Now that December is here, my kids absolutely cannot wait for Christmas! So, I came up with the idea of creating cute numbered advent calendar boxes — my kids can open one up each day as we count down to Christmas. Yesterday, I created a few advent calendar boxes, for 23, 22, 21, 20 and 19 days until Christmas. I’ll eventually add the other boxes as we get closer to Christmas! In each box, I nestled yummy treats, stickers, and other fun finds.
They opened the 23 days until Christmas box yesterday to find a large piece of bubble gum each. They were happy to get the gum!
I got my boxes from my collection of jewelry and other boxes that I’ve saved over the years for wrapping gifts. I guess it’s a good thing that I tend to hold onto things! LOL.
I decorated the tops of my boxes with scrapbook paper. I hand numbered some boxes, and used number stickers (that I have on hand for scrapbooking) for other boxes. I am thinking of tying the rest of the boxes with ribbon and twine — my kids are very good (and that’s a fact, Santa!), but I think it would be a good idea to secure the boxes closed in case my children get the urge to sneak a look at the treats inside the boxes!
In past years, we’ve used a felt advent calendar. On the felt tree, we add another button until we reach Christmas. Each button sticks to the tree thanks to a piece of Velcro I’ve attached to the button backs.
My kids love the old advent calendar, so I will probably also put that one up at some point — I just have to find it! (It wasn’t with the rest of the Christmas decorations when I brought up the Christmas decor from the basement over the weekend.)
For now, I don’t think my kids will miss our old advent calendar. They are having too much fun with our Christmas advent calendar mini gift boxes!
This post has been shared at Christmas Spectacular Linky Party.
Dina Farmer says
I love, love, love this idea! I will have to do this next year. Right now my son is too young to understand. 🙂
Dina Farmer recently posted…Christmas Light Bokeh
Lauren says
It’s a lot of fun! Thanks for visiting, Dina!
susanbetts says
Bob uses Altoids to help his draining sinuses. I hate to see the little metal boxes just thrown away. Lela has used a bunch for kids in her classes to sort words. A teacher at meeting used some for kids to store “their good qualities.” If you can conjure ways to use them, I would gladly save some for you. There is a web site with suggestions, but most are for adult fingers and imaginations. My favorite is a little mouse reading a tiny book. Best wishes, Sue
Lauren says
Sounds great, thanks! Thanks for stopping by — it was great seeing you at Thanksgiving!
Linda says
Very cute idea. And easy. Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Season. Linda
Lauren says
Thanks, Linda! I hope you have a lovely holiday season, too!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Cool idea! With 5 kids, I’m not good about picking up little treats for the Advent calendar. I usually just do the wreath with the candles. However, I found metal favor boxes in the wedding aisle at Michael’s for my Elf Countdown which could work for an Advent Calendar.
I’d love for you to share your Advent calendar with my readers at my Fabulously Frugal link party: http://www.alifeinbalance.net/fabulously-frugal-thursday-celebrations-recipes/
Barb @ A Life in Balance recently posted…ironed contact paper christmas ornament
Lauren says
Thanks, Barb! I linked up. Fun linky party!
Bonnie @ The Pin Junkie says
Great advent calendar! Thanks for sharing this great project at The Pin Junkie. It was featured in this week’s Christmas craft roundup. http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2013/12/christmas-crafts-and-printables.html I hope you’ll stop by to grab a featured button and share your best Christmas recipes at tonight’s party for another chance to be featured! Wishing you very happy holidays!
Bonnie @ The Pin Junkie recently posted…Christmas Crafts and Printables
Lauren says
Thanks so much, Bonnie — I am honored! I will be sure to stop by! 🙂