Make it: Festive Gingerbread Gift Toppers that Double as Christmas Ornaments!
There’s something truly magical about wrapping gifts during the Christmas season, isn’t there? Perhaps it’s the festive atmosphere, the joy of selecting the perfect presents, or the opportunity to unleash your inner artist with wrapping paper and ribbons. For me, it’s a combination of all these things, amplified by the cheerful carols playing in the background as I wrap. This time of year ignites a desire to make each gift extra special, adding a personal touch that shows how much you care.
And what better way to elevate your presents than with adorable, handmade gift toppers? These delightful gingerbread men aren’t just decorative; they also serve as charming Christmas tree ornaments once the gifts have been unwrapped. It’s a two-for-one holiday win! These little guys add a touch of whimsy and festive cheer to any gift, making the recipient feel extra loved. This DIY project is fun, easy, and the perfect way to spread holiday joy.
Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces when they receive a beautifully wrapped gift adorned with a cute gingerbread ornament. It’s a small gesture that speaks volumes about your thoughtfulness and creativity. Plus, they get a keepsake ornament to cherish for years to come. The possibilities are endless – you can customize the gingerbread men with different colors, patterns, and embellishments to match the recipient’s personality or the overall theme of your Christmas decorations.
Materials You’ll Need
- Gingerbread gift topper printable template
- Shrink plastic sheets (specifically designed for inkjet or laser printers, depending on your printer type)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Twine
- Ribbon
Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials. Having everything within reach will make the crafting process smoother and more enjoyable. Consider setting up a designated workspace where you can spread out and work comfortably. Good lighting is also essential for intricate tasks like cutting and hole punching. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your materials – you can use different types of ribbon, twine, or even add glitter and other embellishments to your gingerbread men.
These materials are easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making this DIY project budget-friendly. You can often find shrink plastic sheets at craft stores or online retailers. Scissors are a crafting staple, and a hole punch is essential for creating the loop for hanging the ornament. Twine and ribbon add the finishing touches, allowing you to attach the gingerbread men to your gifts in a stylish and festive way.
Step 1: Print the Gingerbread Template
Download the gingerbread gift topper printable template and print it onto a shrink plastic sheet. It’s crucial to use the correct type of printer for your plastic. Most shrink plastic is designed for either inkjet or laser printers, so double-check the packaging to ensure compatibility. Using the wrong type of printer can result in smudged images or damage to your printer.
The printed images will appear lighter on the shrink plastic, but don’t worry! The colors will intensify significantly during the shrinking process. This is a normal characteristic of shrink plastic and contributes to the final vibrancy of your gingerbread ornaments. If you’re concerned about the color intensity, you can experiment with printing a test sheet and shrinking it to see how the colors change.
Once you’ve printed the template, carefully cut out each of the gingerbread men with a pair of scissors. Precision is key here, as the cut lines will define the final shape of your ornaments. Take your time and use sharp scissors for clean, crisp cuts. You can also use craft knives for more intricate details, but be sure to use a cutting mat to protect your work surface.
Step 2: Punch a Hole
Use a hole punch to create a small hole at the top of each gingerbread gift topper. This hole will be used to thread the twine or ribbon for attaching the ornament to your gifts and hanging it on the tree. Position the hole strategically so that it doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the gingerbread man. A small, centered hole is usually the best option.
Ensure that the hole is clean and smooth to prevent the twine or ribbon from fraying or snagging. If necessary, you can use a small file or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges around the hole. Remember that the hole will shrink along with the rest of the gingerbread man, so make it slightly larger than you think you’ll need.
Step 3: Shrink the Plastic
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shrinking your gift toppers. Different brands of shrink plastic may have slightly different requirements, so it’s essential to read the instructions carefully before you begin. Generally, shrink plastic needs to be baked in an oven at a specific temperature for a certain amount of time.
My shrink plastic required being placed on top of baking paper and baked in a 300° Fahrenheit/150° Celsius oven. However, your shrink plastic may have different instructions, so always double-check before baking. Baking paper prevents the plastic from sticking to the baking sheet. Observe the gingerbread men closely while they are shrinking. They will curl up and contort before flattening out. This is a normal part of the process.
Step 4: Attach the Twine
Once your gift toppers have shrunk and cooled completely, thread a small loop of twine through the holes you punched in Step 2. This loop will serve as the hanger for the ornament. Make sure the loop is securely fastened and won’t easily come undone. You can tie a knot or use a small piece of tape to secure the ends of the twine.
Consider using different colors of twine to add visual interest. You can also braid the twine for a more decorative effect. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your gingerbread ornaments.
Step 5: Attach to Gifts
Finally, attach each gingerbread gift topper to your presents with a piece of ribbon. Choose ribbon that complements your wrapping paper and the overall aesthetic of your gifts. Tie the ribbon securely around the gift and attach the gingerbread ornament with a knot or bow.
The small loop of twine on each gift topper will make it easy for your recipients to use the gingerbread men as tree decorations after they’ve opened their gifts! It’s a thoughtful and sustainable way to add a personal touch to your holiday presents.
These gingerbread gift toppers are more than just decorations; they’re miniature works of art that add a touch of whimsy and personality to your holiday gifts. They’re a fun and easy DIY project that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So, gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and start crafting your own adorable gingerbread ornaments today!
This holiday season, ditch the generic gift tags and embrace the charm of handmade gingerbread gift toppers. Your loved ones will appreciate the extra effort and thoughtfulness you put into creating these unique and memorable ornaments. Happy crafting and happy holidays! Consider making a batch of these with your kids for a fun holiday activity.