My kids love advent calendars. Every year they each get their own, and opening the little windows as a Christmas countdown is always fun for them.   This year the girls both wanted these TsumTsum calendars. (I don’t understand the TsumTsum addiction.. so I must be getting old.) 

Available HERE

Available HERE

 These sets, while adorable, were a tad out of my budget especially since I needed two of them (Let’s be honest here, we are talking about little plastic dolls..I didn’t want to spend nearly $100!

 I knew I could come up with an alternative version, and this is it:

These little paper trees are filled with Tsum Tsums, but because they weren’t specifically packaged for Christmas, they were about 1/2 the price!   
Of course, you don’t have to use TsumTsums.. you could fill them with Shopkins, LEGOs, candy, stickers or any little toys that your kids love.  Because you choose the size of the trees, you can accommodate almost anything.  I may make another (slightly larger set) and fill them with matchbox cards for my 4 year old. 
So how did they come together?

Folded Paper Tree Advent Calendar

Supplies:

• Scrapbook Paper or Cardstock  (I used greens and holiday prints)
• SVG pyramid cut file  (Like this one from the Silhouette Store)
• Glue Stick (I like the color change ones so I know if I have glue in the right place)
• Gold vinyl (or any contrasting color)
• Electronic Cutting (Cricut or Silhouette) Machine
• Candy or small toys to fill the trees. I used a gift set of TsumTsums (Gold and Silver) that I found at Costco for around $20.

Steps:

1.  Cut out 24 of the pyramid SVG in various sizes and in various colors.  Since my small Tsum Tsums were only about 1/2 inch wide, I was able to make my smallest trees only about 3 inches tall. My largest trees were about 6 inches tall.



2. Pop out the cutouts, careful not to tear the dotted lines.  Fold along the scored lines and glue the seams shut. 
3. Cut out the numbers 1-24 out of vinyl (permanent or semi-permanent will both work.) Make sure you numbers are small enough to fit on your smallest trees! 
4. You can transfer the numbers with transfer tape, but I just peeled them off one by one and applied them.

5. Fill each of the trees with a toy (I used the Tsum Tsums). If your kids are nosy, you may want to glue them shut.  If you don’t glue them, they can be reused.

6. Prop up your little forest and you are ready to go!  Every day in advent they can open a new tree!

I can't wait until my kids get a chance to open their little gifts one by one.. Although I'm not sure if I'm excited about finding 50 new little TsumTums all over my house.