31 Reverse Advent Calendar Ideas that Give Love to the Animals this Holiday SeasonAre you familiar with the advent calendar – that fun and festive way of counting down the days in December? Traditional advent calendars are a fun way to make the holidays more memorable. But reverse advent calendars are a chance to make that holiday countdown more meaningful, especially for the little ones. They are a perfect way to practice daily giving while imparting the true spirit of the season to the children in your family or classroom. Why not make a reverse advent calendar that gives love to animals this year?Reverse Advent Calendars for AnimalsIf you aren’t familiar with reverse advent calendars, the idea is simple. Each day in December, you focus on giving instead of receiving by filling a “giving” box with a donation or kind act of giving. It could be a food bank, homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or children’s charity. Then, once it’s full, deliver the box of goodies and spread the love.Reverse advent calendars are one of our favourite 365give challenges ideas every year! This one is dedicated to giving love to animals. Pick your favourite local rescue shelter or animal charity and start filling your box with goodies to give love and show support to animals in need this holiday season.Here are 31 Ideas for a Reverse Advent Calendar for Animals that will keep you giving for all of December:December 1- Provide your local shelter with containers for food and waterDecember 2- Take some eco friendly cat litter to a home for rescued catsDecember 3- Everyone needs grooming supplies and animals are no different. Offer some combs or brushes to your local shelter, or better yet, volunteer to help out next time its “grooming day”December 4– Food is always needed at shelters so make today the day you bring them some dry cat foodDecember 5- Take some of your cleaning supplies or buy new ones for shelters to clean out animal cages. Mix up some vinegar and water and put it in a spray bottle for them to use without risking harm to the animalsDecember 6- Why not try baking some dog treats from scratch? Some are as easy as baking thinly sliced yams – here are some great recipes for simple, healthy dog treatsDecember 7- Every shelter needs trash bags so why not deliver some biodegradable ones to your local oneDecember 8- These DIY t-shirt toys are an adorable way to upcycle old t-shirts and make cat toys that are not only eco-friendly, but inexpensive and useful!December 9- Every dog needs a dog collar so today can be the day to take one to a dog in needDecember 10- Pet shampoo is a needed gift for a local shelter to keep the animals clean and healthyDecember 11- Old blankets are always welcome for providing a soft surface for animals to feel safe and secure and to line crates and carriersDecember 12- Dog beds can be made of old pillows or blankets or looks for good sales through the year and provide a dog in need with a soft place for his head at nightDecember 13- Here’s a chance to reuse old towels by collecting ones you no longer need and donating them for cleaning up or lining surfaces for our furry friends in needDecember 14- Newspaper for bedding is needed for a variety of the smaller animals that end up in shelters such as guinea pigs, gerbils, and other rodentsDecember 15- Dry dog food – our dogs need to eat every day and dry dog food is good for their teeth and their body while they wait to find their perfect forever homeDecember 16- Dog toys are a great way to show some love and you can get your class or your kids involved by making homemade ones. Get little hands busy making this Socktopus!December 17- Office supplies like pens for the animal shelter can cut down on expenses and help divert donations to the animal careDecember 18- Litter boxes are always needed so make sure you send any that are no longer needed to a shelter where they will put it to good useDecember 19- Food for small animals, like bunnies and guinea pigs, that have specific dietary needs – maybe some of your not so fresh produce would be welcome?December 20- Hand sanitizer or hand soap for the people who love our animals and care for them every dayDecember 21- Here are 10 homemade cat treats kitties will love and you will love making them, knowing your time will improve the health and happiness of our furry feline friendsDecember 22- Cage bedding for bunnies, mice and ratsDecember 23- Balls and a ball launcher to play fetch with dogs are a great way to provide fun and exercise for our canine friendsDecember 24- Cat scratch pad can be made from upcyced cardboard boxes for this one – and don’t forget the catnip!December 25- Dog leashes come in a variety of lengths, strengths and types. Buy a simple one to take to your local shelter to assist them to do their job of walking the dogs. If you can volunteer for a walk as well it’s a double give!December 26- Lots of bunnies and rabbits get brought home as cute presents and later taken to the shelter to be re-homed. Make sure to give them some love as well with pellets or bedding.December 27- Cat food ball to keep cats entertained and by encouraging them to forage for their food. Stimulation, play time and a meal all in one!December 28- Paper towels, toilet paper or tissue boxes are always needed for animals and for the humans that look after them.December 29- Do you have an old crate or carrier in your basement or garage? Don’t hesitate to donate it to your local shelter. They are always in need of ways to transport the animals or give them a safe place to hide out for a bit.December 30- Healthy chews for dogs are always in need – make your own or buy some in bulk to take to those who need it.December 31- A gift card to purchase pet supplies so they can choose whatever they need most.Holidays are the Perfect Time to Show your LoveThe holidays are not only the perfect time for giving but also a challenging and busy time for animal shelters. So, start filling your “giving” box today and share the spirit of the season by giving love to animals.For other festive reverse advent calendar ideas, tons of giving inspiration or to learn how a daily giving habit is the greatest gift to YOU, join the 365give community for free.It’s as easy as 1- 2- 3.Happy Holidays! Share Article: