Did you know that advent calendars can be educational? They can be great ways for homeschooling families to bring some holiday fun into their learning routine.

There are all kinds of advent calendars for all kinds of ages and interests: reading calendars for younger kids, STEM builds for middle and high schoolers, or group puzzles for the whole family.

You could pick one calendar per child, or even one calendar for the whole family, and turn it into a daily routine as a part of your homeschool: open the day’s door, discuss what’s inside, and then journal about it or pair it with a quick activity.

Advent calendars are not just treats — they’re opportunities for daily learning, curiosity, and connection during the holiday season. Below are some Advent calendars that we recommend. 

1. National Geographic Amazing Science Advent Calendar

This calendar, great for ages 8-12, contains a mixture of gemstone specimens and simple science experiments (everything from growing a crystal tree to making your own snow!). Perfect for curious kids who love hands-on science exploration.

2. National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar

This calendar contains 24 real gemstones your child can collect, identify, and learn about. It’s a great option for elementary-aged geologists and perfect homeschool families trying to take a fun spin on earth science.

3. Thames & Kosmos Science Advent Calendar

The Thames & Kosmos Science Advent Calendar includes 24 unique science experiments covering chemistry, physics, and biology. Each day reveals a new science tool or activity, which is ideal for older elementary and middle schoolers who love structured experiments.

4. Japace Kids Science Experiment Advent Calendar

This calendar includes a plethora of hands-on STEM activities like slime-making, crystal-growing, volcanic eruptions, and more. It’s a great option for older elementary and middle schoolers who enjoy fast, exciting science they can do mostly on their own.

5. 24-in-1 STEM Building Projects Advent Calendar

With this calendar, your child can open a new engineering challenge every day: build small mechanical projects such as a glider, catapult, traffic light, and windmill. This calendar is great for hands-on, project-based homeschooling, and is especially appropriate for ages 7-13.

6. STEM Wooden Engineering Advent Calendar

This engineering-based advent calendar contains daily wooden STEM builds including a hand-cranked generator, mechanical vehicles, a fiber optic light, and more. In a homeschool setting, it can be used to encourage creativity, ingenuitive thinking, and fine motor skills. It’s great for curious students ages 8 and older.

7. STEM Microscope Discovery Advent Calendar

This calendar reveals daily prepared slides and tools. It’s ideal for pre-teen students who enjoy biology, observation, and lab-style science work.

8. STEM Electronics Advent Calendar

This electronics-focused advent calendar includes lessons in electronics, circuits, and introductory engineering. Teens build a different small electronic project each day. Excellent for homeschoolers interested in robotics or engineering careers.

9. Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendar

This calendar contains 24 mini storybooks featuring favorite Disney characters. It’s perfect for young readers because it can help families to build and maintain daily reading habits throughout the holiday season.

10. Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection

The Usborne Advent Calendar Book Collection holds 24 small books full of bright illustrations and engaging stories. It’s great for younger kids who are just learning to read.

11. National Park Puzzle Advent Calendar

This calendar includes 24 mini jigsaw puzzles that all fit together to make one large puzzle. It’s great for teaching logic, patience, spatial reasoning, and can also be used as a fun study-break. This is a good option for a family calendar, because siblings can take turns building each section of the puzzle.

12. The Purple Cow Shocking Science Advent Calendar

This advent calendar features 24 surprising science “tricks” and experiments — fun for kids who love wow-factor science like static electricity, color reactions, and illusions. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up.

13. Hidden Games – Professor Charlie’s World Tour

This advent calendar is an escape room and a board game and a murder mystery all rolled into one. Each day reveals a puzzle to help you get closer to catching the culprit. The answer to each day’s puzzle will tell you which clue to open on the following day. This advent calendar is great for teens, and can build reasoning and critical thinking skills.

14. EXIT: The Game – Advent Calendar: The Intergalactic Race

The premise of The Intergalactic Race advent calendar is to race across the cosmos in order to hold the best Christmas party! Each day reveals a riddle to be solved in order to move forward. This advent calendar is recommended for ages ten and up, and is an excellent way to incorporate creative problem-solving into your homeschool throughout the month of December.

15. Brain Teaser Advent Calendar

This brain teaser advent calendar contains one metal or wooden puzzle (and answer key) for each day leading up to Christmas. This is a great family-friendly option, where family members can take turns solving puzzles, or all can compete to solve the day’s puzzle in the least amount of time. This advent calendar is most engaging for tweens and teens, although younger children can enjoy it as well. It’s beneficial for homeschooling, building critical thinking skills and spatial reasoning, as well as patience and determination.

BONUS: LEGO Advent Calendars

While not strictly educational, LEGO advent calendars that contain Lego mini figs, are a great option for homeschoolers because Lego bricks in general encourage engineering, logic, fine motor skills, and creativity. Plus there are lots of options, from themes like LEGO City and LEGO Friends, to LEGO Harry Potter and LEGO Star Wars. Click here to view a whole bunch of different LEGO advent calendars, appropriate for all LEGO-loving ages.

We hope that you found this guide helpful and educational, and that you and your family enjoy incorporating advent calendars into your homeschool this holiday season!

The post Educational Advent Calendars for Homeschoolers appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

1. Creating Digital Gifts Unit Study

Dive into a world of creativity with this online unit study on creating digital gifts. Teens can complete it at their own pace, and by the end of the course, they will know how to make a wide variety of gifts, all online. From virtual Christmas cards to online jigsaw puzzles, many teens will enjoy working on these projects and sharing them with friends and family.

2. 3D Pen or Printer

What if teens could imagine an object, and then make it in real life? Well, with a 3D Pen or a 3D printer, they can do just that! Although these things may seem complicated, they are fairly straightforward to use and there are numerous online tutorials to get your teen started!

3. Fiber Arts Kit

Crocheting, knitting, macrame, all of these are fun ways to keep teens creative and crafty. While there is definitely a learning curve, online tutorials can be a huge help. Kits like this one, this one, or this one are great ways to get started!

4. Interactive Science Kits

Combine learning and creativity with hands-on science kits. Whether it’s building a robot or conducting chemistry experiments, these kits turn education into an exciting, creative endeavor.

5. Programming Classes

Unleash their coding talents by gifting a course in programming. Whether it’s Scratch for beginners, or Python for the more advanced, learning to code is a journey in logic and creativity.

6. Outdoor Gear

Outdoor gear can be an excellent gift for creative teens as it encourages them to explore and draw inspiration from the world around them. Items like a durable backpack, compact sketching or painting supplies, or even a portable hammock provide tools for creative expression in natural settings.

7. Canva Graphic Design Class

Encourage a passion for graphic design with a course on how to use Canva, a popular website. Dreaming up and designing their own logos, advertisements, and posters allows teens to express their unique perspective and storytelling abilities.

8. Subscription to a Book Box

Book subscription boxes that include not only a carefully selected book but also related items like artistic bookmarks, exclusive artwork, or creative writing prompts can be delightful for literary-minded teens. LitJoy gives you choices of books and fun accessories, if you or your teen like a little agency in process.

9. Photography Class

Encourage a passion for photography with a photography class. Capturing the world through a lens allows teens to express their unique perspective and storytelling abilities. Choose from either asynchronous or self-paced options.

10. Stop-Motion Animation Kit

Animation software or tools, like a stop-motion animation kit, can be a great way for creative teens to bring their ideas to life in a dynamic and visually engaging way. Containing everything your teen needs to get started, these kits are a great launching point for your amateur animator. It is compatible with Windows or MacOS.

11. Cooking Class

Introduce the world of cooking in the most hands-on way possible: cooking classes! America’s Test Kitchen offers subscriptions to an online video library, and Sur La Table offers individual live Zoom sessions with cooking professionals.

12. Candle-Making Kit

Foster creativity through candle-making with this kit from SoftOwl. Scents, wax, and containers are all included–everything your teen needs to make their own candles! Candle-making kits are especially appropriate holiday gifts, and are a wonderful way to brighten the darkest time of the year!

13. Digital Business Classes

Has your teen ever wanted to open up an Etsy shop or start their own podcast? These classes can set them on the road to success in such ventures! They are an excellent gift for any enterprising young person in your life.

14. SIM Games

A SIM game can be an ideal gift for creative teens as it offers a virtual canvas for them to build, design, and experiment. Games like Cities: Skylines, SIM City, or Stardew Valley provide a platform for creative expression, allowing teens to construct and personalize entire worlds, homes, and characters. Through strategic decision-making and design choices, they can explore their architectural, artistic, and storytelling skills in a dynamic and interactive environment.

15. Art Classes

Fuel your teen’s artistic inclinations with online art history classes. Art supplies such as sketchbooks, paints, or a graphic tablet work well in conjunction with class, providing an outlet for self-expression.

In Conclusion…

In gifting these kits and courses, we aim not only to celebrate the present but to sow the seeds for a future where creativity flourishes in every aspect of teens’ lives. Let’s embark on this journey of fostering creativity together, making a truly extraordinary holiday season.

Wishing you and your teen homeschoolers a season filled with creativity and joy!

The post Gifts to Spark Creativity in Teens appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

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STEM Gifts Under $25

At the time of publication these items were under $25.

1. Proof! Mental Math Game

This fast-paced mental math card game is fun for everybody in the family and a great way to practice quick math skills!

2. Robot Building Kit

This set comes with everything your child needs to build 13 different robots! These robots run on solar power, which adds both a level of sustainability and interest.

3. Intro to Programming Course

If your kids love computers and video games, why not let them learn how to make their own games? This 4-week intro course is from us here at FundaFunda, and if your child likes it, we have several more levels available!

4. Book on LEGO Inventions

This book has more than 40 ideas for unique LEGO builds using pieces you likely already have! If you have a child who loves LEGOS and is looking for new idea, this book is for them!

5. Contraption Maker Game

This creative, open-ended puzzle game is a great way to exercise your children’s critical thinking skills. And, it’s a video game, so you know it will be a hit with kids!

6. Snap Circuits Jr.

This beginners Snap Circuit set has instructions and pieces for more than 100 circuit-related projects!

7. Magnet Lab

This item contains supplies and instructions to perform experiments related to magnets, levitation, and gravity. It would be great as an introduction to physics for a middle or elementary school student!

8. Indoor Herb Garden

Growing plants is a great science lesson that’s easy to observe over time. This kit comes with a container that your child gets to decorate, as well as several herb plants to grow!

9. Inventioneers App

This game is similar to the Contraption Maker game, but it’s on the iTunes store. If your kids enjoy video games, this is a great way for it to be educational and help students think creatively and solve problems!

10. Smart Labs Circuits

This set of circuits has various buttons and connections to allow for a wide variety of projects. Students can build games, sensors, lights, etc. all while learning about electricity and circuitry.

STEM Gifts Under $50

At the time of publication these items were under $50.

11. Bridge-Building Set

This bridge-building kit is a great way for older kids and teens to learn concepts of structural engineering. There are 20 different models you can build with this kit, and they contain lessons on

12. Electric Motor Kit

This building set from Butterfly EduField has 20+ projects for ages 5 and up. The projects deal with electricity, basic mechanical principles, engineering, and of course is lots of fun!

13. “Cytosis” Board Game

This is a strategic biology board game where players compete to gather chemicals and cell parts in order to build a functioning cell and generate the most ATP. The science is accurate and well-explained by the game, and it is so fun and competitive!

19. Beginner Microscope Set

This would make a great first microscope set for any child who is interested in biology! 

14. Osmo Starter Set

Osmo is an educational tool that works with an iPad to bring an interactive element to children’s screen time. This set includes the basic Osmo device as well as number and word tiles and games that exercise children’s creativity skills while bringing their shapes to life on the iPad screen. There are several other sets for Osmo with different games and for various age ranges, so be sure to look around and see what there is!

15. Wooden Marble Run

A step up in difficulty from the marble run kit earlier in the post, this kit has 260 wooden pieces for your child to assemble into a mechanical marble roller coaster!

16. Forensic Detective Mysteries

This set has a variety of forensic science experiments and activities for your child to use to solve pretend mysteries in the kit. It’s a great way to exercise children’s critical thinking and science skills!

17. Starter Rock Tumbler

This rock tumbler from National Geographic contains information about rocks your child may find as well as some basic jewelry equipment so they can make something with their rocks!

18. 3D Pen

This 3D pen starter set has everything your child needs to get started in the world of 3D drawing! Not only is it a great way to exercise creativity, but it also teaches planning and design concepts that can be applied to numerous areas later in life.

19. ThinkFun Coding Game

This game teaches the basics mechanics and principles of coding through an exciting and competitive game! It’s recommended for ages 10 and up

19. Da Vinci’s Machines Building Set

This set from National Geographic allows teens to build 3 simple machines using wooden puzzle pieces to create the 3D design. The machines can move and are functional, and this kit is in a “battalion” theme, so it would be perfect for anyone with an interest in battles!

20. Chemistry Experiment Set

This kit from National Geographic has supplies and instructions to perform exciting chemistry experiments at home! And they have other kits for various subjects as well, so be sure to look and see what you can find to fit your children’s interests!

21. Code Piano

This interactive, hands-on kit allows kids to code their own piano! It also helps kids understand the basics of programming and computer science!

22. Mindware Marble Maze

Marble mazes are a fun way for kids to experiment with building and creativity. This kit is a great starter set, and you can always buy expansions for your kids to make even larger creations!

23. Kiwi Co. Kits

Many of you might be familiar with Kiwi Co’s subscription service, but they now also sell individual STEM-themed activity kits as well! There are a variety to choose from that are under $50, so be sure to look around!

We hope you and your kids will enjoy these STEM gifts under $50! For more gift ideas from all of us here at FundaFunda, check out this post on Stocking Stuffers for Homeschool Families , or this one on 25 Fun and Educational Gifts for Teens and Tweens! Happy holidays!

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1. Intro to Game Programming Class

Most teens and tweens love playing computer games – but how about giving them a gift that will teach them to create games! This stocking stuffer is from us here at Fundafunda Academy.

Our Introduction to Game Programming class is self-paced and perfect for grades 5 – 12. Students learn about game design, how to create game graphics and some basic computer logic. Their final project is to code an interactive greeting card. And if they get stuck, help is provided by the teacher and teaching assistants.

Programming is an essential skill for the 21st century and this gift will provide a gentle and fun introduction for children.

2. Podcast Launch for Teens

If you have a teen who speaks well, this is a very unique gift. Abby Banks has created a fantastic class that walks teens through everything they need to create their own podcasts. You can hear Abby talk about how teens can start a podcast on this episode of the Homeschooling with Technology podcast.

Of course the Podcast Launch for Teens will also help your teen stand out on college applications!

3. Brain Quest Trivia Cards

These trivia cards from Brain Quest are an educational and fun stocking stuffer! Each set contains 1,000 different trivia questions covering various topics. Some are review questions that are in line with the grade level of the set, and some are fun facts that your child can impress friends and family with!

You can easily make a game out of the trivia questions as well. For instance, my family used to quiz each other on the questions when we were on road trips!.

The link above is for a third grade set, but they have sets for nearly every age level, from pre-school up to high school!

4. City Scavenger Hunt

Let’s Roam has scavenger hunts you can purchase for more than 400 cities in a variety of countries. If one for your city is available, it would make a great gift for anybody who loves exploring! You could also purchase one as a family gift or as a date idea for yourself or somebody you know.

Or, if you’re planning any upcoming trips, you could purchase as an activity for the city you’ll be visiting to help familiarize yourself with the area!

5. Kanoodle Travel-Sized Game

Kanoodle is a puzzle game where the player tries to organize the given pieces into various patterns given in the instructions. The puzzles start off simple, but they increase in difficulty and will test your logic and problem-solving skills

It’s relatively inexpensive, small enough to fit in a stocking, and would make a great gift for a teen or tween who enjoys unique puzzles and brain teasers! 

6. “Paint your Pet” Art Class

7. Flipbook Creating Kit

This flipbook creating kit allows kids to design their own mini flipbooks. If you aren’t familiar with flipbooks, they are books where the drawing on each page is slightly different than the last, which produces a movie-like effect when the pages are flipped through quickly! They’re a fun activity for kids, and when they finish, they have something they can show to friends and family!

8. Online Book Clubs

Literary Adventures for Kids offers a variety of online book clubs to go alongside popular books. These come with a mix of hands-on activities to go along with the theme of the book. If your child loves to read, you can get them one of these studies along with a book for a fun and educational activity they’ll love!

9. Spanish Coloring Book Dictionary

This book serves two purposes: it’s a fun coloring book, and the pictures you color have Spanish labels under them, so it functions as a beginners dictionary as well!

This book is great for anyone who is a visual learner and is trying to learn Spanish. You might usually associate coloring books with younger children, but this is a gift that can be enjoyed by creative learners of any age!

 

We hope you enjoy these ideas of stocking stuffers for homeschool families! For more gift ideas visit our 25 gifts for teens and tweens for under $25 blog post. You don’t have to spend a lot to find something they will love!

And take a look at the curated list of gifts for children and teens in our Amazon store. These are all fun products that also have educational value.

 

 

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Every year I have to buy a number of high school graduation gifts, so I need to find items that are not expensive. But I also want the gifts to be of use to the high schoolers who are usually heading off to college in the fall.

I have compiled this list based on things I have bought, items my high school grad would like, and items a recent high school grad enjoyed receiving.

At the time of publication these items were under $50.

1. External Phone Battery

This is an ideal gift as every student needs one! If you want to spend a but more than this, you can buy more powerful batteries that can be used multiple times before you recharge them.

2. Picture Holder

To make this gift even more special, include a few photos from home or from an activity you had in common with the recipient.

3. Flash Drive

When I went to college, I took my own printer but today printers are available on campus – students just need a quick and easy way to take their documents to the printer. Find a fun flash drive that relates to their interests.

4. Bedside Caddy

This is a great gift for students who might not have a bedside table as they can have everything they need close at hand when they might be too lazy to get up.

5. Gift Cards

Make sure they can use the gift card you get them wherever they will be going to college. Amazon and Target are big hits. So are fast food gift cards!

6. Adultish book

College can be a stressful time. Reading is a great way to unwind, and sharing stories can help kids to connect with one another on a deeper level. This is a fun sciency book that one of my employees loves.

7. Mini basketball hoop for the dorm door

A friend of mine bought one of these for each of the guys in his Bible Study group and he told me they were a HUGE hit.

8. 6 in 1 Tool Pen

I love the fact that this has so many functions – stylus, screwdriver, pen, bubble level and ruler.

9. Luggage

Most students have never owned luggage and have used their parents’ until now. Carryons, backpacks, duffel bags are all good choices. Luggage tags are another idea if you want something cheaper.

10. Headphones

Headphones are essential for college students as they will be working in shared spaces. There are good ones at a variety of price points.

11. Microwave S’more Maker

I don’t think you can go wrong with this gift! You can be sure it will make a student very popular! You can buy them a S’more Caddy to go along with it.

12. Air Tags

Air Tags will help new graduates keep track of valuable belongings and help ease them into adulting and keeping track of their possessions.

13. Coffee Maker

College students are notorious for needing coffee to help them through long study sessions so a Coffee Maker is a great gift. It will also save them money. If the grad in your life isn’t a fan of coffee, try a teakettle instead!

14. Bluetooth Speakers

Whether it is music to help students study, or music for a dorm party, Bluetooth Speakers are sure to be a hit.

Got any more ideas? Please share them in the comments.

The post 2023 High School Graduation Gifts for $50 or less appeared first on FundaFunda Academy.

Disclaimer: Many of the links below are affiliate links. This means we make a small percentage if you buy through the link. You don’t pay any more, though. And we only recommend things we really like!

Many of these gifts can be found on Amazon and if you aren’t already a member of Amazon Prime, join with a free one month trial to get your gifts on time (it is easy to cancel before the month is up).

Some of these are digital items. If I will see the person face-to-face I print off a picture, roll it up and tie it with a piece of ribbon.

At the time of publication these items were under $25.

1: Daily Brain Game calendar

Daily brainteaser calendars are fun way to learn new things all year long!

2: Set Game

A game of shapes and colors and patterns – and sets – for all ages. Everyone plays at once and it is a lot harder than it sounds!

3 : Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book

For anyone who loves coloring, this coloring book will help you to learn geography while you color!

4: Snap circuits

This set was one of my daughter’s favorite gifts. There are more sets for older kids too.

5: All are Welcome Puzzle

This jigsaw puzzle is a colorful illustration celebrating diversity and kindness.

6: Thinkfun’s Rush Hour

This is a great single person thinking skills challenge. Figure out how to move your ice-cream truck through the traffic. A Junior version is also available (just bought it for my niece).

7: Top Trump cards

Lots of different themes to choose from – similar to “War”. Try to win all the cards by selecting the best attributes of the card you are holding. Good stocking stuffer.

8: Choose your own adventure

Read the story – but at the end of each page you choose what path to take.

You can find lots of options here. These are for middle schoolers (too young for high schoolers).

9: Contraptions

Use the pieces provided to build 6 different contraptions. Although slightly over $25, this kit is well worth it!

 

 

 

 

10: Forbidden Island board game

A cooperative strategy game where everyone works together to win.

 

11: Lego Technic Building Kit

Lego Technics adds an extra dimension to regular legos and it is a great way for teens to learn practical science.

12: Quiddler Game

A fun, word-based version of the classic card game 5-crowns. Great for English-lovers and card game fans alike.

 

13: Exit the Game

If your teen loves Escape Games, here is one you can play at home! There are several with varying difficulty, so make sure to check them all out.

14: The World Game

A fun card game about the geography of the world. Can also be used as flashcards to study the countries in the world.

15: Zoob BuilderZ STEM challenge

A student told me about these – another cool building tool!

16: Blurt

Vocabulary has never been so many fun than when you are trying to guess a word before everyone else. A fast-paced game where everyone plays at once.

17: Steam Gift Card

Most video games have an educational component. You have to use strategy, memory, and smarts to win. And Steam is a website where you can buy thousands of different ones so the perfect gift for anyone who likes any type of video game

18: Catch Phrase

If no one in your family owns this you are missing out on a fun group game. Pass the device around a circle and whoever has it must describe the phrase they are given. Everyone else (or everyone on their team depending on how you play) tries to guess. All the while the time is ticking – can you get someone to solve it so you pass it on before time runs out?

19: 3D Jigsaw Puzzles

3D Jigsaw Puzzles add a whole new level of fun to regular ones – and complexity of course! Plus, this 3D puzzle vase is functional, in addition to being fun to build.

20: Catapult kit

If more than one of your children gets one of these as a gift they can challenge each other to see whose works better!

21: Taboo

Can you describe the word(s) on the card without using any of the 5 Taboo words? A fun game of giving clues and guessing other people’s clues.

22: Nancy Drew Phantom of Venice downloadable game

Nancy Drew games are SO much fun. According to the reviews they do work on newer computers as well as older ones. This one is set in Venice and you get to help Nancy Drew solve clues and uncover the truth.

23: Framed App

Gift this app to a tween or teen who loves solving puzzles. You have to order the frames of a cartoon so that the required outcome is achieved. It is very unique. Both I and one of my daughters have played it and loved it.

 

24:  The Moscow Puzzles

Math and Logic brainteasers set against the backdrop of Russian culture – how’s that for fun and learning all rolled into one. And as this is on Kindle, you can still buy it up to Christmas Day.

25: National Geographic Kids Books

Science books like those from National Geographic Kids make great gifts, and can even be bundled together with a magazine subscription. Discover, Popular Science and Popular Mechanics, and National Geographic Kids are all magazines teens will enjoy, as they aren’t hard to understand.

 

Any more great ideas on educational gifts under $25? Leave a comment!

 

 

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