Financially, it’s very easy for things to get out of hand when building a DIY Advent Calendar. With 24 containers to fill, even a budget of $1 per filling adds up fast.
There are many different ways to approach filling the Advent Calendar containers with a budget in mind. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
*For the purposes of this post we’re focusing on advent calendars that have fillings. For ideas on Flat Advent Calendars, come back soon.
The cheapest way to fill an Advent Calendar
Search the internet for cute, free printables for Advent Calendars. These can range from things like scripture, holiday quotes, the nativity, jokes, songs to sings, and more. Print them out and create a chain link display that acts as a vessel. Easy and decorative!
Here are a few to get you started:
- Add a Pinch’s Advent Calendar Printable has 30 different activities to give you some options. Best of all? It’s free!
- Activities for Kids uses bible verses in their awesome printable chain link Advent Calendar.
- Mum in the Madness suggests 50 Acts of Kindness for kids which, if you ask me, is probably one of the most thoughtful ways to celebrate the holidays.
- Red Bird Blue’s adorable Christmas story with illustration download is a winner.
- Ellie Petrov has plenty of suggestions to go along with her cute blank printables. Pick the items that fit your family and fill it in.
Other cheap options for filling an Advent Calendar
- Candy from a larger bag of candy
- Toys that are meant to be given as party favors
- Crayons with printed coloring sheets, I love these from Pink Stripey Socks which can be turned into ornaments.
- Stickers!
My favorite way to approach filling an Advent Calendar
As you know, I love my calendars and I can easily find reasons why I should have several different ones going on throughout the season. However, combining a few of the ideas above to create ONE Advent Calendar helps keep costs low while keeping fun high.
HOT TIP:
Make activities you were planning on doing anyway part of your advent calendar fillers. Keep a calendar next to you and use an index card or fancier to write the activity. Or just include the tickets to the event if you have them.
Free DIY Advent Calendar Planner
If you aren’t doing the same filler for every day, this planner can help you figure out what to put when. I also like to keep it handy in case I have any last minute changes I need to make for some of the activities. Because, yes, a last minute change to visiting Santa sometimes happens.
Download it today and get started on planning your December!
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