The holiday season is full of magic and anticipation, and nothing builds that excitement quite like an advent calendar. Instead of buying a store-bought one, why not make your own? A DIY advent calendar allows you to customize the design, add personal touches, and fill each day with unique surprises tailored to your loved ones.
In this guide, we’ll explore creative DIY advent calendar ideas using materials like small gift boxes, cloth bags, and even chalkboards. Plus, we’ll share ideas for fun daily surprises that go beyond the typical chocolate treat. Let’s get started!
1. Small Gift Box Advent Calendar
Gift boxes are a simple yet elegant way to create an advent calendar. You can decorate each box and fill them with surprises that are fun, festive, and personal.
Materials Needed:
- 24 small gift boxes
- Wrapping paper, stickers, or paint for decorating
- Number stickers or a marker
- Ribbon or twine to tie around each box
- Small surprises to place inside
Instructions:
- Decorate each gift box using wrapping paper, stickers, or paint. Number each box from 1 to 24.
- Place a small surprise inside each box and tie it closed with ribbon or twine.
- Arrange the boxes in a basket, on a tray, or stack them in a pyramid shape for a festive display.
Surprise Ideas:
- Mini chocolates, tiny toys, holiday-themed charms, small notes with fun holiday activities (e.g., “bake cookies together” or “watch a Christmas movie”).
Tip: For a stylish look, stick to a color scheme like red and green, gold and silver, or black and white.
2. Cloth Bag Advent Calendar
Cloth bags give an advent calendar a cozy, rustic vibe. Plus, they’re reusable! Hang the bags on a wall or attach them to a decorative branch for a unique display.
Materials Needed:
- 24 small cloth or burlap bags
- Clothespins and twine or a wooden dowel for hanging
- Numbered tags or fabric markers
- Small surprises to place inside
Instructions:
- Number each cloth bag from 1 to 24 using tags or a fabric marker.
- Fill each bag with a small treat or gift.
- Use clothespins to attach the bags to a length of twine, or hang them along a wooden dowel or decorative branch.
Surprise Ideas:
- Small ornaments, candy canes, holiday stickers, mini puzzle pieces (builds a puzzle by Christmas), or handwritten jokes.
Tip: Add a touch of greenery or mini holiday decorations to your display to make it even more festive!
3. Chalkboard Countdown Calendar
If you love the look of a simple, minimalist design, a chalkboard countdown calendar is a stylish way to mark the days until Christmas. This calendar can be updated each day with a piece of chalk.
Materials Needed:
- Small chalkboard or chalkboard paint on a piece of wood
- Chalk or chalk markers
- Small cloth or eraser for easy updating
- Optional: small shelf or hooks to hold a daily surprise
Instructions:
- Use chalk or a chalk marker to write “Days Until Christmas” at the top of your chalkboard.
- Each day, update the countdown number to reflect how many days are left until Christmas.
- Place a small bowl, shelf, or hooks below the chalkboard to hold a daily treat or activity card.
Surprise Ideas:
- Special notes, holiday quotes, coupons for fun activities, or even a daily challenge like “share a Christmas memory.”
Tip: Add a little holiday decor around the chalkboard, like a mini wreath or string lights, to give it a festive touch.
4. Envelope Advent Calendar
An envelope advent calendar is easy to make and can be beautifully displayed as wall art. Fill each envelope with notes, small treats, or holiday activities.
Materials Needed:
- 24 small envelopes in holiday colors
- Number stickers or a marker
- Washi tape, ribbon, or twine for hanging
- Small surprises or notes for each day
Instructions:
- Number each envelope from 1 to 24.
- Fill each envelope with a small surprise, note, or holiday activity.
- Use washi tape to attach the envelopes to a wall, or string them along a piece of twine for a garland effect.
Surprise Ideas:
- Mini recipes, holiday activity ideas (like “go ice skating”), festive stickers, or clues for a Christmas scavenger hunt.
Tip: Use different-colored envelopes to create a festive pattern or stick to a single color scheme for a more cohesive look.
5. Paper Cup Advent Calendar
Paper cups are an affordable and fun way to make a unique advent calendar. Decorate each cup, fill it with goodies, and cover the top with tissue paper for a "surprise reveal" effect.
Materials Needed:
- 24 paper cups
- Tissue paper
- Rubber bands
- Number stickers or a marker
- Small treats and surprises
Instructions:
- Decorate each cup and label them with numbers from 1 to 24.
- Place a small treat or surprise inside each cup.
- Cover each cup with a piece of tissue paper and secure it with a rubber band. Kids (or adults!) can punch through the tissue paper to reveal the surprise inside.
Surprise Ideas:
- Holiday erasers, festive stamps, wrapped candies, mini toys, or tiny holiday-themed notes.
Tip: Display the cups on a table or shelf in a pyramid shape for a festive look.
6. DIY Matchbox Advent Calendar
A matchbox advent calendar is adorable, compact, and perfect if you have small treats or tiny gifts. Stack or arrange the matchboxes in fun shapes to create a decorative calendar.
Materials Needed:
- 24 matchboxes
- Wrapping paper or paint for decorating
- Number stickers or a marker
- Small surprises to fit inside each box
Instructions:
- Decorate each matchbox by wrapping it with holiday paper or painting it in festive colors.
- Number each box and place a small gift inside.
- Stack the matchboxes in a fun shape, like a Christmas tree, or place them in a tray for a compact display.
Surprise Ideas:
- Stickers, tiny trinkets, small charms, little chocolates, or cute Christmas quotes.
Tip: Glue the matchboxes together if you want to create a sturdy shape that won’t topple over.
7. Tiny Stockings Advent Calendar
Mini stockings are a classic, charming way to create an advent calendar. Hang them along a fireplace mantel, staircase, or wall for a cozy holiday look.
Materials Needed:
- 24 mini stockings (available at most craft stores)
- Clothespins and twine or a garland to hang stockings
- Numbered tags or a fabric marker
- Small surprises for each stocking
Instructions:
- Number each mini stocking with tags or a fabric marker.
- Fill each stocking with a small gift or treat.
- Hang the stockings along a garland, mantel, or staircase for a festive display.
Surprise Ideas:
- Holiday-themed socks, mini chocolates, candy canes, or small Christmas ornaments.
Tip: Mix different colored or patterned stockings for a playful, eclectic look.
8. Hanging Bucket Advent Calendar
Small metal buckets can make a rustic, farmhouse-style advent calendar. Hang the buckets on a pegboard or place them on small hooks, adding surprises each day.
Materials Needed:
- 24 mini metal buckets
- Hooks, a pegboard, or a wooden board
- Number stickers or tags
- Small gifts and treats
Instructions:
- Label each bucket with a number from 1 to 24.
- Fill each bucket with a small surprise or treat.
- Hang the buckets on hooks, a pegboard, or a wooden board for a rustic display.
Surprise Ideas:
- Candy, tiny toys, mini holiday crafts, or little messages.
Tip: Decorate the board or pegboard with a holiday garland or string lights to add warmth.
Creating your own advent calendar is a wonderful way to make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting. Whether you prefer a rustic look with mini buckets, a colorful display with paper cups, or a minimalist chalkboard, there’s a DIY advent calendar idea here to fit every style. Fill each day with surprises and activities that will bring joy, laughter, and holiday magic to your loved ones.
Happy crafting, and Merry Christmas!
FAQs
-
How can I make the surprises more meaningful?
Add personalized notes, holiday activity ideas, or small handmade gifts. Personalized items make each day feel extra special! -
Can I reuse my DIY advent calendar next year?
Yes! Options like cloth bags, buckets, or stockings can be reused each year. Just change up the surprises inside. -
How do I keep costs down when filling each day?
Look for small, inexpensive items like candy, stickers, or mini toys. Adding holiday activity cards or handwritten notes is a thoughtful (and free) way to fill the days. -
How do I hang or display my advent calendar?
Try a wall, mantel, or even a bookshelf. If your calendar has individual items, consider hanging them from garlands or arranging them in a festive basket.
Let me know if you’d like more ideas for surprises or have any questions about the projects!