Nothing like sharing this easy DIY Paper Bag Advent Calendar last minute. We did this Calendar last year after becoming inspired from this one by Monica Hibbs. 

It's super easy, cute and fairly inexpensive. We have a chocolate calendar and a fun Playmobil one too that Emery got as gifts, so we are going to have lots of fun this month!

Supplies Needed

-Brown Paper Bags (25)

-Clothes Pins

-Command Strips or something similar

-Black Pen

I drew different wreaths on each envelope. I just looked up different illustrated wreaths on Pinterest for ideas. Instead of filling each bag with a toy or trinket, each envelope has a different Christmas activity in it. Then I put a piece of the command strips on the back of the clothes pins, and hung them up on the wall, spacing them out with the bags. I'm sure you could use a ruler to make sure the bags are even but I just eyeballed it.

Here is a list of some activities I came up with. I got Emery to help brainstorm ideas too. 

Christmas Activities 

-have hot chocolate & marshmallows

-go ice skating

-put up the Christmas tree

-watch a christmas movie with popcorn

-paint our nails Christmas colors

-buy toys for other children

-watch a Christmas movie with popcorn

-make Christmas cookies

-make bird food ornaments

-go look at Christmas lights

-go toboganning

-decorate a gingerbread house

-donate to the food bank

-make Christmas Playdough

-Write a letter to Santa

-Play Christmas music on the piano

-have a bath with a Christmas bath bomb

-Read the Christmas Story

I try to map out the activities on days that make sense. For example decorating the tree would be on a weekend day when my Hubby would be home. Try to plan them out with what fits your schedule. You can also always ad-lib them if your kids are younger & can't read.

Emery can't wait to start this tomorrow! I'm so excited for us to all make some fun Christmas memories together!

<3 Kastles 

This little Wooden Lion Push Along Toy from Petit Collage has always been a go-to for Alder (Emery even likes to play with it too). It's easy to grip, beautifully made and pushes along nicely. The little beads add another element to the toy, and helps them to master more fine motor skills. It also comes in an Elephant and Whale. 

Another favourite from Petit Collage is their Magnetic Sets. This Little Travelers Magnetic Play Set comes in a cute metal carrying case, which makes it perfect for long car rides or to bring to a restaurant. You can create tons of different creations with the pieces it comes with. I love seeing what Emery creates and the stories that go with them. 

*Just a side note here. I am always very careful about when Emery plays with this since magnets can be very dangerous to babies if they swallow them. I always count the number of magnets afterwards to make sure all the pieces are counted for. She also usually plays with it during quiet time when Alder is napping or high up on the kitchen table.*

Petit Collage really knocked it out of the park with this Carnival Play Set Wooden Ferris Wheel. This is one of those toys that you love having out on display and don't need to hide. Whenever I see this it brings such a smile to my face. It's classic, timeless and great for imaginative play. Emery and Alder both play with it. It comes with three wooden animals that fit into each of the carts. The beads on the side are great for counting ferris rides or tickets. It's also printed with non-toxic water based paints. One totally random thing I also really appreciated about this was it came in the cutest recyclable box with the most minimal packaging, I was really impressed haha! 

*If you want to place an order with Petit Collage, use the code : kastles for 15% off.*

BlaBla Dolls have been a long time fan favourite in our household. I absolutely love the company

and everything they do. We also have some of their bedding, and it always brings an extra smile to my face. The quality is amazing, and each doll is hand knit which I love! They have been working with the same artisans for fifteen years which is so cool. 

Machu and Pichu the Alpacas are the two newest members to our BlaBla family. Alder and Emery love them, and they are the perfect duo for my little duo. 

Alder particularly likes to body slam Machu, haha! He's really into wrestling whether it's with me, his Dad or Machu. Thankfully he knows better then to wrestle his big sis 😉.

They also have the most adorable little furniture like this high chair. Which will fit perfectly into the Doll House I'm redoing for Emery's Christmas present. 

Who would have known it could look like Paris in Edmonton? La Boule Bakery off Whyte Ave is filled with delicious treats and the cutest chairs outside. My beret definitely helped with this illusion, haha!

Whenever I wear a beret, I'm never sure if it's on right, haha! Anyone else feel that way? 

<3 Kastles 

Fun fact, we actually took maternity photos here when I was pregnant with Emery. It really is amazing how fast time goes by. 

Both of the kids outfits I thrifted, which I find so satisfying. Speaking of thrifting, go check out my new Instagram account, Kastles. I'm opening a vintage and pre-loved little shop filled with goodies for babies, kids, Mamas and your home.

Alder is so independent now, he has to walk everywhere by himself. He won't let me even hold his hand anymore, haha!