Advent Calendar ideas

[CosmicMouse]

We bought this Advent Tree from John Lewis last year. But it was a bit of a last minute thing, and I never actually sorted out any little bits and bobs to go in it So it just sat looking pretty!

Determined to actually use it this year, especially as DD will actually be interested in opening it rather than just pulling bits off.

So looking for ideas for very small items to go in each of the little boxes. They are very small boxes when you take into account the door, which is what threw me last year!

DD will be 2yrs 5mo on Xmas Day.

Ideal currently include: little chocolate coins, small finger puppets that I can fold up inside, little toy animals (if I can find ones that fit)....erm....that's not 24 days worth is it

Help!

midget gems? jelly beans? dolly mixture? Little bracelet? lipsalve/gloss? mini bouncy ball? tiny clip on earings? little soaps?

Could you put activities in some instead of gifts? Write them on colourful paper or little labels. Stuff like go for a winter walk, make Christmas cards (handprints or something easy), listen to Christmas carols, dress up for tea?

Or put simple clues in to find a larger item that won't fit in the box.

You're a genius Ourspoons, thank you! That's a great idea!

or you could put in some craft things like glitter/ cotton wool/ beads/ shiney paper etc and have some glue ready and they could make something out of that.

'pirate treasure' is popular with us - past items have included badges & pins, ornate buttons, beads, ribbons, seashells, fancy stone 'jewels', sweetie necklaces, sugar stones, edible gold leaf (big hit with older children), marbles, a fossil, a conker with string, an 'air' plant, a 'locket' (walnutshell with several miniature photos inside), glitter, stickers, table confetti (all good for making christmas card/decorations), hairclips, lip balm, solid perfume.

Some of these might be suitable for a younger child