*MAKE YOUR OWN* - Swizzels Retro Sweet Advent Calendar

#AD – This post is in collaboration with Swizzels

When I think back to my childhood, back to the joyful days of the 1980’s, there are lots of things that stand out in my memories. From tie-die t-shirts to rollerskates, ultra violet shoe laces and Rainbow Brite – it was a fantastic era to grow up in. I also think of what we now refer to as ‘retro sweets’ – Parma Violets and Drumsticks lollies, Fizzers and the beloved Mr Chew. When I got my pocket money on a Saturday we used to walk to the corner shop and come back with a bag packed absolutely full to the brim. Despite it being over 30 years on, there are some things that never go out of fashion, and Swizzels sweets are most definitely up there with the best of them!

With Christmas fast approaching, there are lots of fun alternative advent calendars on the market, but it can be hard to find one that the whole family can appreciate. The cost of buying something for everyone can soon add up. Well fear not my retro loving friend, I think I have found the perfect solution…

This Christmas, why not embrace your inner 80’s child and make your own Swizzels sweet Advent calendar that the whole family can enjoy?

Table of Contents

How to Make Your Own Swizzels Advent Calendar

What you will need:

- Swizzels sweets – you can buy a huge 3kg Mixed Swizzels Variety bag for £12.99, or enter our giveaway below for a chance to win an amazing Swizzels sweet hamper with all the options you might need!
- Thick paper or cardboard in the colour of your choice
- Festive decorations – we used Wooden Advent Numbers, mini pinecones and festive ribbon from Hobbycraft, but essentially you can decorate however you wish!
- Scizzors
- Glue or sticky tape
- Shredded tissue or tissue paper to stuff.

1) To start, first use our basic box template (Download your box template here) and cut out the basic box shape. You will need to make 24 of these to create your entire advent calendar, so why not get the kids involved to help with the cutting too! Alternatively, make a mini production line in front of a Netflix box set binge, and the foundations of your Advent Calendar will be complete long before you reach the season finale.

2) Once you have cut out the basic box shape, fold along the seams and glue the boxes together so that the contents will be secure but the lid can still open and close.

3) Next number each box from 1 to 24 (we LOVE these tiny log slice numbers) and decorate with festive decorations as you wish.

4) Add a small amount of tissue into each box, and fill each one with a selection of your favourite Swizzels sweets. Each box is quite roomy, so you can also add other treats if you wish, such as small collectible toys, football cards and keyrings.

For extra fun, you can create a hide and seek style exercise where your Elf (if you have one) has hidden with each days box, making finding the Swizzels box become all part of the fun – a great way to burn off some excited energy as the big day gets closer.

So there you have it – a simple but effective Swizzels themed Advent treat. Open a box each day, draw straws to see who’s turn it is to open, or let whoever is the best behaved that day open the box (Daddy included!). Whatever works best for you and your family! 🙂

Want to win a retro sweet hamper so you can create your own Swizzels’ Advent Calendar (or even keep for yourself?)

We have one retro sweet hamper to give away to one lucky reader. To enter use the gleam app below.

Swizzels Retro Sweet Hamper Giveaway

Giveaway opens 05/11/19 and closes at 11.59pm on the 24th November 2019. UK Entries only. Our standard giveaway terms and conditions apply. GOOD LUCK!