Imagine the cozy glow of the Christmas tree and the excitement in your child’s eyes as they unwrap a new story every single night. A DIY book advent calendar turns the chaotic countdown to Christmas into a peaceful, magical bedtime routine. It is the perfect way to slow down and snuggle up during the busy holiday season.
As a mom of three, I know the pressure to create “Pinterest-perfect” moments can feel overwhelming and expensive. That is why I absolutely love this holiday reading tradition. It focuses on connection rather than candy, making it a true literacy advent calendar that my kids adore.
If you are wondering How to do a book advent cheap?, I have the perfect solution for you. My “Hybrid Sourcing Method” mixes library loans, thrift finds, and books you already own to create a budget book advent calendar for pennies. Let’s create some magic without breaking the bank!
📸 [Image-1: A stunning, high-resolution photo of the finished DIY Book Advent Calendar, styled on a mantle or tree with twinkle lights.]
Key Materials Breakdown
Before we dive into the full supply list, here are the heavy hitters you need to grab to make this project a success.
📝 Key Materials: 24 Books (Mix of Owned/Thrifted/Borrowed), Roll of Kraft Paper, Washi Tape, Number Stickers (1-24).
Supplies & Tools List
Gather these items before you start wrapping to keep the process smooth.
Consumables:
- Wrapping paper (Kraft paper, holiday print, or old newspapers).
- Ribbon, twine, or yarn.
- Gift tags or number stickers.
- Tape (Standard Scotch tape + Washi tape).
Tools:
- Scissors.
- Sharpie/Marker.
Step 1: The Treasure Hunt (Sourcing Your Books)
You do not need to buy 24 brand-new hardcovers. That costs a fortune! Instead, use my “Hybrid Sourcing Method.”
First, raid your own bookshelves for winter or holiday-themed books you already own. Hide them away in November so they feel fresh and exciting when unwrapped in December. Next, head to the library or do a thrift store book haul to fill in the gaps.
Step 2: The Sort (Organize by Energy Level)
This is the most critical step for preserving your sanity. Do not wrap the books randomly. Check your family calendar first.
On nights with holiday parties or concerts, assign a short board book. Save the long, wordy books, like The Polar Express, for lazy Sundays or nights when you have extra time. This creates a sustainable Christmas countdown ideas for kids that fits your real life.
Step 3: The Wrapping Station
Clear off the dining table and get ready to wrap. I prefer using brown Kraft paper. It looks rustic, hides the titles perfectly, and saves money compared to fancy holiday rolls.
📸 Wrap your books just like standard gifts. [Image-2: A pair of hands wrapping a book in brown paper, folding the corners crisp and tight.]
The Library Book Hack: If you are wrapping library books, you must be careful. Do not use standard tape on the book jacket.
Use Washi tape instead. It holds the paper firmly but peels off easily without ripping the book covers when you unwrap.
Step 4: Numbering and Labeling
Once your books are wrapped, you need to number them 1 through 24. You can hand-write tags, but that takes a long time.
📸 I use peel-and-stick numbers to make the stack look polished and professional in seconds. [Image-3: A close-up shot of a number sticker being placed centered on the front of a wrapped book.]
Step 5: The Display
Now comes the fun part! You can stack the books on the floor in the shape of a Christmas tree.
📸 Alternatively, place them all in a large wicker laundry basket near the fireplace for easy access. [Image-4: The wrapped books arranged inside a cozy wicker basket next to a fireplace.]
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with library books in an advent calendar?
This is a common worry! Simply check the due dates before you wrap them. I usually renew my books online right before I wrap them to ensure they last through Christmas. Also, use the Washi tape method mentioned above so you don’t damage the covers.
List of best Christmas books for toddlers?
For toddlers, look for sturdy board books with simple rhymes. Classics like Little Blue Truck’s Christmas, Llama Llama Jingle Bells, and Where Is Baby’s Christmas Present? are huge hits in my house. These short stories keep their attention and withstand grabby hands.
How to wrap books without ruining covers?
This is the biggest concern when using borrowed books. The secret is How to wrap books without ruining covers?: wrap the book like a parcel using twine or ribbon to hold the paper shut, rather than tape. If you must use tape, stick it only to the wrapping paper itself, never the book jacket.
Final Thoughts
Creating this tradition doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive. The goal is simply to spend twenty minutes together at the end of the day.
Whether you use library loans or thrifted finds, this 24 days of Christmas books countdown will build memories your children will cherish forever. Snuggle up and happy reading!
