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advent calendars

Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2012
Holiday

iWant: The 2012 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar

December can't come soon enough, because we're going to kick off our Christmas countdown with a 2012 Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar ($25).
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December can't come soon enough, because we're going to kick off our Christmas countdown with a 2012 Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar ($25). A new minifigure from our favorite space opera every day for 24 days? Uh, yes, please.

The set includes Darth Maul with a Santa-inspired hooded cape, fully equipped with a snow shovel to clear out the driveway for his Bloodfin speeder. There's also what seems to be R2D2 posing as a snowman (or the other way around . . . we're not exactly sure).

In any case, it looks like other Star Wars wonks have their eye on this LEGO calendar too, because it's already out of stock. But don't worry, Wookiees — more units are expected to ship on Dec. 18. If you just can't wait, you can pay a little more to order the set online from Toys R Us ($60) or Amazon ($51).

Handmade Advent Calendars
holidays

It's Go Time: 9 Beautiful Advent Calendars From Etsy

Let the countdown begin!
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Let the countdown begin! Part of the fun of the holiday season is the preparation and excitement leading up to the big day. Advent calendars have a long, storied tradition as a classic and fun way to spend the days leading up until Christmas, and tots love checking off one day at a time, eagerly anticipating that early morning celebration on December 25.

Keep reading for a selection of stunning handmade advent calendars from Etsy that will make the waiting a little more bearable for eager lil ones.

12 Day Christmas Advent Countdown Garland ($25) Amsterdam Advent Calendar ($20) Magnetic Tin Advent Calendar ($42) Christmas Countdown Advent Blocks ($16) Advent Calendar With Drawers ($65) Bottle Cap Advent Calendar ($50) Penny Rug Style Advent Calendar ($190)
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DIY: Advent Calendars
Holiday

DIY: Advent Calendars

The anticipation of Christmas facilitated by my mother's advent calendar was always my favorite part of the holiday season growing up.
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DIY: Advent Calendars

The anticipation of Christmas facilitated by my mother's advent calendar was always my favorite part of the holiday season growing up. (These days, it's mulled wine.) But I've never been a fan of those store-bought advent calendars where you opened a little paper door each day. They're cute, but certainly not as fun as a calendar filled with treats or activities. The possibilities for making your own advent calendar are endless, but I thought I'd round up a few DIY projects to inspire you (and woo you away from the drugstore variety).

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Reinventing the Advent Calendar
christmas

Reinventing the Advent Calendar

The countdown to Christmas has come a long way from the two-for-a-dollar advent calendars I had as a kid.
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The countdown to Christmas has come a long way from the two-for-a-dollar advent calendars I had as a kid.

No more chalky chocolates found behind cardboard doors, now the elaborate calendars can be filled with presents, candies, trinkets, and toys. Several versions are made by toy companies and others are handcrafted keepsakes. And, most of them will set you back a pretty penny.

Whatever you're using to count, when you're a kid 25 days seems to take forever.