The holiday season is just around the corner. And if you’re looking for a fun way to build excitement leading up to Christmas 2024, a book advent calendar is perfect.
Not only does unwrapping a new book each day create anticipation for the big day, but it also helps nurture a love of reading. And brings your family together during the busy holiday season.
Intrigued? Then keep reading.
In this step-by-step guide, as a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I will help you discover everything you need to know about making your own book advent calendar, from sourcing books to setting up the display.
Let’s dive in!
Why Create a Book Advent Calendar?
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, let’s look at why a book advent calendar makes such a great holiday tradition.
Here are my top reasons to give this a try for Christmas 2024:
It Fosters Excitement for the Holiday
Unwrapping a new book daily leading up Christmas Eve helps build the anticipation. And makes the countdown super fun for kids.
Reading Together Strengthens Family Bonds
Curling up with a festive tale brings your family together during the busy holiday hustle. Quality time that’ll nurture lifelong memories.
It Cultivates a Love of Reading
Reading together encourages literacy skills. And helps instill a passion for books. An ideal holiday gift that’ll keep giving all year long!
Of course, those aren’t the only upsides. It also introduces new stories and characters. While giving kids something to look forward to each night.
If you ask me, there’s no downside to trying a book advent calendar this Christmas!
Now that I’ve convinced you, let’s take a look at how to set one up…
How to Make a Book Advent Calendar in 9 Simple Steps
Assembling your own book advent calendar is surprisingly straightforward. Just follow these 9 steps and you’ll have a magical Christmas countdown ready in no time!
Step 1: Choose Your Books
The first step is gathering enough books for each day leading up to the 25th.
You’ll want 24 books in total. A festive selection with Christmas themes and imagery works beautifully. But you can also incorporate winter non-fiction reads. And even some general favorites too.
Aim for a range of reading levels to suit all ages if your calendar is for the whole fam.
Unsure where to source books? Consider:
- Your shelves at home
- Asking to borrow from friends and family
- Library loans
- Secondhand stores
- School book sales
Can’t stretch to 24 books? No worries! Just start your countdown later in December. Or reuse a few of the titles.
Step 2: Wrap Each Book Individually
Once your book collection is prepped, it’s time for the fun part – wrapping!
Choose a gift wrap style that matches your Christmas decor. Wrap each book individually and secure with tape.
For extra magic, tie some curled ribbon around each gift. This beautiful touch adds to the surprise when they’re unwrapped.
Step 3: Label the Books with Numbers
To clearly distinguish which book corresponds to each date, neatly label them 1-24.
Print out numbers onto cardstock. Then punch a hole in the corner and thread coordinating ribbon through to tie onto your wrapped books.
Alternatively, stick numbered gift tags onto each book parcel. Whichever option you choose, make sure the numbers are clearly visible.
Step 4: Arrange Your Display
Now for the exciting part – the big reveal!
Brainstorm the best spot to artfully arrange your wrapped book parcels. Under the Christmas tree always looks magical! But you could also:
- Line them up along the mantelpiece
- Stack in size order beside the fireplace
- Fill baskets or crates
- Place in a bookcase
Get creative with the styling and placement! The goal is to build maximum anticipation for discovering each new book.
Step 5: Create a Book Advent Calendar Diary
To avoid mixing up the order, print out a calendar detailing which book number corresponds to each date. Cross them off as you go to keep organized.
Hang this on the wall nearby so everyone knows the sequence. And remembers which book to open next!
Step 6: Unwrap a New Story Each Night
Here comes the exciting part!
Make unwrapping the book advent calendar gifts an evening family occasion. Sit together and take turns opening that day’s book.
Then end the night by reading a chapter or two together. Choose someone different to read aloud each time. Keep the magic alive right up til Christmas Eve!
Step 7: Incorporate Other Elements for Extra Fun
Want to take the book advent calendar up a notch? Consider working in some other festive touches:
- A matching bookmark for each book
- Christmas story mad libs
- Hot cocoa sachets or candy canes
- Coordinating PJs to snuggle up in
Adding little surprises like these enhances the whole experience. And will be remembered fondly for years to come!
Step 8: Donate or Re-Gift Pre-Loved Books
Once all unwrapped, your book advent calendar collection quickly piles up!
If you sourced secondhand stories or borrowed from friends, consider passing them along so others can enjoy a book advent calendar too.
Local schools, churches, hospitals and charities may appreciate book donations at this time of year. Spread the love through the gift of reading!
Step 9: Pack Away Your Calendar Ready for Next Christmas
Carefully wrap your beautiful book collection back up in their papers ready to store away.
Pop them all in a clearly labelled box or container ready to rediscover next holiday season.
Each year you can refresh the selection by swapping a few favorites out for new stories. But keeping a few the same each Christmas anchors nostalgic memories.
Tips for Creating a Book Advent Calendar on a Budget
Sourcing 24 new books is quite an investment. But there are dozens of ways to pull together a book advent calendar collection while sticking to a budget:
Repurpose books you already own. Raid your kids’ shelves for favorites they’d enjoy revisiting.
Take advantage of pre-Christmas sales. Buy next year’s advent calendar reading pile at knockdown prices even before this holiday season begins!
Seek out thrift stores and secondhand vendors. Charity shops often have fabulous cheap book options.
Organize a book swap. Gather friends with kids to exchange titles. Then wrap and redistribute for the advent calendar surprise!
Use the library. Remember to note due dates if borrowing though.
Make use of free eBook downloads and subscriptions. Read together on a tablet or eReader device if hard copy books don’t fit your budget right now.
See? You don’t need to break the bank to gift your family with this magical reading tradition.
With a little creativity, you can bring the magic of a book advent calendar to your family Christmas on even the tightest budget. It’s all about spending meaningful time together, not extravagant expense.
Final Thoughts
We’ve reached the final page of this festive guide!
I don’t know about you, but I’m super inspired to put together my own book advent calendar this Christmas 2024! It seems like such a meaningful way for families to celebrate the season together.
Gathering stories to unwrap, enjoying themed tales each evening, taking turns to read aloud… What’s not to love?
With the 9 simple steps I’ve outlined today, you have everything you need to source and create a showstopping book advent calendar display this holiday season.
Here’s to making magical memories with the family, and nurturing a lifelong love language of reading!
Any questions at all on how to make book advent calendars? Pop them in the comments below! I may just have an answer or extra tip to share.