Unique DIY Advent Calendars You've Never Seen

If you are ready to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, make an advent calendar! Here are 20 DIY advent calendars that will inspire you.

The holidays are so exciting – don’t you want a countdown calendar to mark when the “big day” is near? And by countdown calendar I mean advent calendar . . . counting down from the first of December to the 25th.

I particularly love the kind that have an edible treat behind the door, but hey, all advent calendars are fine by me.

DIY Advent Calendars

In doing a little research to see what kind of calendar I’d want to make this year, I found a ton of awesome ideas. Are you in love with DIY advent calendars too? If so, scroll down to get inspired!

(don’t forget check out our 20 free Christmas printables, 16 ways to make a Christmas tree skirt, or 20 DIY Christmas stockings!)

Felt Banner

Standard advent calendars hang on the wall – this one can hang across a frame or doorway.

See how it was done at The Crafted Sparrow

Crepe Paper

Wrap your goodies in crepe paper and make an advent calendar that serves as decor, too.

Learn more about the project at Acquiring Taste

Recycled Containers

This is one of my favorite DIY advent calendars ever! Save 25 jars of various sizes and use acrylic paint to turn them into a very unique advent calendar.

Learn more about the project at Brigitte.de

Colorful Boxes

I love the non-traditional paint colors used in this fun calendar.

Get the how-to at You Are My Fave

Felt Shapes

Forego the candy for cute little felt shapes – you pick one out of the pocket and put on the tree each day.

Find the instructions at Purl Bee

Mini Matchboxes

For a teenie version of an advent calendar, use small matchboxes and and wrapping paper.

See how it was done at Country Living

Favor Bags

Use treat bags and the provided fun graphics to create an advent calendar in minutes.

Download the printable at Family Fresh Cooking

Budget Frame

I can’t believe how inexpensive this advent frame was to put together and how awesome it looks!

See how it was made at Homemade Modern

Chalkboard Boxes

Decorate a mini tree with these cute boxes – and it’s not that expensive to make.

Find out how to do it at Oh Happy Day

Printable Boxes

You don’t need anything more than the printable to make these fun black and white advent boxes.

Get the download at Hey Look

Christmas Street

You can create a Christmas street display using this colorful printable set.

Find the downloads at Mr. Printables

Magnetic Board

This cool advent calendar uses sheet metal and vinyl stickers to make a fun magnetic board.

See how it was made at Lolly Jane

Countdown Hanger

Use old toilet paper rolls and scrapbook paper to create a statement calendar that can hang in the doorway.

Find out how to do it at The Sweet Life

Countdown in a Jar

Instead of treats, your advent calendar in a jar includes fun activities the family can do together. This is one of those DIY advent calendars that doesn’t take a lot of room, making it awesome!

Learn how it was done at Poppytalk