Elves’ Market & Winter Spiral
Parent Planning Hub
The holiday season is here, and we need your help to bring the magic to our Elves Market and Winter Spiral—our community’s beautiful, light-filled celebration.
Each year, this festival comes to life through the generosity of our whole community, with food, music, crafts, gifts, and stories for all.
To make it happen, we ask each WSD family to contribute:
1 dozen baked goods
Volunteer time
10 crafted items for the Sparkle Star Market (Inspo Below)
Whether you’re a longtime participant or brand new, your support is truly needed and warmly appreciated. Thank you for helping us make the magic shine!
Baked Goods
Drop-Off:
Friday, December 5: Between 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday December 6: Between 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
NOTE: Please label baked goods with ingredients so those with food restrictions can more confidently navigate options. Also, we love homemade goods, but store bought or break and bake work great if you’re pressed for time.
We’ve shared some ideas below for a bit of non-traditional inspiration, but don’t think we wouldn’t also love cupcakes, cookies, and rice krispie treats.
Inspiration:
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Candied orange peel is the perfect sweet treat with a burst of orange flavor. Orange peels are boiled in a simple syrup until slightly translucent and laid out to dry. Once they’ve dried, they’re coated in the sugar of your choice.
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Raspberry bliss balls make the perfect, healthy snack – no baking required. Packed with juicy raspberries, chewy dates and coconut, they’re quick and easy to make, they are naturally sweetened, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
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These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate unique and delicious holiday treat! Creamy goat cheese, perfectly sweet fig preserves.
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These are a perfect way to make something that feels special but adds depth and dimension to common holiday treats. If you’re a lover of all things savory, these are a win!
Volunteer Hours
Questions? Message Ms. Bevard
bianca.bevard@waldorfdupage.org
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Lend a hand before the celebration begins! Prep tasks include decorating rooms, taking inventory of supplies, setting up the Winter Spiral, and organizing baked goods as they are delivered. Your help ensures everything is ready for a smooth, magical event.
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Be part of the magic on the big day! Tasks include monitoring craft stations, assisting with the bake sale, staffing the welcome table, supervising the Winter Spiral, and helping wherever needed to ensure a smooth and joyful experience for all attendees.
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Help us wrap up the celebration! Tasks include clearing classrooms, managing leftover baked goods, collecting and repacking Winter Spiral supplies, and removing decorations. Your support ensures everything is tidy, organized, and ready for next year’s magic.
Sparkle Star Market
“The Spirit of Giving”
We ask each family to craft at least 10 items for the Sparkle Star Market
The Sparkle Star Market is a sweet little shop where children “purchase” gifts using star-shaped tokens. Our 2025 theme is “The Spirit of Giving,” and our goal is to offer a variety of items the children can choose from, wrap, and give to friends and family.
We’ve included ideas and resources below to inspire you. If you’re really in a pinch, purchased items are okay—though crafting together over Thanksgiving break is a wonderful family activity! Parent Handwork on Thursday mornings (immediately following drop-off) is also a great opportunity to gather ideas and do some crafting together.
Sparkle Star item drop-off (in the front office):
Begin: Monday, December 1
Deadline: Friday morning, December 5
Sparkle Star Market: Ideas to Get You Started
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Mini Marshmallow Toasting Kit
Do you love s’mores? But don’t have a campfire?
Mini S’mores Kits includes everything you need to make s’mores. Whether you are at a park or in your living room, s’mores are equally fun to make as they are to eat.
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Mini Fishing Game
Do you love fishing adventures but don’t have a lake nearby?
This Mini Fishing Game fits perfectly in an Altoid tin and brings the fun anywhere you go. With a tiny rod and plenty of charm, it’s perfect for quick play at home, in the car, or on the go. Cast, catch, and enjoy—no water required!
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Story Stones
Do you love creating stories? But don’t always know where to start?
Story Stones spark imagination anywhere. Each stone features a simple picture that inspires characters, settings, and adventures. Mix them, match them, and let your creativity lead the way at home, in the car, or wherever a story is waiting to be told.
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Nature Wands
Do you love a little everyday magic?
Nature Wands bring the wonder of the natural world right to your hands. Decorated with leaves, ribbons, and treasures from nature, each wand invites imaginative play such as casting spells, making wishes, or adding a touch of woodland magic wherever you are.
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Pocket Tic-Tac-Toe
Do you love a quick game of tic-tac-toe?
This Pocket Tic-Tac-Toe Game fits neatly into a small tin and uses gems and stones as charming markers. It’s perfect for on-the-go fun—play in the car, at a restaurant, or anywhere you need a little friendly competition. Simple, sturdy, and endlessly re-playable!
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Button Books
Do you love tiny treasures?
These Mini Button Books are the smallest notebooks yet—sweet, charming, and perfect for tiny drawings, little paintings, or pressing small botanical finds. Made with an accordion-fold interior, they’re simple to open and delightful to explore. Each one is truly “cute as a button.”
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Felt Envelope Wallet
Craft stylish envelope clutch bags from high-quality felt, cutting it into sleek, rectangular shapes and folding them to form the classic envelope silhouette.
A button or magnetic clasp can be added for closure, and decorative elements like embroidery or a contrasting felt lining can provide a personalized touch.
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Beaded Bag Charms
Do you love adding a little sparkle to your day?
These beaded bag charms and keychains are made with colorful beads and sturdy paracord, making them fun, vibrant, and just the right size to accessorize any bag or outfit. They’re cheerful, lightweight, and perfect for brightening up everyday adventures!
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Decorated Picture Frames
Do you love rustic, handmade charm?
These decorated picture frames turn simple twigs and natural accents into a beautiful display for your favorite memories. Perfect as a thoughtful gift—or just to showcase a cherished photo in your own home—they bring a touch of nature and personality to any space.
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Crayon Candles
Do you love colorful, eco-friendly projects?
Instead of tossing those small, unused crayon pieces, turn them into bright, cheerful candles! These DIY crayon candles add a splash of color to any room while giving new life to something that would otherwise be thrown away. Fun to make and even more fun to display, they’re a small, creative way to brighten your home.
