Adventivity: A Countdown to Christmas with 25 Holiday Activities Paperback – Advent Calendar, November 12, 2013

Appropriate for approximately 8-12 year olds

As the other reviewer said, this advent calender requires A LOT of extra supplies...to the point where almost every activity requires something not included in the book. I understand it's impossible to package some things like chocolate or a candy cane or marshmallows to make coconut covered snow men, but it would be so easy to include the plethora of buttons needed, not to mention all of the blank cards, gold wrapping paper, red origami paper, glitter, and crepe/tissue paper. I don't understand why either A. these supplies were not included or B. it's not stated ANYWHERE (on the actual book or in the amazon description) that these additional supplies are needed! In fact, it even says something like "All paper cut outs and templates needed are included in the book!" on the back, implying that the buyer won't need any additional supplies. I was under the impression I was ordering a book full of paper crafts...folding and gluing and taping. Maybe a couple game ideas. Not something that has instructions for turning an pillow case into a Santa gift bag, an activity which the buyer provides EVERYTHING but the stencil for painting designs on the bag (so that's a pillow case, rope/ribbon, fabric paint, and sewing thread and needle).It is a very cute premise and my daughter has enjoyed the first four activities (even though we had to substitute supplies...using leftover party streamers to make a sun catcher instead of the colored candy wrappers or colored cellophane recommended, for example). She's done the first four activities this evening since we just received the book today, which included pop-up Christmas cards, a mouse with a candy-cane tail, a sun catcher, and an angel, she's enjoyed them all immensely. However, she won't be able to do day five's activity, folding a Santa origami style, because we don't keep red origami paper on hand. Perhaps it is a little my fault for waiting until 12/1 to order my children's advent calendars, but given the late ordering, I would have chosen something more all inclusive so she could enjoy it immediately.

I read most of the reviews about his product and I think most of it not warented. 1. yes you will need additional supplies 2. They are not outrageously expensive, and if you do not have the EXACT thing that is needed, it is certainly ok to improvise with something you DO have on hand or take the inspiration of the day and make something else. Case in point: There is one day where they give you the stencils to make a Santa Sack. Ok.. what if you don't have a 32 Thread pillow case and you do not own a sewing machine and you know NOONE on the planet that owns a sewing machine nor do you have appitude to sew a simple sack! Take the theme.. "Santa flying" and make cookies! or make a stencil on a poster.. Same as the snowman cookies. I am diabetic and I will not be using the days supplies to make marshmellow cookies but I will be using marshmellows in a cup of sugar free cocoa as I enjoy Frosty the snowman on the internet. Do not get caught up in the literal words, DO get caught up in the over all season and what it is trying to convey. I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to it. and IF you are the type that must must must do everything down to the letter, they have a detailed supply list which I will happily share with you. The materials suggested are:1. Blank card2. Candy Cane3. Button hole thread4. candy wrappers5. Candy (I bet you have some left over Halloween candy around the house SOMEWHERE!)6. Pink card7. Doily8. Red Origami paper. (Clearing throat) you can use a piece of 4X4 construction paper too!9. Gift wrap10. Scissors11. Thread12. Buttons15. Thin wire16. Glove (dollar store!)17. Buttons (Dollar store!)18. Different beads you can sew on (Dollar store!)19. Double sided pattern paper (get thee to hobby lobby it is .33 a sheet I just picked some up today.)20. Black bead, needle, thread.21. Ribbon (dollar store)22. Card sheet.23. Blue paper for gift wrapping24. White paper for tag25. Embossing creams. (I think this is optional.. if you must.. go visit a scrapbooking buddy and use one of his or hers)36. Red Glitter37. Gold ribbon38 Card sheet39. Eatable stars (Sorry I am going with cheap Christmas sprinkles from safeway)40. Pillowcase41 Red fabric paint42 Gold fabric paint43. Coconut44. marsh mellows45. Orange frosting46. White frosting. (Save yourself some steps go with the stamped on cookies that look like snowmen!)47. Gingerbread cookies (Dollar store)See most of this you will use again.. over and over and over. some of you will say No way. I work I don't have the time. SIMPLIFY!

The book itself is fine and has lovely photos and illustrations. However, in order to complete each daily “activity” (which are really crafts), one needs to have a long list of supplies handy, many which are not usual or easily found around the house. For example, a doily (just one), metallic paper, origami paper, felt squares, and buttons in Christmas colors are needed to make the projects.If you have a crafting closet of supplies at the ready, you’re golden. If you like crafting, this has some cute ideas. But if you just want simple activities for each day of the season, I don’t recommend purchasing.

Our 4th grade craft and advent calendar lover had a fantastic time with this book. She was able to complete the projects with little to no adult assistance using additional craft scraps we had around the house. In the instances that we didn't have the extra supplies called for on hand, she improvised and had just as much fun with her creations.

Very neat idea for a holiday activity book, but as already mentioned, A LOT of extra materials are needed, and in such small quantities that it's hard to justify going out to get them just for these crafts. The cellophane/stencil light catcher on day 3 was especially appealing to my 5 year old, but who keeps multicolored, clear candy wrappers laying about? We plan to use a bag that grapes came in along with any other bits of colored plastic we can find, but really? Also, just look at how tedious it is to punch out such an intricate perforated piece of paper--there are two of them! Over an hour for each... Simply the projects and/or include materials and it would be much more fulfilling.

We had a great time trying to make all the activities. Some projects took some time, others were fairly simple but engaging. For older children and adults. Highly recommend for creative people.