For many families the advent gift calendar is one of the cosiest traditions in December. But many parents also know the pile of small things that are forgotten or disappear under the sofa before Christmas is over.
A good alternative is a calendar where the gifts fit together. Every day brings something new, but in the end it all adds up to something the child can play with long after Christmas.
Idea 1: Build a town, one parcel at a time
Split a few sets from Crateit Town into smaller parcels. One day it is road pieces, another day road signs, a third day a vehicle such as Bus Adventures or Thunder Truck. On Christmas Eve the last parcel can be a fire station or a police stationthat brings the town together.
Idea 2: Furnish a room in December
A Roomiesroom includes both the walls and the furniture. Wrap the furniture pieces one by one, so the child furnishes the room a little more each day. It gives December a nice rhythm, and the room is finished when Christmas arrives.
Idea 3: One colour a day
Combine with markers. Give one colour or one set on selected days, so the child can colour the parts that have already arrived. A set of six colours can be spread over several days, so there is something to look forward to.
Idea 4: Mix gifts and experiences
Not all 24 parcels need to be things. A note saying "today we build together" or "today we colour the house" is a gift too, and often the one children remember best.
Tips for the advent calendar
- Make a plan in advance, so you know which parts go in which parcels.
- Save the biggest piece for last, so there is a natural ending.
- Order in good time. Then you can be sure everything is home before the first of December.
Why a calendar that fits together?
An advent calendar with 24 different small things is fun to open, but the items often end up scattered around the house. When the gifts build on each other instead, the child has something to look forward to every day and something that makes sense when December is over. It also means less clutter and fewer things thrown out in January.
Share the gifts between several people
Many families share the advent calendar with grandparents, uncles and aunts. That is easy when the calendar has a theme. One gives road pieces, another a vehicle, a third a set of markers. Then everyone becomes part of the same town or the same house.
What suits which age?
For the youngest, it is important that each parcel is something they can play with straight away. Large buildings can be wrapped in parts, so there is something to assemble each day. For older children, you can let them guess what the town or the house will get next, and make the calendar a little treasure hunt.
Keep it manageable
An advent calendar should not become an extra chore in a busy December. It is perfectly fine to have parcels only on some days, or only at weekends. What matters is the joy of waiting and opening, not the number of parcels.
After Christmas
The best thing about an advent calendar that fits together often shows after Christmas. Instead of a drawer full of small things, there is a town or a house that the child has assembled day by day, and that can be played with for the rest of the winter. And next year the calendar can build on what is already there, with new roads, new rooms or new colours.
If you are looking for the big gift for Christmas Eve, see our Christmas gift guide.
Frequently asked questions
What can you put in an advent gift calendar for children?
Small parts that fit together, such as road pieces, signs, vehicles, dollhouse furniture and markers, mixed with notes promising an experience.
Does there need to be a parcel every day?
No. Many families only have parcels on some days or at weekends. What matters is the joy of waiting and opening.
When should you order?
In good time, so everything is home before the first of December.
