Our brown paper packages advent is simple, inexpensive, and so fun! Wrap small gifts in brown paper and hang with string. You probably already have these supplies in your home! This post contains affiliate links.
I had a lot of fun creating this fun advent/countdown for my kids! I wanted something simple, cute, and made using items that I already had. This brown paper packages advent fit the bill and the kids loved it! Inside each brown paper package is a piece of candy or nuts, and a small card with a seasonal activity printed on it.
Other Inexpensive Advent Calendar Ideas
Gingerbread Cookie CountdownTissue Paper Countdown20+ Advent Calendar IdeasAdvent Gum Packs
Don't have time make your own advent? No worries. We've gone the store bought route the past. Here are some of our favorites!  The LEGO one was an absolute hit. We actually still have it and have re-used it a few times. Just save the pieces and put them back year after year!
Brown Paper Packages Advent Calendar
Supplies:
- brown paper bags or brown kraft paper
- baker's twine
- tape
- clothespins
- small toys, candy
- sharpie pen
- hole punch
- small cards with seasonal activities printed on each one
Directions:
- Cut squares of brown paper into desired sizes.
- Wrap candy and toys in paper and tie baker's twine around each one, creating a bow/loop for hanging.
- Cut a long string of baker's twine and attach to the wall.
- Label each package using a tag, optional.
- Hang each package using a clothespin.
Other notes:
I bought a bunch of Christmas candies in bulk as well as mixed nuts for the kids to crack. The Palmer chocolate candies in bulk are my favorite this time of year! Especially the mint patties. I also made some cards to go inside of a few of the packages. Fun things to do at home or around town this time of year.
Here are are a few ideas of seasonal activities to add to your brown paper packages!
- Neighborhood Christmas Lights
- Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Bar
- Make Sugar Cookies
- Go To the Library and Check out Christmas Books
- Write Letters to Santa
- Drop Off a Secret Santa Gift to a Neighbor
- Deliver Holiday Treats to Friends
- Decorate the Christmas Tree
- Watch a Christmas Movie
- Make Christmas Cards
- Hang a New Ornament on the Tree
- Make a Christmas Craft
Here is another inexpensive advent idea using books from Live Well Travel Often.
Jamie H says
I love the different ideas people come up with for advent calendars! Yours is super cute! Again, I'd love for you to link up with us! http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2011/12/fun-stuff-fridays-2.html
Mommy Provost says
What a great idea!
Beth (www.livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com) says
This is amazingly creative!! LOVE it! I keep singing the song in my head =-) I am pinning it & think I may try it next year! I would LOVe it if you would link this up to my TGIF LInky Party -http://livinglifeintentionally.blogspot.com/2011/11/tgif-linky-party-7.html - I think my readers would LOVE it!
Beth =-)
HI THERE! says
I love this advent! I can imagine how long those clothes pins took to paint but I think they look fabulous. Kraft paper and twine are always a favorite of mine! Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark. Great advent week that you had!
Jenn 🙂
Partycraft Secrets says
what a pretty idea... my kids can't read, and we're not sure if we'll be home up to Christmas, so I made mini, patterned, travel calendar...
but I'm coveting yours more!!
http://partycraftsecrets.blogspot.com/2011/11/mini-travel-advent-calendar-part-1.html
(Ps if you can join my site, and help me get to 30 followers it will justify it's existence and make my husband shush! LOL. x)
Sara says
So pretty! Would LOVE it if you would link this up at my turquoise lovin' party going on right now!! (and red during the holidays!) http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/11/turquoise-lovin-15.html
Eva Scott says
Super cute! I bet those clothespins did take forever! Turned out great though!
Here from Tip Junkie
Angie@Echoes of Laughter says
What a pretty project! The presentation is lovely! Angie xo
Kerryanne English says
What a cute idea.
I'd love it if you could share this over on my Simply Christmas Inspiration Party at http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com/2011/11/inspiration-friday.html
Tracey @ My House of Giggles says
Love love love your little brown paper packages! Kraft paper is my "go-to" wrapping paper 🙂 And the bakers twine just finishes it off so nicely 🙂 You are amazingly crazy to hand paint all those little clothespins!!...haha....it's totally like something I would do 😉 Love it!!