The fact that I drew my inspiration for this Advent Calendar from a post called An Advent Calender for the Procrastinator proves just how easy this crash test was!
I started writing up my Mindful Christmas Crash Test Results and realised (again) that it was massive. So I’m going to share this project with you now and the rest later this week.
In the past the kids have had chocolate advent calendars given to them which have just resulted in us getting hounded for pre-breakfast chocolate hits. This year we have made our own advent calendar and will be including a mixture of fun activities, treasure hunts for useful items and the odd treat.
I chose non-typical Christmas colours, but it is still festive enough for our coastal theme.
CrashBoy and I went on a trip to KaiserCraft to buy some non-Christmas papers (cheaper than the Christmas paper!) and got all the pretty paper we needed and more for $10. CrashGirl and I spent the afternoon (while CrashBoy napped), making the little envelopes. It’s a great activity (she’s 4 1/2) for her little fingers and she got a lot of satisfaction from folding the squares into envelopes.
The envelopes are held together with double-sided tape which was less mess and more effective than the glue called for in the original tutorial.
The numbers are stamped on squares cut from wine box dividers. You can buy the mini pegs from Riot Art and Craft. Instead of stringing them up, I decided to peg them to my Christmas present from last year – a seashell wall hanging. Ta dah – a Coastal Christmas Advent Calendar!
Some of the envelopes will include new traditions like clean and donate some toys, visit the local Christmas lights. We debated about taking the kids to the local Christmas Carols but they attract a 20,000 strong crowd and go quite late, so we may reserve that for when they are a bit older. Items will most likely be of the art, craft and stationery variety.
The final day will be a clue to find their Christmas Eve surprise which will be a box with new PJs, a Christmas DVD and movie watching treats.
For more ideas on what to include in your advent calendar check out:
30+ ideas for activities advent calendars | Code Name Mama
24 Clutter Free Advent Calendar Gift Ideas | The Minimalist Mom
Items to put in an Advent Calendar (inlcudes free printable) | The Organised Housewife
Are you making an Advent Calendar this year?
Laney x
I’m linking up with Jess from Essentially Jess, because I (only) Blog on Tuesdays! See who else has blogged today in Jess’ link up :)
Lovely idea, think I’ve left it too late this year though!
Caroline’s last post..It’s Raining It’s Pouring…
Not at all! This took an afternoon. Very easy :)
Looks great, really unique idea to include something like donating toys.
I love this coastal advent calendar. where did you get your rope??!
unfortunately I didn’t have time to make ours this year so will just be the usual chocolate countdown.. unless I can whip something up in 3 days ;p
Ai Sakura’s last post..Christmas 2012 | Share-a-Gift with the Boys Brigade #BBShare
The wall hanging was a present I got last year, so I just pegged my envelopes to it. You could peg your envelopes to some bare branches, a string pinned on the wall or under the mantle. It’s really easy :)
Awesome timing. I literally put up my advent calendar 5 mins ago and am now brainstorming “activities” to put in each mini stocking, and found your post via IBOT with your activity suggestions – thanks!!! BTW – your advent calendar looks way better than my one :)
Danya Banya’s last post..Badges 4 Kids Review & Giveaway
I’m glad that worked out for you! Hey, I bet your kids will love yours. Mine only looks a little fancier because of the wall hanging :)
That’s such a fab and more meaningful idea than a boring old advent calendar. Can’t believe it was done on the cheap as it certainly doesn’t look it. I will be pinching that idea when her little fingers are old enough :)
Pip’s last post..Have a Little Heart This Christmas
Making the envelopes was a lot of fun. It will be great when your bub is a bit older to take part in activities together. There was a reason we did it while CrashBoy was asleep ;)
This is great, Laney! I have had a half finished felt envelope advent calendar in the cupboard for three years now. I’ll finish it one day ;) Looks like the cheap choccy ones will have to do again this year!
Tam’s last post..Finding balance at Christmas {gift-giving}
Nooooo! Make the envelopes – so easy! If I can do it, anyone can ….. Seriously! ;)
Oh Laney – these are absolutely gorgeous. I love this idea. :) xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups’s last post..A DIY Vintage Christmas Mobile
Thanks Sonia. No surprises the coastal theme appeals to a beach lover like you :)
I love this idea Laney!
Zanni, Heart Mama’s last post..Our little Eve
Thank you Zanni, and thanks for dropping by my blog :)
Ive got advent envy now. That’s beautiful. I spoke to my daughter about doing one where she had to show giving, too. She wasnt that impressed, which surprised me, so I’m going to make a couple of giving envelopes. That’s what it’s all about. Merry!
Bachelormum’s last post..An advent calendar to remember
Super!!! It looks fantastic and what a great project for the little ones to do!
Lou Lou’s last post..“Yea, I shall return with the tide.”
Thanks! CrashGirl really enjoyed it and was so proud to show Daddy when he got home.
That is gorgeous! Haven’t seen one like that before!
Thanks you Jessica. It’s just a simple idea with my own twist. There are so many ways you could personalise this idea :)
Great Job Laney.
I made advent bunting this year, but I am yet to fill it with anything :)
EssentiallyJess’s last post..Get The Juice
Very wholesome! Hope the kids love it
That looks fantastic! So effective too. Rachel x
Rachel from Redcliffe Style’s last post..Going Organic
Thank you so much Laney for sharing my advent calendar list, I love the advent calendars, the kids have so much fun with it each year, Merry Christmas :)
Kat – The Organised Housewife’s last post..{Free Printables} 2013 Monthly Calendars with to-do list