Give the traditional Advent calendar a creative kick, turning it into a festive garland that reuses your kids’ colorful socks. Tucked inside are notes, games, and goodies for kids to receive — one sock for each day leading up to the Jolly Old Elf’s visit.
25 socks
Marker
25 mini clothespins (available at craft supply stores)
Stocking hangers, painter’s tape, or pushpins
6-foot length of cord, string, or ribbon
SUGGESTIONS FOR SPECIAL SOCK STUFFERS:
“Get Out of Chores Free” or “Pick a Movie Rental” cards — each good for one use!
A puzzle distributed in pieces among the socks; kids can put it together over the course of the month
Trading or sports cards
Special coins such as foreign currency or a silver dollar — chocolate coins are always a hit too!
Music or other gift cards
Jokes or riddles (stick the punch line in the next day’s sock; see azkidsnet.com for ideas)
A game (a Mad Libs or Sudoku a day)
Art supplies, such as a mini paint kit and pad
A special ornament to add to the tree
A new pair of socks!
Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours
1. To make your “calendar,” fill the 25 socks with small treats, using the list of suggestions or your own ideas.
2. Use a marker to number the mini clothespins with 1 through 25.
3. To assemble the calendar, use stocking hangers, painter’s tape, or pushpins to temporarily hang a 6-foot length of cord, string, or ribbon within easy reach of a child. Clip the treat-filled socks to the cord in numerical order, then each day have kids remove one to discover their surprises