Introduction
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. They can be filled with small gifts, treats, or activities. However, finding the perfect advent calendar for toddlers can be a challenge. You want something that is age-appropriate, safe, and exciting. In this article, we will share 10 advent calendar ideas for toddlers in 2024.
1. DIY Advent Calendar
A DIY advent calendar is a great way to get creative and personalize the experience for your toddler. You can use small boxes, envelopes, or even paper bags to create 24 individual compartments. Fill each compartment with a small toy, a treat, or an activity. You can also decorate the calendar with stickers, paint, or markers to make it even more special.
Q: What are some easy DIY advent calendar ideas for toddlers?
A: Some easy DIY advent calendar ideas for toddlers include using toilet paper rolls, paper cups, or small cardboard boxes to create individual compartments. You can also print out free advent calendar templates online and glue them onto a poster board or piece of cardboard.
2. Book Advent Calendar
A book advent calendar is a great way to encourage reading and literacy in toddlers. Instead of small gifts or treats, fill each compartment with a new book. Your toddler will love the surprise of opening a new book every day leading up to Christmas.
Q: What are some good books to include in a book advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good books to include in a book advent calendar for toddlers include classic Christmas stories like “The Night Before Christmas” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. You can also include board books with interactive features, such as touch and feel or lift-the-flap.
3. Activity Advent Calendar
An activity advent calendar is a great way to keep your toddler engaged and entertained throughout the holiday season. Fill each compartment with a fun activity, such as coloring pages, puzzles, or crafts. You can also include activities that involve the whole family, such as baking cookies or watching a Christmas movie.
Q: What are some easy activities to include in an activity advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Some easy activities to include in an activity advent calendar for toddlers include coloring pages, stickers, and simple crafts like paper snowflakes or handprint ornaments. You can also include activities that involve sensory play, such as making slime or playing with playdough.
4. Toy Advent Calendar
A toy advent calendar is a classic option that toddlers will love. Instead of filling each compartment with a small gift or treat, fill them with a small toy. You can choose a theme, such as cars or animals, or mix it up with a variety of toys.
Q: What are some good toys to include in a toy advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good toys to include in a toy advent calendar for toddlers include small stuffed animals, cars, puzzles, and building blocks. You can also include toys that encourage imaginative play, such as dress-up clothes or pretend food.
5. Snack Advent Calendar
A snack advent calendar is a fun way to incorporate treats into the holiday season. Instead of filling each compartment with a small gift or activity, fill them with a different snack. You can include healthy options like fruit or cheese, as well as more indulgent treats like cookies or candy.
Q: What are some healthy snacks to include in a snack advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Some healthy snacks to include in a snack advent calendar for toddlers include apple slices, baby carrots, and cheese sticks. You can also include more unique options like dried fruit or rice cakes.
6. Puzzle Advent Calendar
A puzzle advent calendar is a great way to challenge your toddler’s problem-solving skills. Instead of small gifts or treats, fill each compartment with a piece of a puzzle. Your toddler can work on putting the puzzle together throughout the holiday season.
Q: What are some good puzzles to include in a puzzle advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good puzzles to include in a puzzle advent calendar for toddlers include simple jigsaw puzzles with large pieces or shape-sorting puzzles. You can also include puzzles with themes like animals or transportation.
7. Sensory Advent Calendar
A sensory advent calendar is a great way to engage your toddler’s senses and encourage exploration. Fill each compartment with a different sensory activity, such as playdough, water beads, or sensory bins. You can also include sensory toys like fidget spinners or squishy balls.
Q: What are some good sensory activities to include in a sensory advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good sensory activities to include in a sensory advent calendar for toddlers include playdough, water play, and sensory bins with materials like rice or beans. You can also include toys with sensory features, like textured balls or squishy toys.
8. Music Advent Calendar
A music advent calendar is a great way to introduce your toddler to new songs and sounds. Fill each compartment with a different music-related activity, such as a musical instrument, a sing-along book, or a CD with Christmas music.
Q: What are some good musical activities to include in a music advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good musical activities to include in a music advent calendar for toddlers include simple instruments like bells or maracas, sing-along books with nursery rhymes or Christmas songs, or CDs with instrumental Christmas music.
9. Nature Advent Calendar
A nature advent calendar is a great way to encourage your toddler to explore the outdoors and appreciate nature. Fill each compartment with a different nature-related activity, such as a scavenger hunt, a nature craft, or a seed packet for planting.
Q: What are some good nature-related activities to include in a nature advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good nature-related activities to include in a nature advent calendar for toddlers include a scavenger hunt for items like leaves or pinecones, a nature craft like a pinecone bird feeder or a leaf rubbing, or a seed packet for planting a small garden.
10. Charity Advent Calendar
A charity advent calendar is a great way to teach your toddler about giving back and helping others. Fill each compartment with a different activity or item that benefits a charity or organization. For example, you can include a donation to a food bank, a toy to donate to a children’s hospital, or a thank-you note for a first responder.
Q: What are some good charities or organizations to support in a charity advent calendar for toddlers?
A: Good charities or organizations to support in a charity advent calendar for toddlers include food banks, children’s hospitals, animal shelters, and local first responders. You can also research charities or organizations that align with your family’s values or interests.
Conclusion
Advent calendars are a fun and exciting way to celebrate the holiday season with your toddler. Whether you choose a DIY calendar, a book calendar, or a toy calendar, there are plenty of options to suit your family’s needs. We hope these ideas inspire you to create a memorable advent calendar for your toddler in 2024.