The run-up to Christmas is exciting, isn't it? So much anticipation in the air and a jolly good advent calendar can add to the atmosphere. Sure, you could pick up the traditional chocolate calendar but why not try something new? Something that gives the brain a little boost in the morning? Something like.... a brain teaser advent calendar!
(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)
The best part about this brain teaser calendar is that it costs nothing and even though it's a DIY advent calendar, it takes no time at all to whip up. No fuss, no muss. A few moments of time now translates into 24 days of fun this December, that's a seriously good return on your investment.
Each brain teaser in this advent calendars is a word puzzle, also known as a rebus. You solve the puzzle by looking for positional, color, size and image clues to determine the common phrase the puzzle represents.
For example, can you guess the following rebus?
That's right! It's "back to back."
Just like our limerick advent calendar, our printable is totally free. It includes 24 brain tickling word puzzles, one for each day of December in the countdown to Christmas.
Instructions
- Print out pdf
Print out our 4 page printable. Fill out the form above with your email and the internet angels will send it straight to your inbox.
Set aside page 4 with the answers just in case you can't solve a puzzle. No peeking!
- Prepare brain teasers
Cut out each individual word puzzle.
- Display
How you display the puzzles is up to you. The easiest way is to fold each puzzle and place them in a bowl, jar or other receptacle.
If you have one of those cute reusable advent calendars with pockets or drawers, slip a brain teaser inside each one. - Enjoy!
Unfold one puzzle each day in December and have a family brain storming session to solve it!
Note: if you want to add more puzzles to the mix, feel free to print out our lunch box word puzzles!
Because this advent calendar cost you nothing and only 5 minutes of your time, you will definitely want to give your kids' brains an additional boost with our poetry advent calendar (with printable!).
Or, improve sibling relationships and foster gratitude with this sibling kindness advent calendar.
Kaye Atwood says
I have loved your website since our only grandson that lives 1 1/2 down the road was 3? 4? years old! His parents are teachers, we are retired teachers and have kept him during the school year since he was a few months old. EVERYTHING you have has applied to his age group all the way until now that he is 10!
LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVEIT!
But, now that he is older (and not to brag), he is in our community (three counties represented) children's chorus, 3 different age group choruses, Grades 1-12, and going to NY in June to sing.
He is in a kid's drama club, guided and sponsored by HART (Haywood Arts Repertory Theatre), that does major musicals and dramas, with guest actors from around eastern US.
Our grandson's kid's group (Grades 3-8) put on Broadway Junior's "Finding Nemo" this past November. He really enjoyed it.
He is taking swimming lessons, coached by a recently retired swim coach from our high school. He loves it and is doing well. She hopes he will join the local swim team when he is ready. "Exercise is fun if you love what you are doing", he says. He's part of his school's STEM team.
My retired husband high school science teacher, has done science experiments with him since he was 2-4 year old. He loved the Elephants Toothpaste! We started him with the monthly subscription science Kiwi boxes since he was little, and is now into the monthly Crunch Labs boxes. I recommend them to anyone!
I started him with phonetic reading and simple math (2-4 years old) when all little children's minds are grasping for things to learn and have questions about everything! I am so proud of how he has progressed. He was tested and is
now scoring perfect state scores in reading, (reading at 12th grade level) and 98th percentile in Math.
He loves reading, and math, BUT, he does love video games that he plays with his dad too. But, there have been limits in time as to how much time he can play. Used to be only on weekends. He enjoys all that he does, is a kind and compassionate kid, with a great attitude, as exemplified by his dad (our son), his mom (our great daughter-in-law), and his awesome grandparents (us!) (HaHa!)
I say all this to say that you and your blog have continued to inspire me daily, even though I have less time with him, to make it quality time and to play some of you great educational games! And to inspire great personal qualities as you teach too.
All said and done, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO FOLLOW YOU.
Erica says
Thank you so much for sharing your story and for the kind words. It sounds like your grandchild is thriving, and yes, you are awesome grandparents. 🙂
Kaye Atwood says
Sorry about the typos! I should have proofread it, as I KNOW TO DO!
Erica says
Ha ha, that's okay. I make lots of typos myself. I think it's harder to catch one's own typos than those made by others. 🙂