How can it be possible that December is two days away? I did some shopping this morning. I thought that 9:00 a.m. on a Thursday would be a great time to be shopping, that the stores would be empty. I was wrong; the toy aisle at Target was crowded even that early. The craft store nearby was packed, too. I didn’t find many large gifts, but I did some great things for advent calendars.
Here are some ideas for advent calendar treats and surprises:
– Individually wrapped gourmet chocolates or truffles. They are an indulgence, but last a long time at one a day. If your three old won’t know the difference between Godiva and the cheap stuff, I’d stick to the cheap stuff. And maybe treat yourself to a little gourmet chocolate.
– Old fashioned candy sticks. These can be found for about ten cents apiece.
– Stickers. Cut a few out of a large card.
– Matchbox cars.
– Beads and directions for making an ornament or necklace.
– Small lego kits.
– Miniature decks of cards.
– Pack of gum.
– Chapstick or lip gloss.
– Tiny cookie cutter or jar of sprinkles.
– Snowman soup kit (hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a peppermint stick to stir the soup).
Other ideas are too big to fit in small spaces. You can write the idea on a slip of paper and put it into the pocket or box. Fun ideas are:
– a scavenger hunt to find a new board game or puzzle
–
– an announcement that it’s sugar cookie baking day
– an invitation from Santa for a visit to see him
– let the child set up the nativity scene (if it’s not fragile)
– a coupon for a drive around the neighborhood to see the lights tour
– a tiny tree and ornaments for the children to decorate their own tree
– any Christmas craft project
Have fun loading up your advent calendars and thinking of even more ideas!
Also See:
Naughty and Nice Snowman Gifts