Counting the Days

Send advent calendars with the paper doors to open one a day (available from Current catalog) to relatives and close friends with small children in lieu of other gifts.

This is a very thoughtful gift as kids get to help count down to the big day and the parents know you thought of them. One year when I didn't think far enough ahead I found Christmas place mats at the dollar store and sent them in early December. Their mom reported they were a big hit.