Advent Calendar Projects

What is it about advent calendars that I love so much?  I have come across so many cute ideas this year for making my own.  Now if only I could narrow down which idea to use...I mean how many advent calendars can I have up around my house?  But really, I think one of the reasons I love these, is because it captures the very spirit I love so much about Christmas.  There is that anticipation and feeling of excitement you get as December 25th draws closer!  An advent calendar just adds to the fun as you open a little door or pocket or envelope each day and get one step closer to the BIG day!  I get so excited just writing about it!  So, I have collected some fun advent calendar ideas for you.  Choose one, try one, or share one.  I can't wait to start my own!

The first idea is one of my favorites, made with mini muffin tins.  You can purchase the muffin tin at Walmart for pretty cheap and then head to the craft store for matching scrapbook paper designs and any cute embellisments you wish to add.  I love the one shown on Somewhat Simple because she includes not toys or candy in hers but special and meaningful activities to do together as a family.  Like "put up Christmas decorations, do a Christmas craft, bake cookies," and the list goes on.  How much would your little one look forward to opening a door and finding some family activities to do tgether!  You've got to check it out!

Or what about using socks from the kiddos to make a hanging advent calendar!  This could be a great use for mismatched socks or go out and buy some seasonal and matching socks to make your own.  Add some number stickers for the countdown, some clothespin for hanging, and ribbon to tie it all together.  And your little one will love reaching into that baby sock and finding a special treat!  Then when finished, hang the sock back up, and your holiday decoration is as cute as ever!  Check out Martha Stewart's site for more detailed directions...just darling!

And how I love another use for a cookie sheet!  Here's a way to make a magnetic calendar.  You don't always have to have little treats and prizes.  Sometimes children just love the idea of counting down and getting closer to the most magical day of the year.  They can even add a number as each day passes.  So cute to hang on your wall also!  Check out Making Memories for the "how to" instructions on this advent calendar.  Maybe I do want to make more than one for my home!

And here is the cheap side of me...find a cute and affordable placemat as the base and purchase a set of 24 gift tags from the Dollar Store to use as the cutesie ornaments.  You can sew or glue the felt onto the placemat with a tree design and cute little pockets!  Don't forget to somehow add numbers to the pockets.  Each day your kiddo gets to pull a paper ornament out of the pocket and hang it on the tree!  Check out this blog dedicated to Dollar Store ideas and decorating and find the advent calendar directions.  So cute!  Now have fun making your own family advent calendar and enjoy this amazing and festive time of year.  Start your countdown now...
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