I was wandering through Hobby Lobby (as much wandering as can be done with a toddler kicking me and the cart) and spotted this felt sticker nativity set on sale for about $3. That fit in the budget!
I also picked up a large piece of brown felt; folded in half and cut, it makes a great stable.
I wanted to make this somewhat interactive, yet not so much fun that poor baby Jesus will end up under the couch like so many other toys. So I settled on buttons and ribbon loops so that we can hang each character up in the stable together and then hopefully he'll leave them alone.
I auditioned the placement of each button and added a few extra buttons so that my son can be creative about where he puts each one. I sewed on buttons to the stable as securely as possible, and then cut ribbons and hot glued a piece to each piece. I just left the back of the sticker in place since we won't be sticking them to anything.
It's true that this would be more fun with some animals or shephards or things, maybe next year. I packaged each part up (angel, Mary & Joseph, the star & the wise men, Jesus) separately and am having him open each one up on a different day like a mini Advent calendar. Then I plan on talking a bit or doing a little activity about each one. He's only a year and a half old, so I think only a few days worth of activities and advent calendar is enough.
I taped it up to the back side of our door with a lot of washi tape. If that isn't secure enough I'll use our bulletin board and lots of staples.
