Making a cheap advent calendar can be a fun and creative project that both kids and adults can enjoy. Here's a detailed guide on how to make one:
Materials needed:
– 24 paper cups (small size)
– Green and red tissue paper
– Tape or glue
– Scissors
– Treats or small toys
– Marker or number stickers
– Cardboard or poster board (optional)
– Ribbon or string (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the cups
Take your paper cups and number them from 1 to 24 using a marker or number stickers. You can also decorate the cups with festive designs if you like. These numbers will correspond to the days leading up to Christmas.
Step 2: Fill the cups
Next, decide what treats or small toys you want to include in your advent calendar. You can choose candies, chocolates, mini toys, stickers, or even small notes with special activities or messages. Fill each cup with a different surprise, making sure to vary the items throughout the calendar.
Step 3: Cover the cups
Cut squares of green and red tissue paper large enough to cover each cup. Place a cup upside down on a piece of tissue paper and secure the paper around the cup with tape or glue. Trim any excess tissue paper if needed. Repeat this step for all the cups.
Step 4: Arrange the cups
Now it's time to create the shape of a Christmas tree with the cups. Start by placing the cups in a triangular shape on a flat surface, with the numbered side facing down. The base of the triangle should have six cups, then five cups on the next row, four cups on the row after that, and so on until you have one cup at the top. Feel free to adjust the arrangement until you're happy with the shape.
Step 5: Secure the cups
To keep the cups in place, you can either tape them together from the inside or use a sturdy cardboard or poster board as a backing. If using a backing, trace the shape of the cups onto the board and cut it out. Attach the cups to the board using tape or glue. This will make it easier to hang or display the advent calendar.
Step 6: Punch through the paper
Now, it's time for the fun part! Each day leading up to Christmas, your kids can punch through the tissue paper on the corresponding cup to reveal their daily prize. You can either let them punch through the paper with their hands or provide them with a small tool like a plastic straw or a wooden dowel to make it more exciting.
Step 7: Display your advent calendar
Find a suitable spot in your home to display your advent calendar. You can hang it on a wall, prop it up on a table, or even hang it from a ribbon or string. Get creative and make it a focal point of your holiday decorations.
Remember, the beauty of a DIY advent calendar is that you can customize it to your liking and budget. You can add additional decorations like glitter or stickers, or even personalize each cup with a different family member's name. The possibilities are endless, and the joy it brings to your family will be priceless.