An advent calendar is something that even the youngest members of your family can get into the spirit of.
It is a lot of fun to watch the newest member of your family enjoy their very first holidays together with the rest of the family. Here are some gift and activity ideas for your sweet bundle of joy that can be used with an advent calendar.
Sing songs
This is an activity that can be used over the course of multiple days. To begin, take a sheet of paper and divide it up into different sections. Place a song that you enjoy singing to your child in each of the compartments of your custom advent calendar boxes, then cut out each song and tuck it into the calendar. Babies who are a bit older are even able to assist in opening the envelope and removing the note!
You can get into the holiday spirit by singing some Christmas carols, Chanukah prayers, Diwali songs, or Kwanzaa blessings with your little one. Choose some soothing tunes to sing to them, like lullabies or your all-time favorite songs (my children can recite Bob Marley by heart). There is no need to be concerned about singing out of key. Your baby finds your voice to be the most comforting sound, and they are not yet old enough to form opinions.
Craft your own foot and handprint presents.
The baby's feet will never again be quite as small as they are right now. Make a fun activity out of it by making holiday ornaments or greeting cards using their adorable hand and foot prints. They are wonderful presents for grandparents and other members of the immediate family. What better way is there to be reminded of this priceless period in the life of a baby?
Make a holiday keepsake for your child, such as a stocking, a dreidel, or something else.
Have a good time picking out the first Christmas stocking for your little one. There are so many different patterns that you can make yourself, and you can find them on Etsy, Pinterest, and even YouTube if you have the crafting skills. If you are not the do-it-yourself type, there are a lot of things you can buy that will fit the personality of your family.
Make a flower wreath for the first Diwali that your child will celebrate.
For your baby's first Diwali, adorn their room with bright floral garlands and other festive decorations. Baby will absolutely adore the vibrant colors, and exposing them to even a small amount of nature will do wonders for their happiness.
You can always purchase artificial flowers at your neighborhood craft store if you want the floral garlands to last for a longer period of time.
Remember to take pictures on a daily basis so that you can add them to your Qeepsake baby book and digital journal. There is nothing more enjoyable than reflecting on all of the firsts that have occurred!
Concepts for Baby Items That Would Make Great Holiday Gifts
a toy for teething
The poor little thing needs to cut their teeth! Put some relief on those aching gums with a cute teething toy that has a holiday theme and can be tucked away safely in your advent calendar.
Cozy wear
Give your child a cute new pair of mittens and a new beanie to wear so they can stay warm in the cold weather. Your adorable little one will have a look that is not only fashionable but also warm. You can find ones with a holiday theme to keep things in the spirit of the season. Put a small note or picture in their place if they are too big to fit into your advent calendar (although babies do have teeny tiny hands)!
Finger puppets
Shows with finger puppets are a wonderful way to keep your young child entertained. They are phenomenal for eliciting those adorable little giggles that we all crave so desperately. In addition, their dimensions are ideal for use in miniature custom advent calendar boxes.
Baby's first Hanukkah gift set
Give your young child a Hanukkah gift set that is both interactive and cuddly. Include a musical dreidel, a menorah, and candles for each of the days of Hanukkah, and fill each day with a different small plush gift. Your child will be able to "light" their first menorah without risk using this method.
Something specifically for you
Give yourself a unique present from baby, and include them in the process of unwrapping the advent calendar items. You deserve it.
Ideas for an Advent Calendar Appropriate for Toddlers
It is an absolute blessing to be able to experience the wonder of the holiday season through the eyes of your toddler. You can clearly see the wonder and amazement on their faces each time they encounter something new and unique.
Toddler-friendly holiday activities that you can plan.
Read holiday books
You should read Christmas and other holiday-themed books to your young children. There are many wonderful options for children of this age, including picture books and books with different textures. To decorate the inside of the calendar, you can either print a picture of the book's cover or jot down a note with the title of the book.
