We have used our Advent Activity Jars every year since I first wrote about them in 2011. We even did it last year when we moved into our first (non-rented) house in the middle of December with a 6 month old. I tried to convince E. that we could just buy an advent calendar but he was having none of it. Of course I was secretly happy that he loves it so much.
I put little activities, chocolates or gifts in each jar. If the activity doesn’t have any part that will fit in the jar I just write it on an old christmas card. In reality we don’t actually need the jars; envelopes would work fine but they are a cute decoration so they’ve stuck. A few years ago I updated them by stitching numbers onto circles. It took ages so even though I think the circles are a bit too big they’re staying.
Here are my hints and tips for if you are thinking of starting your own personalised advent calendar
- Start by making a list of activities you were going to do anyway – if you’re going to a Christmas Fair on the 10th write it down for day 10! There really is no point in making life more difficult for yourself
- Gather up any Christmas themed things you already own and spread out giving them back throughout the month. When the decorations get put away I also put away all Christmas books and themed toys. Today’s ‘gift’ was E.’s Christmas Playmobil he got as a present last year.
- Buy some wrapped chocolates or little toys for the days when you can’t be bothered or haven’t got time.
- You don’t need to actually get the whole month ready for the 1st of December – most of my jars are currently empty. I try and makes sure I know what I’m doing for a few days ahead but it really isnt necessary to have the whole month planned out.
- Pinterest is your friend (kind of!)
- The activities can be basically the same every year. I probably buy a new craft set or two most years but we rarely use the whole set up in one go so they come out again and again.
- It definitely gets easier – the first year I bought quite a lot of little toys to bulk it out but this year I’m fairly confident we can get by without them!
I’m going to post mini updates of what we’ve done each day on Instagram and Facebook and there’s Pinterest board for this year’s activities.
I’ll probably post round-ups on here. So do keep checking back if you’re looking for ideas.
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I really love this idea. I’ve not gone all advent calendar this year but think the jars would be perfect for next year. I especially love the tip of not having to completely full them by the 1st giving you more time! Thanks for linking up to #familyfun
Karen | TwoTinyHands recently posted…#FamilyFun Week 14
I definitely wouldn’t cope if they had to be actually ready- I’m a last minute kind of a girl! 🙂
What a lovely idea. Also a great way of spending time together too.
#FamilyFun
Thank you, we love it 🙂
These are amazing, such a great idea for the kids, I bet they love it. It makes what is already an exciting time of year even more special with even more fab memories. Thank you for sharing at #familyfun
tammymum recently posted…#FamilyFun…Week 14
Thank you, the big one does really love it and I’m sure next year the little one will too. 🙂
This is such a great idea, I used to do a personalised advent calendar for J back when it was just the two of us and doing long distance it seemed a good way to remind him how awesome a girlfriend I was 😛 I will definitely be remembering this for when Elliot is older! Such a great idea with adding in the activities too! x #familyfun
Josefine recently posted…DIY: Personal Christmas Cards
It’s good to remind them how awesome you are 😉
Thanks for reading xx
I love this – what a brilliant idea. I quite like the idea of putting an activity idea in the jar – might have to try this one next year. Good idea to re-use Christmas toys from previous years too 🙂 #familyfun
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Tissue paper “stained glass” Christmas decorations
Thanks, I thought he might moan about getting his own things back again but so far it seems to be working 🙂
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