kids

2 Free Summer Fun Ideas That You Must Sign Up For Now

May 22, 2018 by Stacy Craft 1 Comment

2 Free Summer Fun Ideas That You Will Want to Sign Your Kids Up For Now!

My 4 year old just learned the word “bored.” She loves her new vocabulary word and shows it off often. Since I don’t want her to be bored all summer, I was thrilled to find 2 free summer fun ideas.

Ok, so in all fairness, I actually do not mind if my daughter is bored. I think it is good for kiddos to be occasionally bored.

It is amazing the creativity that can come out of not having every minute of every day planned by an adult. But, I’m also a realist. I need things to keep her entertained over the summer and it is a bonus if those activities are cheap or free.

Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.

2 Free Summer Fun Ideas to Sign up For Now

When it heats up in those early summer months, I usually let my mind drift to the pool. I blow up our inflatable toddler splash pad and set up our awesome Slip N Slide hack.

Even though water is a great way to cool down, sometimes we need a little change of pace. Here are 2 Free summer fun ideas to sign up for so that you will have built in fun all summer long.

Kids Skate Free

For this freebie, go to the Kids Skate Free site and sign up. You can look by State and city to find the closest location to you. This is all facilitated by each individually owned skating center so I am sure the rules change for each one.

For example, the location that we will go has 2 weekday afternoons (2 until 8 pm) and one weekend afternoon that you can attend for free.

Even my 4 year old loves to “skate” now (holding on to the rail and walking on the rink). While she works on mastering the skill, she is building up her gross motor skills, exercising and most importantly at this point getting her wiggles out!

To use this freebie, you need to go back to the site and print off a weekly pass to take to the facility for use. Not a large price to pay for this awesome freebie.
*Update 2021: they now have an app that makes it super simple to show your passes at the door.

It does cost $4 per child processing when you sign up. I am not sure exactly what this goes for, I am assuming that it may be to maintenance the site.
*Update 2021: this year there was no fee! They didn’t even take a credit card at all. YAY!

There is also a rental fee ($2 at my location) if you need to rent skates for your kids. We got skates for my kids at Christmas this year so we will use those. By the way, if you need skates – these have been so cool for my 3 year old. He is a pro on them. Who knew there was such a thing as “beginner” skates.

If you take one child 5 times over the summer, you would save about $36 once you subtract the $4 processing. If you have 3 kids, that is $108! Wow.

Kids Bowl Free

Sign your kids up for 2 free games of bowling all summer long. Complete the form at the Kids Bowl Free site, where you can sign up all your kids that are 17 or under.

There is no processing fee for this, just simply pick your location, register your kids & print your coupons as needed for their two free games. You can do this all summer long! If it is free and an air conditioned location, I consider that a success.

The Kids bowl free site does give you one paid option when you process the free kid memberships. For less than $30 (this was my location and may change by site), I could sign up 4 adults to play 2 games all summer long as well.
*Update: now it is 2 adults for $30.

I decided to do this because my husband and I will probably at least go together once or twice plus all the times I will take the kids solo just to get out of the house. For this one, I could sign up our two older girls, the 4 year old and both of us.

On a Sunday, the cost of a game is right at $30 so if we play two games on one Sunday we make up the cost.

If we go three Sundays over the course of the summer and play 2 games each time, we save $150! I also signed my mom and sister up two because I could sign up 4 adults for that one time fee of $30.

It is unbelievable! Adults can only bowl during Kid Free times but at my location they have WAY more times available than I will ever actually go so it is not limiting to me.

Bowling shoes are required at most facilities. If you don’t have shoes, the rental fee is usually around $3 a rental.

Summer Savings – How Much will I Save?

It depends on how many times you go to these 2 free summer fun ideas.

If you go just a couple of times to each, you can easily save $50 to $100. If you go a lot or have a bunch of kids, you will save even more!

Since we have a big family when my step daughters are with us, I love frugal ideas where we can go and have fun but not spend an arm and a leg.

More Fun Activities to Do At Home!

Need some more summer fun ideas? Try some of our favorites.

Vegetable Soup Water Table Play

4th of July Graham Cracker Flag

Gardening Sensory Bin

Weekly Summer Schedule for Kids

50 Kids Birthday Party Venues In Memphis, TN

November 11, 2019 by Stacy Craft 2 Comments

A huge list of 50 kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN to help you throw the best party for your child this year.

Recently I was trying to plan my child’s birthday party and the same 2 or 3 places came to mind. I was burned out on some of the usual spots and wanted something a little more unique.

These party ideas really have something for everyone! Cooking parties, painting parties, active parties to get all those little wiggles out and so much more.

Ready for the biggest list of kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN? You are in the right spot. Wow your guests this year with a unique and special party.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

50 Kids Birthday Party Venues In Memphis, TN

Here you will find a ton of different kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN for every budget and interest.

We will start with small businesses or locally owned franchisees that are in the Memphis area and finish with some chains that are always popular with kids.

Cooking/Baking Parties

If your kiddo likes to cook, bake or just likes to eat fun treats, these ideas will make for a great birthday party.

Crave Sweets – You can rent the bake shop out on Sunday’s for a special bakery party. Your kids will get to decorate fancy cookies and learn from a real baker.

Rental fee is $100 and then $15 per child. They will also send their “cookie lady” to your house and you can avoid the $100 fee and do your party on a Saturday instead of just on Sundays.

Donut Hutt – We attended a party here this summer and it was really fun. The kids get to make their own donuts from start to finish. Rolling dough, cutting them out, frying them, adding icing and of course sprinkles!

The minimum age is 4 for this party in order to ensure safety in the commercial kitchen. Parties start at $250 and include pizza, drinks, a donut cake and the kids get to take home the donuts they made.

La Tea Da Tea Party (@ Frost Bake Shop) – You can choose between a Princess Tea Party or a glamour party. The girls will play dress up, do make up and nails and have a fancy tea party complete with Frost treats. The party costs starts at $335 for 8 girls.

Frost Bake Shop – Kids will enjoy decorating mini cupcakes during this sweet party. They will frost, sprinkle and decorate their own mini pull apart cupcake cake. Parties start at $250 for 10 children.

Fino’s – We love Fino’s! And I had no idea that they did kid birthday parties! The kids will make their own pizzas for this fun and hands on party. My kids also love the big chalkboard wall to doodle on while they wait.

Active Sports Parties

When I take my kids to a birthday party, there is one goal. For them to be worn out after the party! I like it when they fall asleep in the car before we even leave the parking lot!

These businesses offer those type of birthday parties! And the party host will do all the work for you. So you can sit back, relax & watch those kids use up all of that extra energy that they always seem to have.

Sega Gymnastics – Enjoy active activities like trampoline, jumping into the foam pit, obstacle course and a huge inflatable. Cost is $130 for the party and $4 per child. I love this one because it is more affordable if you have a lot of people to invite (like a whole kindergarten class!).

We did my child’s birthday party at this location this year and were very impressed. The party is well structured with lots for the kids to do.

The staff at Sega was awesome and the helped with every step of the way (even offering to help carry food and presents to the car)! I would highly recommend a party here.

Believe Gymnastics (Formerly River City) – Jump, balance and climb during this exciting birthday party. Parties start at $250 for 10 kids.

Collierville Arts Academy – They have several different options for active and pretend parties that will please a variety of kids. Options include a tutu cute ballerina party, Disco Dazzle party, Jedi Adventure and a Pirate Party! Prices start at $250 for 16 kids.

Cordova Skating Center – Take it back old school! Skating parties are fun and a great way to wear those elementary school kids out! This is another one that is pretty affordable. Parties start at $129.90 for 10 guests.

The kids will skate and then get time in the birthday room to eat some cake & ice cream and open presents.

Ballet on Wheels – A one hour dance lesson is taught to up to ten kids before enjoying refreshments that you bring. Parties start at $165.

Little Gym – An instructor will lead the kids through a fun party at the Little Gym! Prices start at $260.

YMCA Millington – Choose and indoor or outdoor swim party! We have been to an outdoor party here and they have a pretty cool slide and the party has lifeguards as well which is nice for your piece of mind because birthday parties are always a little hectic. Parties start at $200 for 24 people.

Bartlett Rec Center – Rent the indoor pool for swimming and then get access to the party room for food and cake that you can bring. A fun option for a winter birthday when the kids still want to swim!

Kroc Center Memphis – Enjoy a fun swim party at the Kroc Center.

Germantown Athletic Club – You can choose between the indoor or outdoor pool or a party in the gym on the basketball court. Parties start at $225 for members.

Golf & Games – Putt Putt golf, arcade games, pizza and drinks are included and parties start at $152 for 8 kids.

ATA Karate Memphis – Enjoy a lesson in Martial arts! Parties start at $249 for 40 kids! So if you have a big party, this might be the way to go!

Creation Station – (Temporarily Closed due to COVID) The ultimate indoor play place! This party is only available to Bellevue Baptist members and the rental fee is $100.

But if you are not a member, don’t forget that you can just go and use this indoor play area for free anytime. Check out everything you need to know about this free play space here.

Atoka Railroad Station – So this is right outside of Memphis but still close enough and super cool so it had to be included. I just love it! A great small town feel.

Mini golf, train, ferris wheel, rock wall, bumper cars and bounce houses! Parties start at $209.

The Yard – The yard is located in Arlington and a party consists of 60 minutes of turf play where you can choose up to two sports (football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, whiffle ball, kickball, dodgeball). At $289 for up to 20 kids, it is a good deal!

Creative Parties

If your birthday kid loves painting, building and imaginative play, you are going to want to pick one of these places for your next party.

Bricks and Minifigs – This lego themed party is a lego lovers dream. The kids will build their own cities with the Legos and race cars on the special track. Weekend parties start at $160.

The Art Project – A unique and fun art free play experience. Kids create and have fun with glitter, paint, play dough and more. You can say yes because you leave the mess! Check out our fun day at the Art Project here to see what it is all about! Parties start at $265 for 12 kids.

And bonus – they have alcoholic beverages available for purchase for your adult guests (beer).

Little Studio on the Square – Kids will create their own 11×14 painting during this guided instruction class. You can choose the painting theme that best fits your child’s personal interests. The party also includes professional photography and a digital library. Pricing starts at $300 for 12 kids.

Seize the Clay – Choose a pottery piece, paint and party. Parties start at $200 for 8 kids.

Pinot’s Palette – Choose your favorite painting and the instructor will teach the kids how to paint it, step by step.

Pigtails and Crewcuts – Choose between girly spa and princess parties or pirate and superhero parties! Parties start at $299.

Jumpin’ Jellybeans – My kids love this place. The biggest ball pit you have probably ever seen and tons of spots for creative and pretend play. And mama loves how clean it is! Parties start at$600 on Saturdays.

Rec Room – A great option for older kids. A space full of arcade games and video games.

Unique Memphis Locations

There are birthday party venues in Memphis, TN and then there are parties that you literally could only have in Memphis! These are unique and special venues specific to the Bluff City for a one of a kind celebration.

The Memphis Zoo – Enjoy seeing all of your favorite animals with your friends and then use the party room to have snacks/cake and open gifts. Prices start at $375 for Zoo members.

The Children’s Museum of Memphis – CMOM is such a fun spot for kids to not only play but also to learn. Parties start at $300 for members and can vary depending on if you would like to include a ride on the grand carousel or the splash pad in your party. Be sure to check out the 7 insider CMOM tips before you go.

Shelby Farms – You can rent a party room to use to celebrate at Shelby Farms. You can purchase a party room and splash pad party package. And since it is a public park, you could also just play at the amazing playground and have a fun picnic party! Prices for the private room start at $180.

Memphis Botanical Gardens – Play at My Big Backyard for a one of a kind birthday experience. This is one of our favorite play spots in the Memphis area. Parties under a Canopy rental start at $275.

Memphis Fire Museum – The Memphis Fire Department holds a special spot in the heart of our family! My Dad, Grandfather and uncles were all MFD. And my little boy loves to dress up like a firefighter so we might have to try this out for his 3rd birthday.

The museum is located in downtown memphis and has more fire trucks than the birthday boy could ever dream of!

The children’s area of the museum has a spot where the kids can pretend to drive a fire truck, slide the fire pole and play simulations in the arcade. Parties start at $225.

Lichterman Nature Center – Choose 2 live animals to see during your instructor led guided activities. After the party, you and your guests are welcome to stay and explore even more. Prices start at $220.

Memphis Redbirds – If you have a birthday during baseball season, you can spend your birthday at the field! The party includes hot dogs and drinks and of course the baseball game. They will even announce your child’s birthday during the game! How cool. Prices start at $225 for ten people.

Memphis Grizzlies – Want to enjoy your favorite NBA team for your birthday? I thought this was a different idea for a party! Prices are per person and start at $17 and vary by game.

Farm Animal Parties

If your birthday boy or girl loves animals, you will want to check out these party places!

Priddy Farms – Only available during the month of October. Enjoy the pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, bounce houses, haunted woods (young kid friendly), and train rides. Pricing is $10 per kid and $2 per adults plus a $50 flat fee. You can bring in whatever food you would like making this an affordable option if you have an October kiddo.

Maple Grove Farm – Petting farm, moon bounce, climbing wall, hay rides and horse back rides will entertain the kids at this party. Packages start at $325.

Menagerie Farms – All the regular farm activities plus fun additional activities like milking a goat, gem mining and special characters.

Happy Times Farms – Travelling petting zoo, rides and games.

Bridge at ChrisLeigh Farm – Offers Amazing Race parties for all ages. Contestants search for clues on 15 acres of our farm and sometimes must complete a challenge in order to receive the next clue. The farm is located in Lakeland, just off I-40, exit 20.

Travelling Parties

These companies will travel to your location for private parties.

Game Truck Memphis – They bring the TV’s, Xbox, PlayStation and Ninetendo Switch consoles to your home for this travelling video game party.

Magic Mr. Nick – A magician that will come to you and perform magic tricks for your party! What a fun and unique birthday experience.

Fairys and Frogs – For $115 they will send a face painter to the location of your choice to paint 19 faces. They have all kinds of cute designs like animals, flowers, unicorns and superheros. I don’t know about you but my kids absolutely love when they can get their face painted.

Popular Chain Party Locations

These businesses are located in the Memphis/Shelby County area and are good options to consider for a kids birthday party venue.

Chuck E. Cheese – Chuck E. Cheese can be a fairly affordable option for a child’s birthday party. Check out these 4 ways to save on a party here.

Pump It Up – A night full of jumping and climbing in these big inflatables. Prices start at $279.

Main Event – Games, bowling and pizza make this a party that is great for kids of all ages.

Urban Air – I like this spot because they have a good mix of things for older kids to do but also have a nice sized area that works well for toddlers. Prices start at $225 for 10 children.

Incredible Pizza – Packages starting at 14.99 per person.

Dave & Busters – Food, games and fun make this a great spot for a birthday party.

Jumping World – A trampoline party is always a great option to wear the kiddos out! The weekend party packages start at $250 and include drinks and pizza for the party.

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park – Another popular trampoline party location.

Get Air Memphis – Yet another trampoline birthday party destination.

Malco Theatres – Enjoy a movie with your friends and then time in the party room for treats and gifts. Room rental is $50 and then $12 per person which includes a drink and popcorn if you have the party before 3 pm. 10 guest minimum.

Autobahn Speedway – Race on the indoor speedway for a fast paced birthday celebration. Packages start at $495 for 10 racers.

Hopefully these kids birthday party venues in Memphis, TN and surrounding areas help you to plan the perfect party this year for your child!

Now that you have the party location picked, don’t forget the party favors! Here is a cool and personalized idea to avoid the junk in those treat bags!

Have you had an awesome kids party in Memphis? Do you own a small business that offers parties for children? Let me know in the comments so I can add you to the list!

DIY Snow Pants for Kids

February 14, 2021 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Make these easy DIY snow pants for kids before the snow hits! You will only need a few common household items and about 15 minutes of time!

It is snowing as I write this and I’m thrilled! We live right outside of Memphis, TN and snow isn’t exactly the norm. We usually get some kind of winter weather once or twice a year but it is rarely significant snow fall.

However, that is about to change! Later today and into tomorrow we are expecting up to 8 inches of snow! Ahh! I love it.

But when you live in the South and don’t get frequent snow, many people are not prepared with the proper clothing. All day yesterday, I watched the neighborhood Facebook pages flood with parents in search of snow bibs, snow pants, boots and sleds!

Some people got lucky and found a used option but many weren’t able to find the gear. Most retail stores around here don’t carry a large inventory (if any) of that type of winter clothing.

And since I have two kiddos that I know are going to spend days in the winter wonderland coming our way, I set out to find something.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

DIY Snow Pants for Kids

If I am being honest, I searched Amazon and every retail store around first and had no luck finding snow pants for my kids.

So this morning as it started snowing, I figured I needed to get serious about coming up with something. I saw a few people saying they were going to layer their kids up like our moms did to us in the 80’s and send them out.

I’m ok with that but then I started remembering how I would come in from the snow soaking wet as a kid. And since the Weather Channel says it currently feels like 1 Degree (yes one) outside, I wanted to at least attempt to keep my kids as dry as possible.

That is where the DIY Snow pants for kids come in and save the day! You can make these with common household supplies and just a few minutes.

They may not keep the kiddos bone dry but it will be much better than just cotton or fleece layers! And while they won’t win a fashion contest, your kids will be more comfortable with these pants on!

What You Need For DIY Snow Pants for Kids

Here are the supplies that you need to make water resistant snow pants:

Bags – You can use ClickList Bags from Kroger, Target Pick Up bags or a Garbage bag (outdoor bags would work best)
Scissors
Duct Tape
Sharpie
A Pair of Your Child’s Pants (I used Jeans)

How To Make Homemade Water Resistant Snow Pants for Children

Making the DIY snow pants for kids is quick, easy & cheap.

To make the pants, start by cutting your bag along the seams. You want the bag to lay flat. Do this for a total of 2 bags.

Best Bags by Size

Kroger ClickList Bags – Toddler Sizes (Probably up to size 4T)
Target Drive Up Bags – Child Size (Probably up to size 7 or 8)
Black Garbage Bags – Youth – Adult

A few more notes on bags. Don’t use regular grocery bags. They will be too thin. They ClickList or Target Driveup bags are thicker and will be more durable.

If you don’t have these or a black outdoor garbage bag, a kitchen garbage bag is probably your next best choice. A cheap disposable tablecloth could work as well.

Creating a Template

Place the two flat bags on top of each other. Next, place the child’s pants on top of one of the bags.

Using the Sharpie, trace around the pants leaving about 1 inch extra space between the pants and the line that you are drawing. This extra space is important to ensure the pants fit over the layers. They will also shrink up a bit when you perform the next step.

I didn’t add enough at the waist on the example below and had to redo them because they were too tight. Don’t make that mistake and give yourself some wiggle room. You can always make it more snug if you need to with tape.

*If you are using the black trash bags, you may need have someone hold the pants while you cut (skipping the Sharpie step). Otherwise, a white chalk marker would work if you want to trace the pant outline if you have one on hand.

Cutting the Disposable Snow Pants Out

Remove the child’s actual pair of pants that you traced, leaving just your bag with the drawn on template and the 2nd bag directly underneath.

Take care to ensure that your bags stay lined up and cut through both bags following along the lines of your template. These DIY snow pants for kids are pretty forgiving so if you don’t get it perfect, don’t worry.

No Sew Snow Pants for Kids

Now it is time to “sew” those pants up. Bring in the duct tape!

Start on one side and apply pieces of duct tape along the side. Place the tape about 1/2 inch from the edge and then wrap it around the other side.

As you make your way down, overlap each segment slightly to ensure a good seal.

In the crotch area, you may have to cut a few small pieces to make it work. I also added an extra piece of tape there to reinforce.

Leave Openings

Remember to leave the bottom open for the feet to go through. Around the waist, I put a piece of tape on each side to create a hem of sorts just to create a little extra durability but don’t seal it shut.

How Much Do Homemade Snow Pants Cost

Making them with the Kroger or Target bags costs virtually nothing. I had all of these items on hand at home. Since I was reusing the store bags, my only real cost was the few pieces of duct taper that I used.

When you compare that to the snow pants that I was looking at online, I easily saved $30-$100 per child!

How to Wear the Snow Pants

Here is how I’m planning to use these DIY Snow Pants for kids.

We will put on a base layer of leggings or long underwear. Next, the homemade water resistant snow pants. After that, we will layer on a big pair of sweatpants.

Putting the 2nd pair of pants over the homemade snow pants should hold them up. But if you are having trouble keeping them up, you could always add a couple of loosely placed duct tape pieces to create a more snug fit.

Just make sure you layer up! These homemade pants will help to keep you dry, not warm.

Want More DIY for Kids? Check out this DIY Slip N Slide for Preschoolers.

60 Free Books For Kids By Mail

January 27, 2021 by Stacy Craft 4 Comments

You can sign up for a program that will send 60 free books for kids by mail from the time of your child’s birth until their 5th birthday!

Getting 60 free books for kids by mail is made possible by Ms. Dolly Parton herself! As a fellow TN gal myself, I just love me some Dolly.

Her love for reading and children was the inspiration for her Imagination Library. She started the library in 1995 & by 2016 she celebrated sending out 1 million free books out to children per month. Per month!

This program is such a great outreach and it is free to any child regardless of income through the age of 5!

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

60 Free Books For Kids By Mail

So how does this program work to get 60 free books for kids by mail? Keep reading for all the details on how to grab these free books and my experience with the program.

Let’s start with my experience. I learned of this program when my daughter was 2 and signed her up immediately. We enjoyed the books until she aged out of the program.

My second child is now on his 3rd year with the Imagination Library. It is also interesting to note that I don’t think we have ever gotten a duplicate book, even with having had two kids in the program over the last few years.

It is such a fun treat to go out to the mailbox and have the kids find something new to read waiting on them. And honestly in a world of bills & junk mail, I don’t mind seeing a new book in our mailbox either!

Who Can Sign Up?

Residents of the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland can sign their child up to receive free books! There is a link on the website to make sure that the program is in your area.

What Age Should My Child Be To Receive Imagination Library Books?

The ideal age would be as soon as the child is born. Dolly’s program starts at birth and continues until your child’s fifth birthday.

If you are just learning of this program, you can still sign up any child that is under the age of 5.

How Many & What Kind of Books Will My Child Receive?

The number of books that your child receives in the mail will depend upon when you sign up for the Imagination Library program. If you sign up at the time of your child’s birth, your child would receive 60 free books by mail by the time they are 5.

If you sign up later, your child will receive one book per month until they turn 5.

We have received all types of books since signing up for the Imagination Library program. Some of the books are very well known and popular classics. And other times we have received books that I was not familiar with but that we have enjoyed as much or more than the more well known authors.

Age Appropriate Content

The monthly book is tailored to your child’s age which provides them with engaging content to listen to as you read.

How Do the Free Books Arrive?

Each month you will receive one book per child wherever you receive mail. We are in the United States so our books are delivered by the United States Postal Service.

Each book is wrapped in a plastic covering to keep it protected from weather elements and other damage during the shipping process.

Most of the books that we have received have been paperback books filled with plenty of colorful pictures.

Where Do I Sign up For 60 Free Kids Books by Mail?

You can check to make sure that Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available where you live here.

Assuming that the program is available in your area, you will fill out a short form and then should receive your child’s first book within 30 days.

Value of the Imagination Library Books Sent to You for Free

I pulled a few of our books off the shelf that we got from Imagination Library and checked them on Amazon to see what their value is if you bought them.

Here are the books I checked:

The books ranged in price but were generally anywhere from $8.99-14.99. That means that even if every book that you got retails at $8.99, you would get a value of $540 in books if you signed your child up at birth.

Wow! Such an awesome service to encourage literacy in our kids.

Donating the Books When Done

This is not necessary as the books are yours to keep. However, whenever my children have outgrown the books that we have received, I love to donate them to schools, churches or other preschool programs.

Donate to the Imagination Library

Speaking of donations, if you are looking to make a charitable donation this year the Imagination Library accepts monetary donations.

The Dollywood Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Do you plan to sign up for 60 free books for kids by mail through the Imagination Library?

Check Out these Educational Kid Sensory Bins you can do at Home!

24 Days of Christmas Books Tradition – A Unique Advent Calendar Countdown

October 23, 2018 by Stacy Craft 6 Comments

Traditions have come to be one of my favorite aspects of a holiday. The familiarity and anticipation of making a special dish or doing a family activity year after year is so special.

Our newest holiday activity is our 24 days of Christmas books tradition – a simple and educational twist on an advent calendar.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Last year I started this new countdown to Christmas for our family. I wrapped 24 Christmas books and put them under the tree. Every night before bed, the kids got to choose a package to unwrap and we read it together.

Sometimes a cup of hot cocoa or a warm chocolate chip cookie was included as a treat to go along with our book. It’s so fun!

I have tried other advent calendars in the past but it seemed like I was just spending $20 on junk that was not getting played with or used. With the books, I felt good about buying something that we would definitely use and is educational for the kids.

24 Days of Christmas Books Tradition

The best thing about this tradition is that it doesn’t have to cost a lot. My plan to obtain the books for this DIY Advent Calendar is simple and easy.

1. Use What You Have. Find Christmas books that you already have at your home. I was shocked to find we already had 19! We love books, what can I say?

2. Shop for Cheap Books. Go to Thrift stores or use Facebook/Online Garage sales to find seasonal books. I can often find these for just a dollar or two which makes it an inexpensive option.

3. Buy a Few New. I am using Amazon for this because I find their prices on books to be pretty good and they are delivered right to my door. If I am going to buy something new for my kiddos, books are always something that I don’t feel too guilty about and there are many on Amazon for $3-4 dollars.

4. Library You could even use the library to expand your Christmas book selection for free! Just make sure you use care not to get tape on the books (so that you don’t damage the cover). And be sure to keep up with the return due date so that you don’t get charged any late fees.

Creating the Christmas Advent Book Calendar

My daughter absolutely loved this activity last year. She spent tons of time picking out the package that she wanted to open.

It is like 24 days of Christmas blind bags (are your kids obsessed like mine?) with an educational twist. And instead of some dinky toy, we get to read a book together as a family.

First, find 24 Christmas books.

Next, wrap each book individually.

Each night leading up to Christmas, your child selects one book to unwrap and then you read it together.

It is so much fun! And while it may seem like a lot of work to wrap 24 books, it goes really quick and adds so much excitement to the evenings leading up to Christmas.

New Books for Christmas 2019 (2020 Update Below)

Since my oldest will be 6 this year, I am updating and adding a few new books this year. We will still reuse quite a few of the books listed below but will add a couple of new ones to keep things fresh and age appropriate.

Here are the books on my list:

Katie the Candy Cane Fairy

The Mouse in the Hammock, a Christmas Tale

Bear Stays Up for Christmas

Poke A Dot – The Night Before Christmas – This one looks like something my 2 year old will adore.

2020 Update

Here are the updates that I made this year to our library.

Splat the Cat Christmas Countdown

Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas

A Very Fiona Christmas

One Baby Jesus

What If I Don’t Want to Do 24 Days of Books?

Don’t! You can totally customize this to whatever time period that seems reasonable for you. I think 12 days would be a nice intro into this DIY Christmas Advent Calendar.

Original Books for Christmas Advent Calendar

Here are ideas for books that we are reading this holiday season or that we may purchase. After shopping our house for Christmas books, I will search some thrift stores and Amazon for a few fresh books to put into the mix. I hope you try this 24 days of Christmas books tradition!

Look & Find Christmas Bible Stories – We have the Rudolph version but I love this biblical version to remind us of the reason for the season.

Touch & Feel Christmas – I got this for my daughter a few years ago and now it is perfect for our newest little one. And my older one still loves to touch and feel the book! So it entertains us all.

Frosty The Snowman Board Book – No list is complete without the classic Frosty the Snowman. I like this one because it plays music and my kids just love to push a button!

Frozen Olaf’s Night Before Christmas – A friend gave us this book last year and it is a favorite. If you have a Frozen obsessed little one, I think they will love this book/cd combo.

My Snowman Book – Not really Christmas but I usually include it since it goes with the winter theme. It is a cute little book with vibrant pictures. I bought this a few years ago for my oldest that will now be passed down to the baby.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas – A couple of years ago, my daughter discovered the Grinch movie at Christmas time. In June, we were still watching Grinch at least a couple of times a week. Despite that extreme we didn’t ruin a good thing. We still love this book!

Llama Llama Jingle Bells – The entire Llama Llama series is so good. Those silly llamas always have us giggling.

The Berenstain Bears & the Joy of Giving – The message in the Berenstain series is a good one that I like sharing with my kids.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – You will be reminded of your childhood while reading to your kids with this book. It is a great price too!

Elmo’s Countdown to Christmas – Lift the flap books are great to keep the attention of younger kids. This will be a new one for us but it gets great reviews.

The Sweet Smell of Chrismas – Eeek! It is a scratch and sniff Christmas book! Did you have this as a kid? Scents of hot chocolate, Christmas trees, apple pie & more.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas – Since the Fancy Nancy show debuted on Disney Jr. my daughter has been obsessed. The Halloween book was a winner, so this one is going on my list. There is also a Disney Jr. Fancy Nancy Ice Skating book if you don’t mind a winter theme.

Happy Holidays, Bubble Guppies – A lift flap book! We have a non-holiday Bubble Guppies lift flap book and it is always fun to read.

Weird but True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts – This National Geographic kids book would be fun for the Elementary school child. I may add this to our list in the next year or two.

The Begginer’s Bible, The Very First Christmas – A great way to teach younger kids why we celebrate Christmas. This book is such a great price!

A Charlie Brown Christmas – I love bringing some of my childhood memories into my kid’s childhood.

Pete the Cat’s 12 Days of Groovy Christmas – We have other Pete books and they are so funny. We may try this one for our preschooler this year.

Merry Christmas, Mouse – The mouse series is so much fun. I love how they do one for most holidays.

Paw Patrol Holiday Helpers – Paw Patrol is one of those cartoons that actually doesn’t get on my nerves! Here is a cute little holiday book with your kid’s favorite pups.

Just A Snowman – The Little Critter books are a cute series and always so affordable.

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas – The story of one family that is having trouble getting their act together. The author possibly modeled this after my family?! It feels like that sometime. We enjoy this funny take on a classic.

River Rose and the Magical Christmas – The Today show featured this book written by Kelly Clarkson. It also comes with a link to listen to a song recorded by Kelly.

The 12 Engines of Christmas – This Thomas the Train book will entertain both my kids which is always a win.

Christmas Cookie Day – Like many, making Christmas cookies is one of our most anticipated traditions.

This twist on a traditional advent calendar was a complete success at my house last year. Will you try this 24 days of Christmas books tradition this year? Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

If you love to give books as gifts, check out this unique baby shower gift idea.