The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, a time to indulge in festive activities like baking and decorating gingerbread houses. If you're planning to create a gingerbread masterpiece this year, selecting the right decorations can turn a simple gingerbread house into a gingerbread palace. But where can you find the best gingerbread house candy decorations?
Why Buy Candy for Gingerbread Houses?
Creating a gingerbread house is not just about assembling the walls and roof. The real magic happens with the decorations:
- Variety: Different types of candies allow for creativity and personalization.
- Aesthetics: The right candies can transform a house into a work of art.
- Edibility: After all the hard work, your creation can be eaten, making it a delightful experience.
Top Stores for Gingerbread House Candy
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores like Walmart, Safeway, and Kroger offer an array of candy during the holiday season:
- M&M’s, Skittles, and gumdrops are commonly found, perfect for creating vibrant windows and doors.
- Specialty sections often have gingerbread house kits with themed candy decorations.
- Note: Seasonal candy might be cheaper in bulk, so keep an eye out for deals.
Specialty Baking Supply Shops
Local or online baking supply shops like Wilton or BakeDeco provide unique and professional quality:
- Assorted candies in holiday shapes like stars, snowflakes, and gingerbread men.
- Edible glitters and pearls for an extra sparkle on your roof.
- Custom candies like edible gingerbread shingles or iced candy canes.
Online Retailers
Online platforms like Amazon, CandyWarehouse, and Party City offer:
- A vast selection of holiday-themed candies for gingerbread houses.
- The convenience of shopping from home with direct delivery.
- Opportunities to compare prices and reviews for the best buys.
- Note: Consider shipping times and ensure your order arrives in time for your baking project.
Candy Shops
Visiting a local candy shop or See’s Candies can provide:
- Handmade or unique candies not typically found in regular stores.
- An opportunity to explore and sample before buying.
- Potential discounts or bulk buying options during the holiday season.
DIY Candy Decorations for Gingerbread Houses
Creating your own decorations can add a personal touch:
- Sugarpaste and Fondant: These can be molded into any shape, dyed, and painted.
- Royal Icing: Use food coloring to create intricate designs.
- Homemade Candy: Make your own candy by melting down hard candies for windows or colored sugar syrup for festive tree shapes.
🎨 Note: Making your own decorations requires more time and skill but can be incredibly rewarding, allowing for true customization.
Where to Buy Gingerbread House Candy Kits?
If you’re looking for kits with premade gingerbread components and candy:
- IKEA often has affordable kits with minimalistic decorations.
- Trader Joe’s sells unique themed kits during the holidays.
- Michaels offers crafting kits which can include candy for decoration.
Bulk Candy for Gingerbread Houses
If you’re hosting a gingerbread house party or making multiple houses:
- Costco provides bulk options of holiday candies.
- Sam’s Club also stocks large quantities of themed candies.
- Candy stores might offer custom bulk orders.
Seasonal Candy Types and Where to Buy Them
During the holiday season, many stores roll out seasonal candies:
- Peppermint sticks: Can be used for roof support or cut for fences.
- Candy cane pieces: Perfect for edging and pathways.
- Licorice: Great for trims and creating pathways.
- Jelly beans: Can mimic pebbles or fill baskets.
- Gingerbread house themed candies: Look for holiday shapes at specialty stores or online.
After you've decided where to shop, consider:
- The quality and freshness of the candies.
- The sustainability of the packaging, if that's important to you.
- The potential for reusing leftover candies for other holiday projects or treats.
🎁 Note: Candy can also be used for other festive activities, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase.
Selecting the best places to buy gingerbread house candy decorations involves weighing convenience, price, variety, and quality. From local supermarkets to specialized online stores, each offers unique benefits that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you opt for a pre-made kit or decide to curate your candy collection, your gingerbread house can become a holiday highlight, a delightful centerpiece filled with color, sweetness, and holiday spirit. Your choices in candy will transform simple gingerbread into an architectural masterpiece, making your holiday season all the more memorable.
Can I use non-edible items to decorate my gingerbread house?
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While it’s common to use candies for edible decoration, non-edible items like small toys or figurines can also be used for a unique look. However, ensure these are clearly distinguished from edible decorations if the house is intended to be eaten.
Where can I find the most unique gingerbread house decorations?
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Specialty baking supply stores, both physical and online, often have the most unique candies and decorations. For truly one-of-a-kind items, consider visiting local candy stores or exploring international online candy shops for themed or artisanal treats.
How do I store gingerbread house candy to maintain its quality?
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Store candies in a cool, dry place, ideally in airtight containers. Keep away from heat sources and humid environments to prevent candies from becoming sticky or melting. For best results, use candies within the holiday season.
