Family & Parenting

24 Advent Calendar Ideas for Kids (Not Just Chocolate)

Fill each day of December with small surprises, activities and family moments.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

A homemade advent calendar turns the countdown to Christmas into a daily adventure. Mix small treats with activities for a calendar full of memories, not just sweets.

Small surprises

  • Stickers or temporary tattoos
  • A small toy or figure
  • Hair clips or bracelets
  • A festive pencil or eraser
  • A puzzle piece (complete the puzzle on Christmas Eve)
  • A new book on the last day

Activity cards

  • Make paper snowflakes
  • Watch a Christmas movie with popcorn
  • Bake cookies together
  • Have a hot chocolate night
  • Go and look at Christmas lights
  • Write a letter to Santa
  • Make a card for a neighbour
  • Have a pyjama day
  • Build a blanket fort
  • Donate a toy to charity
  • Sing Christmas songs
  • Have a family games night
Plan around your calendarWrite activity cards for busy days that take five minutes, and save bigger activities for weekends.

Easy DIY calendar ideas

  • 24 small paper bags pegged to a string
  • Numbered envelopes in a box
  • Toilet roll tubes decorated and stacked

Kindness calendar

Include small acts of kindness, like helping with dinner or writing a thank-you note. It's a lovely way to remember what the season is about.

#Christmas#Family & Parenting
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Written by Editorial Team

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