It is nearly that time of year again! Where we get to open a door a day, whether it be an edible gift, picture, toy or even a message of hope.
Most advent calendars are 6, 12, 24 or 25 days, with the biggest gift being on Christmas day.
There are loads of different calendars on the market from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds, but why not create something a bit different? You can personalise it to your budget and the recipient’s personal taste. You may even be able to find in date calendars from previous at a much cheaper price or maybe consider looking out for some after Christmas or in the January sales, you may even find some in a charity shop or free websites.
You need to consider the gifts you are going to add and how to display them.
You could use boxes, either cardboard or wooden, which you can reuse each year, or if they would fit inside an envelope, you can get baubles that open, even place them on some bunting or simple jars or containers you already have in the cupboard. The hanging shoe storage, you can get for the back of doors or wardrobes, can make great holders for items, numbering them with stickers or chalk could turn an everyday storage container into an advent calendar.
Here are a few non alcoholic and non confectionary gifts/fillers ideas, something suitable for all ages, hopefully it can be some inspiration if you’d like to create your own…
- Badges/Pins
- Baking (cutters, rolling pin, apron)
- Beauty
- Books (The Works 10 for £10)
- Candles/Wax melts
- Cereal
- Clothing (socks, ties, knickers)
- Collections (fossils, gemstones, crystals etc.)
- Colouring projects (colouring page a day for a Christmas wall)
- Dolls house furniture
- Dolls outfit/clothes
- Free samples
- Hair accessories
- Homemade coupons (free hug, car wash etc.)
- Jewellery
- Keyrings
- Makeup
- Positive Affirmations
- Preserves/Jam
- Puzzle piece a day
- Recipe a day
- Seed packets
- Stationery
- Tasks (photography, crafts)
- Temporary tattoos
- Toys (a car a day, play food etc.)
- Trading cards
- Wool for knitters and crocheters.
Enjoy!
Have fun getting creative and only spend what you can afford. There is nothing wrong with a £1-£2 chocolate advent calendar if you want to treat someone to one and don’t have the time, funds or passion to create one.
Don’t forget to try and stay local and eco friendly, whilst also saving some pennies for yourself.
Why not check out last years post by Laura, of 10 Easy Ways to Have a Greener Christmas.
