If you are ready to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, make an advent calendar! Here are 20+ DIY advent calendars that will inspire you.
We’ve finally reached the holiday season. That wonderful time of year when the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and the sound of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” on an endless loop.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show, shall we? The advent calendar. That delightful little countdown that builds our excitement as we inch closer and closer to the jolly man’s grand entrance.
Today we’re diving into the magical world of DIY advent calendars, where each day reveals not just a treat, but a triumph of your own crafty skills.
And who says advent calendars are just for kids? This year, it’s all about the adults getting in on the fun, too!
You might be a fan of the classic chocolate-behind-each-door variety (because, let’s be honest, chocolate makes everything better), but why stop there?
The possibilities for your homemade advent calendars are as limitless as Santa’s bag of toys. From tiny handcrafted gifts to personalized notes, each day can bring a new surprise that’s uniquely you.
I’ve scoured the globe (well, the internet, but who’s counting?) to bring you over 20 of the most creative, fun, and downright awesome DIY advent calendar ideas.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a newbie looking for a festive project, there’s an idea here that’s sure to light up your Christmas decor like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree.
So, fellow holiday enthusiasts, let’s embark on this merry crafting journey. Scroll down to unveil a treasure trove of advent calendar ideas that will make your December mornings exciting.
Forego the candy for cute little felt shapes – you pick one out of the pocket and put on the tree each day. I love that this can be a calendar that you bring out year after year and eventually pass down to a child.
The graphic tree boxes would make great favors for a holiday party, and simple wrapping ideas for small presents to be gifted. Not only that, but they send quite easily for cross country gifting.
This homemade advent calendar is an awesome festive project! Relatively easy to put together and reusable for Christmas year after year. Fill it full of sweet treats like hot chocolate or candy canes for the family!
This advent is completely no sew, though you'll use some embroidery stitches on the trees. Such a cute idea and you can use any colors you like (wouldn't aquas look pretty too?).
These adorable Santa advent favor boxes are free in the post, so all you have to do is print and cut for each day of the month. What will you add to your boxes?
For a teenie version of a Christmas countdown calendar, use ordinary grocery-store matchboxes to pass the days. You'll also use pretty patterned wrapping paper.
This calendar is practically free, given that it’s made from toilet paper rolls! All you need are small gifts to fill it, like candy or other small toys.
You don’t need anything more than the printable to make these fun black and white advent boxes. These little boxes are perfect for filling them with treats, little notes and other small surprises.
Turn a wood tray and discs into a beautiful farmhouse-inspired Christmas countdown. This design would go with any color theme you have for the holidays!
Who lives on Christmas Street? This printable Christmas advent calendar has every house on the street from 1 to 24. Create these easy-to-make match box size houses and buildings and children can visit each house everyday until Christmas.
The boxes are a perfect place to store those mini bottles, This project makes the perfect holiday gift for a friend who loves making cocktails. Learn how to make your own, with a free printable label template!
Children can assemble their own easy holiday paper chain countdown using this tutorial! This kids advent calendar is made from construction paper and is candy-free.
This is another fun one for the kids, but it's super cute! You can make a cardstock tree and simply glue the pom poms right on top of the numbers. I could see doing this on a larger scale too!
I love the painted jars idea. It reminded me of how I made snowmen from a jam jar covered in cottonwool and decorated then using a ball of cottonwool for his head. The jar makes an ideal holder for a small gift. Thank you.
Heather and
Friday 21st of July 2023
I'd like to try the countdown hanger advent calendar please.
Lilian (karaimame)
Wednesday 13th of November 2013
Hi Amy! Thank you so much to have my Advent Calendar included in this delicious list of ideas! All of them are so great and surely a huge source of inspiration ;)
Sue
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
I love the painted jars idea. It reminded me of how I made snowmen from a jam jar covered in cottonwool and decorated then using a ball of cottonwool for his head. The jar makes an ideal holder for a small gift. Thank you.
Heather and
Friday 21st of July 2023
I'd like to try the countdown hanger advent calendar please.
Lilian (karaimame)
Wednesday 13th of November 2013
Hi Amy! Thank you so much to have my Advent Calendar included in this delicious list of ideas! All of them are so great and surely a huge source of inspiration ;)