DIY Alternative Advent Calendar

Last year we made this DIY alternative advent calendar using paper cups which was a big hit with the boys!

This year I wanted to do something similar (i.e. activities instead of chocolate), but by recycling Christmas cards from last year into tiny boxes with Christmas activities inside them.

To make a DIY alternative advent calendar, you will need:

• 24 square (used) Christmas cards from last year
• a pair of scissors
• a pen or pencil
• a ruler
• lots of fine ribbon (we used white)
• plain paper, card and a printer
• a large glass container (it doesn’t have to be glass, but I think it’s nice to see all the colours, patterns and pictures together)

How to make a DIY alternative advent calendar:

• Make 24 tiny lidded boxes from your old Christmas cards, using this video tutorial (it’s easy, I promise).  This part is quite time-consuming, but you can do it in front of the TV!
• Print out some pretty number tags (you can find these for free at Ellie Fun Day) onto card and cut them out.
• Print out some fun numbered inserts from Wissenswuerze on paper.  Cut out and hand write a Christmas activity on each one.  If you need some ideas of activities to include, you can see 30 of ours here.
• Fold your paper inserts and put one inside each box, then tie it with ribbon, including a card number tag.  It’s really important to keep a record of which activity you have put into which box, unless you have an amazing memory, or you want it to be a surprise to you too..!
• Pile all your boxes into a large glass vase or bowl.  They make a great table centre and our kids are already SUPER excited at the thought of being able to start opening them soon…

Merry Christmas!  x