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Create a Christmas Advent Calendar with LittlePop

Create a Christmas Advent Calendar with LittlePop
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Make a Christmas Advent calendar using LittlePop kits: design, decorate, and fill 24 numbered pockets with small surprises while practicing counting and planning skills.

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Step-by-step guide to create a Christmas Advent Calendar with LittlePop

What you need
24 small surprises such as candies or tiny toys, adult supervision required, colouring materials markers crayons stickers, glue or double-sided tape, littlepop kits, number stickers or permanent marker, pencil, ruler, scissors, sturdy cardboard or poster board

Step 1

Gather all materials and put them on a clear table so you can reach everything.

Step 2

Open your LittlePop kits and lay out the pocket pieces in front of you.

Step 3

Decide the shape and size of your calendar and place the cardboard backing on the table.

Step 4

Use the ruler and pencil to measure and mark 24 evenly spaced spots for the pockets on the backing.

Step 5

Lay the 24 LittlePop pockets on the marks to check spacing and make any adjustments.

Step 6

Attach each pocket to the backing with glue or double-sided tape so they stay in place.

Step 7

Label the pockets 1 to 24 using number stickers or by writing the numbers with a marker.

Step 8

Decorate each pocket with colouring materials and stickers to make the calendar festive.

Step 9

Choose 24 small surprises and sort them in a row from day 1 to day 24 to plan what goes where.

Step 10

Place each surprise into the matching numbered pocket carefully.

Step 11

Attach a hanger loop to the top of the backing so your calendar can hang on a wall or door.

Step 12

Hang your finished Advent calendar where everyone can see it.

Step 13

Open one numbered pocket to check it opens easily and holds its surprise well.

Step 14

Share a photo of your finished Advent calendar on DIY.org so everyone can see your creation.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I can't find LittlePop pockets or double-sided tape?

If you can't find LittlePop pockets, cut small envelopes or paper/felt pockets from scrap paper or fabric and attach them to the cardboard backing in Step 5 with white craft glue, a glue stick, or a stapler instead of double-sided tape.

Some pockets won't stay put or end up crooked—how do I fix that?

If pockets shift in Step 5 or don't align with your pencil marks from Step 4, press each pocket firmly for 30 seconds, use stronger craft glue or extra double-sided tape, and hold or clip them in place while the adhesive sets so they stay straight.

How can I adapt the activity for different ages?

For younger kids, simplify by measuring fewer pockets or skipping the ruler in Step 4 and letting them decorate and fill about 12 pockets with help in Steps 6–10, while older kids can precisely measure and design complex shapes, add numbered stickers in Step 6, and plan surprises in Step 8.

What are some easy ways to enhance or personalize our Advent calendar?

To personalize and extend the project, tuck tiny notes, mini challenges, or QR-code treats into the surprises in Step 9, add glitter, photos or battery fairy lights to the cardboard backing before attaching pockets in Step 5, and then share the finished result on DIY.org as suggested in Step 14.

Watch videos on how to create a Christmas Advent Calendar with LittlePop

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Make your own Advent Calendar

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Facts about holiday crafts for kids

✂️ Papercraft is perfect for pocket calendars: paper is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy for kids to fold, cut, and decorate.

🎁 Advent calendars usually have 24 little doors or pockets—one surprise for each day from Dec 1 to Dec 24.

🔢 Filling and numbering 24 pockets helps kids practice counting, sequencing, and planning—core early numeracy skills.

📅 The modern printed Advent calendar dates back to early 1900s Germany, though families made homemade versions in the 19th century.

🌟 Today's Advent calendars come with tiny toys, chocolates, activity cards, or messages—some even include a 25th pocket for Christmas Day.

How do you make a Christmas Advent calendar with LittlePop?

To make a LittlePop Christmas Advent calendar, open the kit and review the pieces. Plan a theme, then design and decorate each of the 24 pockets with paints, stickers, or markers. Number pockets 1–24, let decorations dry, and choose small surprises to fit each pocket. Fill pockets in countdown order, seal if needed, and hang or display the calendar. Encourage the child to help with counting and planning for extra learning.

What materials do I need for a LittlePop Advent calendar?

You’ll need the LittlePop Advent Calendar kit plus small surprises like stickers, erasers, tiny toys, or individually wrapped treats. Gather scissors, double-sided tape or glue, markers or paints, number stickers or a pen for numbering, and ribbon or string to hang the calendar. Have small, age-appropriate containers or labels and a work surface that can get messy. Avoid choking hazards and choose non-food options if allergies are a concern.

What ages is the LittlePop Advent calendar activity suitable for?

This LittlePop activity suits children roughly ages 3–10 with different levels of adult support. Ages 3–5 benefit from one-on-one help for cutting, gluing, and selecting surprises. Ages 6–8 can design and decorate pockets with light supervision while practicing counting and planning. Ages 9–10 can manage most steps independently and personalize themes. Adjust complexity and surprise size to match your child’s fine motor skills and attention span.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making a LittlePop Advent calendar?

Making an Advent calendar builds counting, sequencing, planning, and fine motor skills while encouraging creativity and holiday anticipation. It’s a great bonding activity that teaches organization and generosity. For safety, avoid small choking hazards for under-fives, choose non-edible gifts if allergies exist, use non-toxic craft supplies, and supervise cutting or hot-glue use. Try variations like themed surprises, activity coupons, or learning prompts for extra educational value.
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