An Advent calendar has small pockets or compartments that hide a special gift, and it’s used to count down the days until Christmas. Christian parents often include small gifts or special items for their children to open each day—this gets their little ones excited about the holiday. If you want to create one for your kids, here are a few gifts to put inside.

What Should I Include in My Children’s Advent Calendar?

1. Candy Canes

Candy canes are made to mimic the crooks of shepherds who visited Bethlehem after Jesus’s birth. Giving these treats provides the perfect opportunity to tell the manger story to kids while they enjoy a sweet piece of the narrative.

2. Bells

Bells were used to announce the birth of Jesus, and your family can use them to ring in the Christmas season as well. Get small bells from a local craft store, and put them in an early calendar day so that your children can participate. Give them string, so they can tie the bells to their backpacks or bedroom doorknobs.

3. Ornaments

Before decorating the tree, have your kids open an Advent calendar day with an ornament. Evergreens serve as a symbol of God’s everlasting love since they retain their color year-round. Let your little ones hang their ornaments and finish the tree while you explain the deeper meaning behind this Christian tradition.

4. Jewelry

Offer a bracelet or pendant with an engraved Bible verse or quote that’s relevant to the Christmas season. You can even ask your youngsters for their favorite Bible story and have the jewelry pieces personalized with any relevant passages.

5. Kids’ Bible

Help your little ones learn the story of Christmas and enhance their faith by giving them their first Bible. Kids’ Bibles often include pictures and simplified narratives, so they can enjoy the story and lesson. Include a photo of the book in their calendar, then give it to them when they open the day’s pocket.

If your children are ready to develop their faith, turn to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Honolulu, HI. This Christian community offers Bible study groups for keiki, as well as weekly Sunday worship services. If you have a busy schedule or your youngsters aren’t used to sitting for long periods, tune into their online sermons on Facebook. For more information about their weekly lessons, visit them online or call (808) 922-6011.