Monday, November 28, 2011

Magnetic Christmas Advent Calendar {using IKEA magnetic spice jars}

I love Christmas countdown calendars. I have made several different kinds in the past, and would probably sew one, if I had the patience for it. Years ago, that darn Martha Stewart made this one.  I finally got around to making my version this year.  {Twig and Thistle has a free download for for very cute numbers for this!}


I simply used my magnetic board that is always hanging in my kitchen and some magnetic spice jars from IKEA. These jars are about $4 for 3 of them. They can be used for anything, and I use these for other things throughout the year- such as paper clips, tacs, and small items like that. I could only fit 14 jars on my magnetic board -in the shape of a Christmas Tree, so that is what we are doing. I may change it and add more and not do it in a tree shape, but I really liked the tree shape, so that is what I did. {My kids won't care- we have lots of countdown advent calendars!}

I used scrapbook paper and rubber stamps to make my numbers. You could use anything. Then I filled each one with a few small objects or candy for the kids. Each day- starting on December 10th (since I only had 14 of them) we'll open up one. Some of them may include a fun activity we have planned- such as looking at Christmas lights, visiting Santa, etc.

I think this might be my easiest and favorite countdown calendar yet! Happy Holidays!
thanks for reading oxoxo

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3 comments:

Kari @ The Purple Quiltapotamus said...

What a FABULOUS idea! I love it, I don't have time to make one before December this year but it will totally be on my to do list for next year.

Alicia said...

I love this idea!! Very cute! where did you get the magnetic board.....I am looking for something like that for my kitchen.

mylittlegems said...

Alicia- I made the magnetic board or it was given to me as a gift- made by my brother in law. I have two in my house and I can't remember which is which. If you can find someone to cut the wood for you, you can get sheet metal (get the magnetic kind) at Home Depot cut to fit- or you can use a frame :) thanks for your comment! Good luck!