Sunday 5 December 2010

Advent bags forever!

I made a rather last-minute decision on Monday to make my own advent calendar this year. I remembered the lame-o chocolate calendars of my own youth (do they still make those things? Worst chocolate in the world if memory serves) and knew that I could come up with something better. The key was to make something would last year after year, look nice as a decoration and, of course, didn't cost an arm and a leg.


One quick trip out to Fabricana on my lunch break on Monday, a jaunt over to Michael's on Tuesday afternoon, late-night trip to Staples on Tuesday, and by Wednesday morning, I had these all ready for Abner to enjoy. She's been having a BLAST finding the right number each morning. Actually, I think she likes that part even more than she likes seeing what's in the bag!


I used my favorite tea towel fabric once again and had all the bags sewn up in less than two hours! Because I want them to last forever, I took the time to zig zag the edges as well to prevent fraying. I even heated the ends of the red ribbon to keep those from fraying away over the years. Those little bags are tough...really, really tough I tell you!


We've opted to present them in a bowl this year so that we can move them up out of Abner's reach as needed, but I also inserted a tiny piece of green ribbon to allow them to be strung up if you wanted to.


Advent is a great opportunity to teach Abner that the holidays are not just about getting treats. So, we've given her a mix of items and activities this year. There are a few chocolates ('cause it's not advent without chocolate!), some stickers (like she needed more), a Kinder egg, and a variety of Christmasy activities including:
  • make paper snowflakes
  • decorate the front door
  • choose three toys to donate to the Salvation Army
  • put money in the Christmas kettle at the mall
  • wish all your friends merry Christmas
  • record a Christmas video
  • visit the Christmas heritage village
  • take food to the food bank
...you get the idea.


I had an extra large tea towel bag kicking around so it will be very handy to store the advent bags once their day has passed.


I'd be happy to make a set for anyone who wants one for next Christmas. Just drop me a note at heymilkybeer {at} gmail {dot} com.

4 comments:

  1. Hooray for homemade Advent calendars! Lexi received a homemade quilted version from her Nana on Dec 1 in the mail. I'll post a pic when I get a chance. Hers contains stickers, tiny toys and quarters for her piggy bank. I love the idea of the activities.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kim, what a wonderful idea - especially the thoughtful gifts hidden inside those sweeeeeet little bags.
    Merry Christmas@:D

    ReplyDelete
  3. these look awesome, kimmer! even if they do cause strange dreams...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Printed tote bag Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...