In case you were blissfully unaware – Christmas is upon us.
So that makes this weekend the perfect time to 'get your craft on' and put together an awesome advent calendar!
Of course you can just go to the supermarket and buy the usual old Barbie or Spiderman ones – but we think these are much more fun.
1. The jar
How cool does this look? Even the very uncrafty of us can achieve this - you just need to have 24 jars on hand (or drinking glasses could work).
Measure the height of the jar and then cut the paper to size. Pop the paper into the jar, paint or stick a number on the front, insert lollies or treats, and you are good to go! Make sure they all stay out of reach from little hands.
2. The activity advent cards
These are great for the whole family, and for those who want to stay away from chocolate and lollies. Just like these ones from Mousehouse, you write 24 activities on a card - from a movie night to a drive to see Christmas lights.
You can put them in a santa hat to choose from everyday, or place into 24 labelled envelopes. It is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit when the countdown is on.
3. Little boxes
Don't go looking in the shops for these little cuties - they are handmade! Just follow this step-by-step here (this one is using a large piece of paper, but it is just the same for smaller-sized paper).
Write or stick a number on the top, add in something yummy to eat, and you're done.
4. Ready-made boxes
Don't have time to make boxes? Buy them, they are everywhere - like here at Sweet Pea Parties.
Enjoy decorating them to any kind of theme your heart desires, fill with something fun, and pile them up.
5. Wrapped parcels
Buy 24 little things, wrap them and place on a number. Couldn't be much simpler than that, but this is how cool they can look!
The ones pictured are wrapped in newspaper and decorated with coloured washi tape.
6. Brown paper bags
Tied up in string... these are a few of our favourite things.
Craft brown bags, a treat inside, hang from a string with pegs and voila!
7. Envelope display
The humble envelope - perfect for a wall display! From a clean white finish, to something a little more festive, choose whatever suits your decor.
Inside you could put a small chocolate, a happy memory to share, a joke, or an activity for everyone to participate in.