs down, the Create A Treat E-Z Build Gingerbread House Kit is a fantastic choice. I stumbled upon this kit last year while hosting a gingerbread house party for my nieces and nephews.

What you get:

• Pre-baked pieces that are surprisingly sturdy
• Basic decorating supplies
• Simple instructions
• Compact size perfect for beginners

While the decorations included are quite basic, that’s part of the charm! I’ve found that adding your own flair with extra decorations makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Professional-Grade Gingerbread House Kits

Now, for those who take their gingerbread houses seriously, the Cookies United Pre-Built Victorian House Kit is a must-see.

Key features include:

• Architectural details that will make your neighbours envious
• Delicious, premium-quality gingerbread
• Professional-grade royal icing mix
• Intricate decorative elements
• A guide for advanced techniques.

Tips for Success

I’ve picked up some helpful tips to steer clear of common mistakes:

1. Allow the icing to set properly between steps. It might be tempting to hurry, but taking your time is essential!
   
2. Use a completely flat surface. I learned this the hard way when my creation gradually slid off a slightly slanted table.
   
3. Keep extra icing handy. I suggest having Wilton Meringue Powder in your pantry—it’s fantastic for whipping up emergency royal icing.
   
4. Have some disposable piping bags on hand. They’re much easier to manage than the plastic bags that come with most kits.

Best Kits for Different Age Groups

For Little Ones (Ages 3-6)

The Candyland Pre-Built Mini Village Kit is ideal for small hands. The houses are pre-assembled, allowing kids to dive straight into the fun of decorating!

For School-Age Children (Ages 7-12)

The Wilton Ready to Decorate Kit offers a great mix of challenge and accomplishment. The pieces are sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic assembly!

For Teens and Adults

The Nordic Ware Deluxe Kit presents a real challenge with its intricate details and high-quality ingredients.

Storing Your Masterpiece

Most people don’t think about how to preserve their creation until it’s too late. I’ve discovered that a large clear plastic container works wonders. Just make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight and moisture.

Making Your Kit Last

If you’re not planning to build your house right away, here’s how to keep everything fresh:

• – Store the gingerbread pieces in an airtight container.
• – Keep the icing mix sealed until you’re ready to use it.
• – Store candies in a cool, dry place.
• – Check expiration dates before you buy.

Finishing Touches That Make a Difference

Want to add something special to your gingerbread house? Here are some of my favourite enhancements:

• LED tea lights for internal lighting.
• Coconut flakes for a realistic snow effect.
• Green fondant for crafting trees and bushes.
• Edible glitter for a magical sparkle.

Time to Get Building!

So there you have it—everything I know about gingerbread house kits! Remember, the most important part isn’t about creating the perfect house (though that’s nice when it happens!). It’s about making memories and having fun along the way.

Whether you’re a beginner starting with a simple kit or an enthusiast ready to take on a Victorian masterpiece, there’s a perfect gingerbread house kit out there for you. And if things don’t go as planned? Well, that just makes for a better story next Christmas!

Don’t forget to share your creations online—I’d love to see what you come up with! And remember, even the wobbly ones taste just as good. Trust me, I’ve eaten enough fallen walls to know! 😉