My “Great” Idea: Re-purposing Last Year’s Advent Calendar

I’ve mentioned that I’m not so good at executing daily advent activities. Yet I still like the idea of a Christmas countdown. So this year I decided to go with the no-fail, traditional cardboard calendar–with one little twist. Instead of chocolate, I thought we’d give our toddler coins for her piggy bank. (Less sugar for her. More chocolate for Mom and Dad. What’s not to love?!)

So I took last year’s cardboard calendar…

And taped coins into every slot.

But the coins are heavier than I realized.

And they fall out.

The idea has potential. But the design could use some work. Any suggestions?