Gingerbread Man Costume
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The gingerbread man comes from the old folk tale about a cookie that jumps off the baking sheet and runs away. It’s a sweet, simple Christmas costume that kids love, and it’s a great pick for holiday parties.
What Makes It Work
Start with a cookie-brown base: a brown sweatshirt and brown leggings or pants, or a brown onesie. Matching browns look like one cookie.
The icing is the signature. Squiggly white trim at the wrists, ankles, neckline and waist. White rickrack ribbon is perfect for this, or use white puffy paint.
Then add two or three big round buttons down the front, like gumdrops, in red and green. Finish with rosy pink cheeks, a big smile and maybe a little brown face paint. A bow tie or a candy cane prop is a fun extra.
What People Get Wrong
Skipping the icing trim. A plain brown outfit with buttons just looks like a brown outfit. The wavy white trim is what makes people think “cookie.” Make it thick enough to see from across the room.
Buy It or Build It?
Ready-made gingerbread costumes run about $20 to $45. A brown sweatsuit, white rickrack ribbon and felt buttons cost under $20 to build.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make DIY gingerbread icing trim?
Sew or fabric-glue white rickrack ribbon around the wrists, ankles and neckline, or draw wavy lines with white puffy fabric paint.
What's a good group costume with a gingerbread man?
A whole gingerbread family, or add a baker, a candy cane and a gumdrop.
Is a gingerbread costume good for school?
Yes. It’s comfortable, it isn’t scary, and it ties in with the classic story.
What makeup goes with a gingerbread costume?
Rosy circles on the cheeks, a little brown on the nose and some white icing dots near the eyes.
Next up: Elf Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.