christmas

What to Put in an Advent Calendar

When we do advent calendars we have a tradition of doing an activity every day as a countdown to Christmas. I also like to put in a piece of candy or stickers, or a small toy. Here are some of my go-to toys to stick in an advent calendar. They are small so they can fit in a little box and most are very inexpensive. These also work great as stocking stuffers. I place an order of these kinds of toys a few times a year. I’m always happy to have them around for last minute surprises. What are your favorite small gifts for kids?

1.Flashing Reindeer Nose 2. Finger Flashlights 3. Flashing Light Bulbs Necklace 4. Monster Finger Puppets 5. Fake Mustaches 6. Wooden Cars 7. Snappers 8. Party Poppers 9. Micro Cubebot

16 comments | Share

Chalkboard Advent Calendar DIY

Here is another advent calendar. This one involves little boxes and chalkboard paint plus a little tree to hang them on. This is super easy and inexpensive to make. You can make the whole thing in about an hour. See more of our advent calendar ideas right here.

Click through for instructions.

(more…)

22 comments | Share

Giant Advent Calendar DIY

by Chiara Alberetti Milott

When I saw this giant printed Christmas tree fabric at Ikea, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it – a giant advent calendar. Despite being a little large and unwieldy, it was pretty easy to make, especially once I found an Etsy shop that sells felt numbers pre-cut specifically for advent calendars (who knew?!). The same seller has a wide variety of 3″ felt circles so you could make a rainbow version, an all blue and green version, or an traditional red, green and white version if the spirit moved you.
Click through for instructions and photos.
(more…)
36 comments | Share

Mini Tree Advent Calendar + Free Template

It’s advent calendar time! Anyone who has read this site knows I love advent calendars. In our family we print out a list of Christmas related activities and put one in each box with a little toy or candy. Some activities are big, like “go see the Nutcracker” or “Sit on Santa’s lap” but others are simple, like: “Drink Spiced Cider” or “Hang Mistle Toe.” I started doing this as a way to avoid missing Christmas. Sometimes it gets so busy that we forget to do the things that make us love the Holidays in the first place. This helps me make time for the fun traditions and my children love it. (Check out our other advent calendars here.)

This might be my favorite advent yet. All you need is the free downloadable template and glue to make this little forest come to life.

Click through for full details and sources.

(more…)

49 comments | Share

Christmas Crackers DIY

These crackers are traditionally for Christmas but I love making them for dinner parties or birthday parties. When pulled on each side the crackers make a little snap. Inside guests find prizes and treats and a paper crown. You can buy them but they are usually prettier and have better prizes inside if you make them yourself. They make a table look so festive and work great as place cards too. Find the full instructions, sources and photos below.

Click through for full instructions!

(more…)

17 comments | Share