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Make your own Advent Calendar

Number of Players:

1+

What You Need:

  • Toilet paper rolls (13)
  • Construction paper - any colours
  • One large piece of stiff coloured craft card (50cmx50cm at least)
  • Black marker
  • Small wrapped lollies, such as Minties or Fantales
  • Ribbon (2-3cm in width)
  • Paint (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Activity:

  • Cut the 13 toilet paper rolls in half. You need 25 cups in total - so you should have one spare half-roll.
  • Paint the outside of 25 of the half-rolls, or cover them with construction paper.
  • Cut circles out of coloured construction paper (just trace around one of the toilet paper roll ends to get the size of the circle).
  • TIP:You can fold the paper in half a few times so you get more than one circle at a time!
  • Glue a paper circle onto one end of each roll half, so that you now have 25 small cups. Allow to dry.
  • Drop a small wrapped lolly into each of your coloured cups.
  • Glue another paper circle onto the top of each cup, so that they are now sealed shut. Allow to dry.
  • Use a black marker to write the numbers 1 through 25 onto the roll cups. Write your numbers on one end, on the paper circle.
  • Take your large sheet of stiff coloured craft card and arrange the cups in whatever way you wish to glue them onto the card. You could make a Christmas tree shape, a candy cane, or try a wreath. Glue your cups onto your card, with the numbers pointing outwards.
  • Tie a bow with a pretty ribbon. Glue the bow onto the bottom of your Advent Calendar for the final touch.
  • Now all that's left to do is to open one cup each day from December 1 until Christmas Day!

More tips:


  • To add an extra challenge for older children, muddle up the numbered treat cups as you glue them on. They'll have to hunt for the right cup each day!
  • Use pretty numbered stickers or gift tag stickers instead of a black marker to write on the numbers.
  • If you are health-conscious or have dietary needs, and don't want to use lollies in your Advent Calendar, try using small party favour gifts or animal figurines instead. The kids will have a fun collection by the time Christmas comes! And what kid doesn't love a new toy every day?


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