Reusable advent calendars

Izadora

I love the fact that using these means you can give someone chocolates/gifts that they'd really like but most of the ones I've seen are quite expensive and I don't think my boyfriend would appreciate me spending £10-£15 (or £25 if I got the one I really liked) before I've even started getting the fillings.
Does anyone have any ideas for where does them at a reasonable price or tips for DIY versions? I'm not particularly artistic but am quite patient when it comes to crafty things so I don't mind if it would be a bit fiddly.

kingfisherblue

I bought an advent calendar from The Range last week. It is a string of Scandinavian patterned stockings and cost £8.99. I'm filling it with little gifts for my two teenage boys. The stockings are bigger than most box style Advents, so you can fit larger gifts in.

Some of the gifts I have purchased so far include badges (6 for99p), elastic band helicopter (2 for 49p), bouncy balls (6 for 49p) and mini toiletries (various prices). In Morrisons, I managed to pick up two erasers for 8p each - they are puzzles, one in the shape of a cube and one a pyramid. It doesn't have to be expensive to fill the calendar, especially if you look in cheap shops like Home Bargains or B&M. Key rings, mini cans of pop, a couple of AA batteries (for remote control), nail clippers, etc are all quite cheap. You can always buy something as a set and split it up (I can't think of anything for men ATM, but a manicure set for women would have about five items, covering five days).

To make your own, have a look at Pinterest. I've seen some made from matchboxes and others made from toilet rolls - very cheap!

ETA don't forget some individual hot chocolate sachets, reindeer poop, or snowman poop!

savingmummy

Lidl had some lovely advents in the style of bunting, they were £4.99. http://www.smartpound.com/story.php?title=felt-advent-calendar-%C2%A34-99-lidl

(That's an old link but they had them yesterday instore)

Lots of nice ideas online for DIY ones google DIT advent ideas.

whitesatin

I bought a lovely (biggish) white metal Christmas tree with 24 numbered hooks on, to hang on the wall. I bought some little organza bags which I will fill with something, not sure what at the moment, for when the grandchildren visit.

Getting in the mood now, spent the evening putting together the Mobil Nativity set I ordered. The Three Wise Men/Kings are arriving on Thursday.

picket_fence

There are lots of ideas on pinterest for diy calendars, including printable houses, some using cupcakes pans, some bunting style ones. There seem to be ideas to suit every craft ability, so I am sure you can find something to your taste and skill level. I fancied making one for my MIL but my OH and kids poo-poohed it oh well, makes life easier for me I guess. Good luck with yours x

Kinski

I love this one on pintrest https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/415879346812024462/