Do you love to do Advent calendars for Christmas? I LOVE the variety of calendars you can get these days, tea, chocolates, beer…but my favorite is obviously: BOOKS! What better way to countdown than with 12 Days of Christmas books? (Yes, yes I know a 12 Days countdown isn’t technically an Advent Calendar, but let’s be real about the cost of buying 24 books vs. 12. Let’s just cut the countdown in half, ok? I mean…actually, you should totally buy 24 🤣)
How do you do 12 Days of Christmas Books?
Are you new to the idea using books to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas? The main idea is that you wrap up 12 books individually and it’s a surprise for your reader to open each day as they countdown to Christmas!! You can label them Day 1, Day 2. You can have your Elf bring them (if you’ve made the horrible decision to have an Elf visit your family…) It’s a great opportunity to celebrate with new books from their favorite series (Nibbles, anyone?), activity books, embroidery kits, etc.! Plus, no sugar hangovers!
When should I order by?
Shipping ranges depend on how far away you live from Tulsa, OK (Usborne Books & More headquarters)! I live in Oregon and I typically have my books within 7-8 days of ordering. Factor in the time to wrap up each book individually and you should be ordering Dec 1 at the latest!
What books should I choose for 12 Days of Christmas?
I know many people love these books to be all Christmas themed! You can check out our Christmas themed books here. The website has a mixture of “secular” and religious Christmas books! I think it’s great to incorporate activity books to combat the “I’m boooored” cries while school is out.
I’m also a big fan of books that the entire family can enjoy! Here are my recs if you are going to choose one book to open for multiple age ranges:
My favorite picture books:
Nibbles – a book eating monster wreaks havoc on classic tales (psst, save money by getting the entire collection WITH the Nibbles lovey!)
Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth – A mammoth is on the loose! Join the hunt through the museum before it’s too late! This books incorporates paper flaps and facts as you visit different exhibits.
Santa Post – This book is ADORABLE. Santa gets a letter from a little girl asking for a specific gift but he can’t read what it is!! Join him and other North Pole characters as they try to figure out just exactly what Amy wants for Christmas.
The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears – Do your kids often ask you to make up a story for them? Join Jamie and his dad on an adventure of dad’s invention (with lots of additions (interruptions) by Jamie). This and its sequel are heartwarming and funny!
You Choose – this book was MADE for re-reading and re-reading. Your reader gets to choose on each page what they would do, or wear, or eat.
My favorite activity books:
Our Step by Step Drawing books can be used again and again. I love that they have a space within the book to practice but with multiple kids, it’s really easy to also just prop open and let the instructions work for everybody!
Art Treasury – this book is AMAZING. It’s like art history and art tutorials combined. Each project is inspired by a classic art piece! Wide range of kid ages (and even adults) can enjoy this one!
Puzzles – I’m not tricking you by including puzzles, ALL of our puzzles come with books inside! And what better winter activity than cozying up with a puzzle and some cocoa together??
Paper Airplanes – We have so many options for paper planes to fold and fly! Pterosaurs, bugs, dragons, spaceships, as well as decorated planes. The instructions are clear and concise, and fun for the whole family to do and experiment with whose plane flies the farthest!
Other family favorites:
Graphic Novels!! These are all classic tales told in graphic novel form. These appeal to reluctant readers as well as those who enjoy visual stimulation in their books!! Plus, they’re fun for adults to revisit books they read in high school but might not want to actually read the full text again…
Illustrated Classics – Now, if you WOULD like to read the full text of stories you read in high school, then Illustrated Originals is a perfect option for your 12 Days of Christmas Books!! These are unabridged originals that have beautiful full page illustrations throughout. I’m currently rereading Anne of Green Gables with my daughter.
Do you already do a 12 Days of Christmas Books traditions? I would love to hear about it in the comments!!
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