In a bid to reduce waste and give useful gifts this year will be the second year we’ve used a ‘fill your own’ advent calendar. Last year the kids shared one (though they got a surprise each) but this year they will have their own as we have been sent a wooden light up calendar from the Sue Ryder Online shop. The one we already use is a felt hanging style with different pockets so there is no chance for the kids to get them mixed up! They have a range of different styles available, and the detailing on this one is really pretty. Backlight with warm lights, sparkly trees and nordic-style decorations – one to reuse year after year!
This one has a drawer for each day of advent, though unless your kids have amazing self restraint I suggest you only fill each drawer the night before so it’s ready for them in the morning!
Here are 25 ideas for you to help with filling your advent calendar without resorting to chocolate coins!
- Stickers
- Temporary tattoos /transfers
- Baubles for the tree
- Lego or Plamobil figures
- Token for a hot chocolate with all the trimmings
- Festive Hair bobbles/slides
- Tickets to a panto /cinema
- Mini playing cards
- Go for a drive to see some Christmas lights
- Child friendly face-masks
- Book Mark
- A ‘late to bed’ pass
- Lip Balm
- Token for making christmas cookies or cakes together
- Bath beads/bubbles
- A new Keyring
- Paper chain kits
- New Socks
- Watch a festive film with popcorn
- Christmas Badges
- Token for a craft session (to make cards or decorations)
- Glow in the dark stars to decorate with
- Christmas Books (leave a written clue as to where to find them hidden in the house)
- Tickets to visit Father Christmas
- Festive stampers for cards/envelopes
Some of the ‘experiences’ are probably things that you would be doing anyway, like santa visits – so shouldn’t cost you more than the note you write it on but will be a lovely surprise for your kids! Of course if you don’t fancy doing all of these you can always add chocolates, sweets or lollies to break things up a little!
Do take a look at the Sue Ryder online Christmas shop for lights, calendars wreaths and lots of gift ideas.
Wonderful ideas. I bought a wooden advent calendar from Sue Ryder last year. They are very good for gifts for the home and Christmas and all for a good cause too. Your Christmas book idea is fantastic. I’ll be using this one. Many thanks.