Toddler Advent Calendar 2019: Fun & Engaging Ideas

Holiday traditions are cherished by families, and creating new ones can be just as exciting. As December 2019 rolls around, parents are looking for ways to make the season special for their young children. Enter: the toddler advent calendar, a fun and engaging tradition for little ones to participate in and enjoy.

Advent calendars originated in the 19th century and have since become a beloved holiday staple. While traditional calendars contain chocolates, modern advent calendars cater to a wide range of interests, making them perfect for toddlers and young children. So, let's dive into the world of toddler advent calendars and discover how you can make the holidays truly magical for your little ones in 2019.

Understanding Toddler Advent Calendars

Advent calendars help children count down the days leading up to Christmas. For toddlers, these calendars are an age-appropriate way to build anticipation and excitement for the holiday. Unlike traditional calendars, toddler advent calendars focus on fun, educational, or interactive activities rather than sweets.

A toddler advent calendar can be a fantastic opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a sense of wonder in young children. It can also help establish a holiday tradition that the whole family looks forward to each year.

Types of Toddler Advent Calendars

Toddler advent calendars come in various formats, catering to different interests and needs. Here are some popular types to consider for your little one in 2019:

• Activity calendars: Perfect for families who want to create lasting memories, activity calendars include fun and engaging tasks behind each door. Activities can range from Christmas crafts to games, stories, or even acts of kindness.
• Educational calendars: These calendars focus on teaching children new skills or facts. Educational calendars can cover topics like the alphabet, numbers, shapes, or even Christmas-themed trivia.
• développe or magnetic calendars: Made from felt or fabric, these calendars feature moveable pieces that children can use to create their own Christmas scene or story each day. They're perfect forensory play and imaginative storytelling.
• Nativity scene calendars: For families who want to focus on the spiritual significance of Advent, nativity scene calendars allow children to build and expand a Nativity scene one piece at a time throughout December.

Benefits of Toddler Advent Calendars

Incorporating a toddler advent calendar into your family's holiday routine offers numerous benefits for young children. Some advantages include:

1. Building anticipation: Advent calendars help toddlers understand and prepare for the upcoming holiday. They can learn about the importance of patience and waiting, as well as the concept of time and sequencing.
2. Encouraging learning and skill development: Whether focused on education or activities, toddler advent calendars can help children develop essential skills and knowledge. Some calendars may even help improve fine motor skills, creativity, or imagination.
3. Promoting family bonding: Participating in an advent calendar tradition can bring families closer together. Shared experiences and activities foster stronger connections and create lasting memories.
4. Maintaining a sense of normalcy: The excitement and busyness of the holiday season can sometimes feel overwhelming for toddlers. Incorporating a simple, daily routine like an advent calendar can provide a sense of stability and comfort amidst the chaos.

Creating a DIY Toddler Advent Calendar in 2019

If you're looking for a personal and cost-effective option, creating a DIY toddler advent calendar can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it allow you to tailor the calendar to your child's interests, but it also makes for a cherished keepsake you can enjoy for years to come.

When creating a DIY advent calendar, consider using age-appropriate materials and designs that will appeal to your toddler. Some popular DIY calendar ideas include:

Stocking hanger advent calendar

Use sock or stocking hangers and attach a small felt or fabric pocket to each one. Fill each pocket with a small treat, activity, or note. Hang the sock hangers on a wall or a piece of wooden PVC pipe cut to size, and let your toddler enjoy a little surprise each day.

Variations of this idea include creating a sock advent calendar garland, where you stitch or safety-pin socks together to form a chain, or making a sock advent calendar tree by hanging socks from the branches of a recycled or artificial Christmas tree.

Wallet or envelop calendar

For a more minimalist approach, create a wallet or envelop advent calendar using paper wallets or sealed envelopes. Number each wallet or envelope and fill it with an activity, note, or small toy. Hang the wallets or envelopes on a string or ribbon, and let your toddler tear open one each day.

This DIY calendar idea is perfect for parents who want to keep the focus on experiences and activities rather than material items. The simplicity of the design also makes it easy to create and store for future years.

As the holiday season approaches and you search for the perfect toddler advent calendar in 2019, remember that tradition is less about perfection and more about creating meaningful memories with your little ones. Whether you choose a store-bought calendar or create your own DIY masterpiece, the most important thing is to embrace the magic and wonder of the season through the eyes of your child.

So, start planning, creating, and dreaming – and before you know it, you'll be ringing in the holidays with a new tradition that your toddler is sure to cherish for years to come. Here's to a happy and magical 2019 holiday season!