ideas for advent calendar treats

flower24

I'm going to buy a fabric advent calendar for my kiddies, just wondered if anyone had any ideas of things I could put in other than sweets/chocolate, thanks

julie97au

Hawkins Bazaar, if you have one nearby, have great wee items at around 50p or less

flower24

Thanks they've just opened one in the town where I go to college so I will have a look tomorrow.

kingfisherblue

Wilkinsons have some small, cheap stationery - mini sticky pads, short pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners in the shape of an animal, etc. They also sell packs of stuff for party bags (bouncy balls, those puzzles where you have to get all the little metal balls into the holes, sliding picture puzzles, etc)

Pound shops sometimes have bits and bobs that might be suitable.

Home Bargains have fridge magnets, keyrings, mini notepads.

Lipbalm, crayons, flannel that looks tiny but 'grows' to full size in water, mini bottle of handwash, lipstick or other makeup, stickers, mini photo frame, pack of marbles, hair scrunchies or clips, mini Impulse spray, toothbrush, Lego figures, badges.

A lot depends on the age and interests of your children.

flower24

Thanks, yes should have said, my son is 3, daughter is 5

Possession

Tesco had pots of little things on a multibuy 3 for a £1 - packs of novelty erasers, mini highlighters etc
They were with the children's stationery/craft items.

Sagz_2

How about Promises?

Thinks like 'I promise you 1 special bed-time story', 'I promise you 1 trip to the park' or ' promise you 1 finger painting session'.

That's gotta be more fun than a little chocolate that's gone in a moment!

fiscalfreckles

stickers are liked by kids that age, buy a pack that you can cut up.

And party bag stuff is a good idea.

Lunar_Eclipse

We have activities in ours. Here's this year's contents (sorry I couldn't get the numbering to work properly!):

Find and decorate a Christmas tree
Watch the turning on of the Christmas lights

1. Drink hot chocolate and watch The Polar Express movie
2. String a popcorn garland for the tree
3. Write Christmas cards to festive music
4. Make paper snowflakes
5. Make felt Xmas trees (or other decorations)
6. Get together with family friends to play games
7. Pop popcorn and watch Elf
8. Make a new ornament for the tree
9. Go to the local museum (which has recreated Christmas from the 19th century)
10. Build a snowman or make a snowman chain
11. Bake cookies
12. Buy a charity gift for a child
13. Walk or drive around the local neighbourhood taking in the Xmas lights & decorations on houses
14. Make snow angels and/or a wreath for the front door
15. Watch Nativity
16. Skype with friends to wish them a merry Christmas
17. Make gingerbread houses or cookies for the tree
18. Take the kids to do their Xmas shopping
19. Work Xmas party for children
20. Pantomime!
21. Take blankets, towels and food donations to our local animal shelter
22. Go to the Christingle service at church