Book Advent Calendar

Let’s be honest, 25 books is expensive! Don’t worry, I have options for you to choose from to create this fun DIY project.

Because my daughter is very fond of nature and animals, I chose books that were about the Christmas season, trees, birds, the weather and of course Santa too! I also mixed in classics with her favorite authors. I’ll admit, I wasn’t familiar with some of the books, but the reviews swayed my mind!

Materials

  • Wrapping paper (I used Craft paper)
  • 25 Books (See instructions for where to find some great deals)
  • Wooden numbers (You can also just write the numbers, or use stickers)
  • Optional: Wax stamper, string, or whatever you would like to use to decorate!

How To

  • Go to your local library and purchase some gently used books. (I recommend calling around and see which library has a used book section)
  • Alternatively, you can save and collect for next year—that’s what I did! When I say save, I don’t just mean save money; put the books on hold. If you select your books on amazon.com, add them to your cart, and then click “save for later,” you will then be notified of price drops. A lot of the hardcover $18.99 books dropped their prices during the summer months and I was able to snatch them up for $6.99!
  • Wrap your books up however you’d like.
  • Let your child open their “Advent Calendar” each day leading up to Christmas!
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online
Book Advent Calendar - DIY - Playgarden Online

Skills

Pincer grip Pincer grip

Tips with Miss Charlotte

Miss Charlotte - Teacher Playgarden

I want to make it clear that these books are not gifts, but rather part of the countdown to Christmas! I chose simple brown wrapping paper—also called butcher-block paper—which I bought at the Dollar Tree. I added wooden number tags for some fun math play and used an old-fashioned wax stamper to seal the tags to the wrapping paper.

I chose The Night Before Christmas for the 24th book. I thought it might be a nice tradition to start now that she’s three and can sit through a long storybook!

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