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.
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
Big Canvas
Use a large canvas and boxes of all different sizes to create this large, statement advent calendar.
Learn how to make it at Mod Podge Rocks
Chicken Wire
Painted chicken wire and a bright frame make a great backdrop for the scrapbook paper tags.
Learn how to make it at Little Lucy Lu
Punch Board
Take your holiday excitement out on this calendar by punching through a hole each day.
Get the step-by-step at You Are My Fave
Etched Luminaries
You always knew those baby food jars you saved would come in handy for something! These etched luminaries make a beautiful advent calendar.
Find the step-by-step at Design, Dining + Diapers
Pallet Tree
Use old wood pieces to create a tree, then hang 25 decorated bags as ornaments.
Learn more about the project at deas og mia
Paper Rolls
This calendar is practically free, given that it’s made from toilet paper rolls – all you need are small gifts to fill it.
Find out how to do it at Morning Creativity
Would you try one of these advent calendar ideas? Let me know in the comments!
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 ;)