Easy Christmas Advent Idea

For all the last minuters out there looking for an easy Christmas advent idea (or maybe you didn't think you would do one because it would be too much work) I am coming to your rescue.  My friend asked me yesterday if I had any advent ideas (she needed one last minute and I wracked my brain until I came up with one).  I had to find something that would be super quick, affordable and simple to make (and you don't even have to be crafty to make it.)  The idea comes courtesy of Martha Stewart.

 To make these cute little gift pouches all you need is scrapbook paper or wrapping paper (Martha suggests wrapping paper-so you know it will be okay), some double sided tape, and ribbon.
1. Cut a rectangle from your paper.  Size is not really important-as long as it is not too long compared to wide.  You can have all different sizes or have them all the same size.

 2. Place a piece of double sided tape on one of the ends (running the width direction).

 3. Roll into a cylinder and secure the ends to each other.

 4.  Now put another piece of double sided tape inside one end of the cylinder and...

 pinch the sides together (flat).

 4.  Fill with candy, small toys, or coupons to do winter or Christmas activities.  To close the other end repeat the same process only pinch it in the opposite direction of the one you just did.  In the end it should look like this:

 Another view.

 5. Lastly punch a hole in the top and thread a ribbon or string through to make a hanger.  Add a tag with the day on it, or if you are in a real hurry write the day on the pouch.

 A few that I whipped up.  Wouldn't they be beautiful in shiny wrapping paper!!!!

 I have a tree branch tree that I made that I would hang mine on.  I trimmed a branch off a dead tree and spray painted it white and glued it in a vase.  If you don't have time to do that, or don't want to do that here are a few other suggestions of places you could put these:
-on your actual Christmas tree hidden all around
-hide them in different parts of your house (one each morning) to have your children find them
-fill a basket with these and have them dig through to find the correct date
-if you live where the weather is nice, hang them outside

 Hope this helps someone.  Merry Christmas.