Baker Intermediate School students huffed and puffed and built gingerbread houses for the fifth annual nonperishable Gingerbread House Competition.

Jessica Scolf, Baker’s visual arts teacher, said gingerbread houses are something families can do together.

“It’s something really fun to do,” Scolf said. “And it can allow everybody in my building to be involved if they choose.”

About 30 students created unique gingerbread house designs from nonperishable materials such as cardboard, construction paper, old art supplies, play dough, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, craft supplies and anything else they could think of that they couldn’t eat.

Students submitted their entries Nov. 30.

The artwork is currently displayed in the stage in the gymnasium for December. Students will take their work home before winter break.

Baker teachers are judging the competition on theme, originality and craftsmanship/neatness.

Prizes are awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners and will be announced before Christmas break.

“It’s just a way to brighten up our building,” Scolf said. “I like that the kids get to bring something in and kind of show it off instead of just like their class project.

“It’s something the whole school can see and that they can be proud of.”