Advent Cards: Free Printable

My kids are super excited about

the advent bags they'll be getting.

We've never done this before!

I don't want them to forget

the reason we celebrate Christmas.

I've created these advent cards with Bible verses

to place inside the bags.

I've transferred them to Scribd

for printing on 8.5 x 11 inches.

Simply print and cut to 3x3 inches,

or shrink to fit your advent calendar!

Advent Cards 1

Advent Cards 2

Advent Cards 3

Advent Cards 4

Advent Cards 5

Countdown to Christmas: 25 Small Gift Ideas

This change in the weather was the last kick I needed to get moving on my holiday planning. I've listed the last of the Christmas items in my shop:
Set of 25 advent bags

With each set I'll be including this list of ideas for filling them. These are appropriate for children of all ages, 3 to 103 :) (Sorry baby George, no small parts for children under 3)

Since I'm a thrifty kind of gal, you'll find many items on this list can be handmade. I've included a link to tutorials for such. I've also taken into account the size and weight. These would also makes great stocking stuffers, too!

(In photo, top to bottom, left to right)

1. Tooth brushes 

Dollar Tree

2. Scissors

$1.39 at Target

3. Stickers 

Home made with Avery Label Mailing Seals.

4. Handmade mini notebooks

These were made from old book pages. Here's a link to a tutorial similar to my method. I finished the edges with washi tape.

5. Candy Cane Pens

49 cents at Michaels

6. Magic Washclothes

Dollar Tree

7. Modeling Clay

On sale at Michaels, $1.25 each

8. Handmade Jewelry and Accessories

I made these ladybug rings with scrapbooking brads, ring backs and E-6000.

9. Hand Tattoos

Dollar bins at Michaels

(Not Shown)

10. Mini Chalkboard & Chalk

Here's a tutorial for a mini chalkboard. You can use chalkboard vinyl if you don't want to paint.

11. Washi Tape

Michaels has a good assortment, always on sale.

12. Old coins or a$2 bill

Ask for these at the bank, they always have something in their register. I'm putting mine in handmade envelopes, follow the tutorial here.

13. Pinback buttons

14. Pipe cleaners

Here's a link to fun pipe cleaner crafts.

15. Finger puppets

16. Popper fireworks or sparklers

Usually Target sells these for New Years right before Christmas.

17. Popcorn Garland Kit

I'm using a bag of microwave popcorn and red & white baker's twine. For younger children use Froot Loops. This blog has some great examples, as well as other crafty Christmas ideas.

18. A Kazoo

19. Flashilght

Harbor Freight Gives these away.

20. Silly Putty

$1 at Michaels. They even have glow-in-the-dark now!

21. Crazy Straws

My kids never tire of finding new ways to drink the same thing.

22. A Sewing Kit & Fabric Scraps

I'm not going to lie, I wish I was getting these things. Need scraps? Buy these!

23. Magnet Strips

These will keep a crafty or curious kid occupied for hours.

24. Handmade Ornaments

I just bought some clear plastic ornaments, tiny pine trees and fake snow to make "snow globe" ornaments. I'm going to try the same thing with baby food jars. Photos to come!

25. Leather notebook necklace

Because I think the grand finally ought to be awesome. This is from fullmoonn, and the price is ridiculously cheap for what it is.

Hope you find this list helpful!
Don't forget to purchase your gift bags now
to get them in time for December 1st!

Holiday Shopping

Are you ready for the holidays?

Be sure to check out my guest post over on the Etsymom blog.

I'll be putting together a few holiday shopping posts here and there throughout the season.

While you are at it, check out the Etsymom team. Support hard working moms!

Also I wanted to let you know about a new item in my shop.

I don't know who is more excited about it, me, or the kids!

Buy it here

 I picked up a new embossing folder and put together a set of 25

Countdown to Christmas Bags.

Buy it here

I took my set and colored in the numbers and took a few pictures just to give you an idea of one way you could use these. Eleanor just about exploded when she saw me making these. She can't wait to see them hung over the mantle, filled with presents through December.

I'm working on a list of filler ideas, so be sure and check back soon.

I'll be sure to pin the list as well!

Buy it here

AND I'll be hosting another magazine giveaway so stay tuned!