As the festive season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the joy of building a gingerbread house to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned architect of sugary structures or a first-time builder with a sweet tooth, the best gingerbread house kits in 2024 are sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best gingerbread house kits available in Germany, from authentic German-made kits to more playful, child-friendly options, and even budget-friendly choices. I have scoured the internet to bring you the top picks, complete with links for easy shopping. Get ready to craft some edible magic! 🎅🍭
1. Pertzborn Original German Gingerbread House Kit
For those looking to build an authentic German gingerbread house, the Pertzborn Original is a perfect choice. This kit includes everything you need to create a charming house reminiscent of the gingerbread homes from the tales of Hansel and Gretel.
What’s inside?
- Pre-baked gingerbread walls and roof.
- Decorating accessories like colorful icing, sprinkles, and candies.
- Instructions in both English and German.
This kit is ideal for creating a classic German gingerbread house that looks like it stepped out of a fairy tale. Plus, it’s an excellent option for kids who love fairy tales, allowing them to indulge their creativity while learning about traditional German holiday culture.
You can grab one for around €19.95 at The Taste of Germany. Perfect for a cozy evening of fun!
2. Lebkuchen-Schmidt Gingerbread Craft House
If you’re searching for a high-quality gingerbread house kit made by a leading German confectioner, look no further than the Lebkuchen-Schmidt Gingerbread Craft House. This kit comes with everything needed to build and decorate your own edible masterpiece.
Key Features:
- Authentic Nuremberg gingerbread, famed for its rich flavor and delicate spices.
- Fun decorations, including candy, icing, and more.
- The perfect kit for families or anyone who loves detailed craftsmanship.
This kit, priced at €14.90, is one of the best choices if you’re looking for both fun and quality. Lebkuchen-Schmidt has been a trusted name in gingerbread for years, and their gingerbread houses are no exception. Available from their official website at Lebkuchen-Schmidt.
3. Weiss Gingerbread House with Gummies
For a playful twist, Weiss’s Gingerbread House with Gummies adds a colorful and fun experience to your gingerbread construction. This kit is perfect for children (or adults!) who love gummy candies and enjoy decorating houses with bright, chewy ornaments.
What’s included?
- Large gingerbread pieces to assemble your house.
- Colorful gummy candies for decoration.
- Icing sugar for gluing and embellishing the house.
At €34.95, this kit is on the pricier side, but the amount of decoration and gummy fun it offers is well worth it. Purchase this joyful kit at Weiss Gingerbread.
4. Wilton Mini Gingerbread Village Kit
If a single gingerbread house won’t do and you’re looking to create an entire gingerbread village, the Wilton Mini Gingerbread Village Kit is perfect. With this kit, you can build and decorate not one, but four mini houses!
Fun Features:
- Four different house shapes to build.
- A variety of candies for decorating each house uniquely.
- Easy-to-follow instructions that make it a great family activity.
This mini village kit can be found for approximately €80 on Amazon Germany. It’s perfect for families or anyone wanting to create a mini winter wonderland on their kitchen table!
5. Budget-Friendly Gingerbread House Kits
Building a gingerbread house doesn’t need to break the bank! If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, these kits still offer plenty of fun without stretching your wallet:
a) Nyakers Gingerbread House
Priced at around €6.95, this kit from Nyakers is an affordable yet charming option. It includes simple decorations and gingerbread pieces for constructing a small but delightful house. You can find it at The Taste of Germany.
b) SEWANTA large Gingerbread House Kit
For €42, you can get a set of two gingerbread houses with this kit, making it a great option for families or friends who want to decorate together. It’s available on Amazon Germany.
6. Advanced Kits for Creative Bakers
For those who take their gingerbread architecture seriously, there are some advanced kits that let you go all out in creativity and craftsmanship.
a) Nordic Ware Gingerbread House Bundt Pan
This isn’t a kit in the traditional sense, but a gingerbread house-shaped bundt pan that allows you to bake your own gingerbread cake and then decorate it. This is perfect for anyone who wants to bake from scratch and decorate a 3D house. Available for €43.13 at Amazon.
b) Williams Sonoma Candy Cane Gingerbread House DIY Kit
If you love adding a peppermint twist to your holidays, this kit features candy canes and other peppermint decorations, making your gingerbread house look festive and taste even more delightful. It’s a bit more expensive at €64,94, but the result is spectacular. Available at Williams Sonoma.
7. Unique Gingerbread Decorating Ideas 🎨🍭
Want to make your gingerbread house stand out? Here are some fun decorating ideas to take your gingerbread construction to the next level:
- Edible Glitter: Add some sparkle to your gingerbread roof or pathway with edible glitter.
- Candy Windows: Use melted sugar or translucent candies to create stained-glass windows.
- Marshmallow Snowmen: Stack marshmallows to build a cute snowman to guard the entrance of your gingerbread house.
- Pretzel Fences: Use pretzel sticks to create a rustic fence around your gingerbread home.
- Coconut Snow: Sprinkle shredded coconut on the roof and ground for a snowy effect.
These small touches will bring extra charm and whimsy to your creation!
8. Gingerbread House Construction Tips 🔨🍬
To ensure your gingerbread house stays sturdy and looks fabulous, here are some pro tips for construction:
- Use Royal Icing: This icing hardens quickly and acts like cement for your gingerbread walls and roof.
- Patience with Drying: Allow each part of the house to dry before adding more decorations, so nothing slides off.
- Support the Roof: Prop the roof pieces with cans or jars until the icing sets completely.
- Don’t Overload: Be mindful of weight—too many heavy candies might cause the walls to collapse.
- Start Simple: If this is your first gingerbread house, start with simpler designs and build your way up to more intricate ones.
9. Gingerbread Kits for Kids
If you’re building with little ones, simplicity is key. These kits are kid-friendly and perfect for younger bakers:
- Cookies United Mini Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House Kit: For fans of the popular Elf on the Shelf, this adorable mini house is perfect for little hands. Available for €15 on Amazon.
- Baketivity Gingerbread House Baking Kit: This kit not only lets kids build and decorate but also learn about baking along the way. Priced at €40, it’s available at Baketivity.
10. Comparing Gingerbread Kits by Difficulty Level 🎨
No two gingerbread houses are the same—some are simple enough for little kids, while others can challenge even the most seasoned bakers. Here’s how to choose based on skill level:
Beginner-Friendly Kits:
- Cookies United Mini Elf on the Shelf Kit: Easy for kids to assemble with fewer, large parts and plenty of pre-made decorations, this kit is an excellent introduction to gingerbread house building for little ones. Available on Amazon Germany for €15.
- Pertzborn Original Gingerbread Kit: Simple assembly and lots of premade decorations make this a great starter kit for anyone new to gingerbread house construction. Available at The Taste of Germany.
Intermediate Kits:
- Wilton Mini Gingerbread Village Kit: Four houses to build with various design options, which require some planning and patience, but not too tricky for the average holiday baker. Great for families looking to make a small gingerbread neighborhood. Available on Amazon.
Advanced Kits:
- Nordic Ware Gingerbread Bundt House: This isn’t just a kit but a mold for bakers looking to create their gingerbread from scratch. Ideal for those who want the challenge of baking, constructing, and decorating their house completely on their own. Available on Amazon Germany.
- Williams Sonoma Candy Cane Gingerbread House Kit: With its intricate peppermint decorations, this kit requires careful construction and patience to achieve the beautiful, festive look it’s known for. Ideal for experienced bakers who want to wow their guests. Get yours at Williams Sonoma.
11. Gingerbread Kits for Allergy-Sensitive Builders
For those with food allergies, many gingerbread kits contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, and nuts. However, there are some options out there for allergen-friendly builds.
- Free2b Foods Gingerbread House Kit: A top-8 allergen-free gingerbread house kit that’s free from nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy, making it a safe option for people with food sensitivities. Although not widely available in Germany, it’s an excellent idea to keep an eye on specialty online stores or to make your own gingerbread dough using an allergen-free recipe!
- Homemade Allergy-Friendly Kits: For anyone with severe allergies, building your own gingerbread from scratch can be fun and safe. There are many gluten-free and vegan gingerbread recipes online, which can easily be baked and used to create a custom kit with allergy-free candy decorations!
12. Add Festive Lighting to Your Gingerbread House
Why not take your gingerbread house to the next level by adding twinkling lights? Here are a few ideas to really make your gingerbread creation shine:
- Battery-Operated Mini LED Lights: These tiny, safe lights can be woven around the house or placed inside to give a warm glow through sugar windows. Look for them on Amazon or in craft stores.
- Edible Fairy Lights: Some high-end gingerbread kits include edible sugar lights. These are hard to find but give a magical touch to your display!
- DIY Candles: If you’re not up for electric lights, you can make a charming gingerbread village with small candles or LED tea lights placed around your gingerbread house to give it that cozy, festive atmosphere.
13. Sweet Creations, Festive Memories 🎅🍬
There you have it! Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly kits for your kids, advanced options for yourself, or allergen-friendly ideas, 2024 is brimming with exciting gingerbread house kits to suit every builder’s needs. These kits are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you’re decorating solo or with the whole family. 🎄
One of my favorite holiday activities is building gingerbread houses with my boys. It’s a tradition we never skip—mixing icing, munching on candy, and watching our creations come to life. In fact, it’s one of the activities I mentioned in my article, Holiday Activities for Kids: Age-Specific Fun & DIY Tutorials 🎄, which is packed with festive ideas to keep your little ones busy and happy throughout the season.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this guide helps you find the perfect gingerbread house kit to make this festive season as magical as possible. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and sugary sweet creations. 🏠💫
