Ideas for a child
24 ideas for a child’s Advent calendar
For a child, an Advent calendar means a little magic every morning. Here are 24 ideas with (almost) no chocolate: riddles, a bedtime story, small activities and vouchers to use. They work very well from 4 to 10 years old: adapt them to their age.
The big countdown
A welcome letter that explains the game: one door every morning until Christmas.
A riddle
“I’m white, I melt in the sun and I have a carrot nose. What am I?”
Bedtime story, part 1
A little tale in several parts, to read at bedtime. The teddy bear in the scene can be the hero.
Good for one pyjama party
A blanket fort in the living room and dinner in front of a cartoon.
Paper snowflakes
Some folding, a few snips, and it’s snowing indoors.
The present hunt
A small present hidden in the house, and a clue to find it.
The Christmas quiz
“How many reindeer pull the sleigh?” Four questions to become an expert.
Guess who
A baby photo of them. Giggles guaranteed.
Bedtime story, part 2
The adventure continues: something to look forward to in tomorrow’s door.
A scratch card
Under the gold square: “This weekend, we’re going ice skating!”
A harder riddle
For the big ones, 8 and over.
A surprise outing
The time and what to wear, but not where.
Christmas cookies
The oven is for grown-ups; the decorating is for little ones.
Good for one late bedtime
Half an hour more tonight. Shh, it’s a secret.
Their Christmas song
A link to their favourite song, and a dance to make up.
The letter to Santa
The day to write (or draw) their list.
The magic ticket
A scratch card revealing a small privilege.
Good for one Christmas film
Popcorn, a duvet, and the child chooses.
A silly challenge
Talk like an elf all through dinner.
A family photo
Last year’s, with a question: “Do you remember that day?”
Bedtime story, last part
The hero gets home just in time for Christmas.
What I love about you
Two or three things you love about them. A door they’ll read again and again.
Only a few hours to go
“Tomorrow night is Christmas Eve!”: to build up the excitement.
Merry Christmas!
The last puzzle piece, and the big surprise.
Tip: a bedtime story in several episodes makes them want to open the next door.
Put them in a 3D calendar
All these ideas fit in our 3D Advent calendar: you fill the doors (or start from a ready-written template), and the person you love opens one each day, on their phone.