Counting down to Christmas is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season, and advent calendars make that experience even more magical. While store-bought versions are convenient, creating your own DIY advent calendar allows you to add a personal touch, customize the gifts or activities, and tailor the design to your home’s style. Whether you prefer something rustic, modern, or playful, there are endless creative ways to make a unique advent calendar that will bring joy to your family and loved ones.
Here’s your guide to creating DIY advent calendars that are fun, festive, and personalized for a memorable holiday countdown.
1. Envelope Advent Calendar for Small Surprises
An envelope advent calendar is simple to make and perfect for holding small surprises like notes, gift cards, or activities.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 small envelopes (in colors or patterns that match your holiday theme)
- Twine, string, or ribbon
- Mini clothespins or paper clips
- Marker or number stickers
- Small treats, notes, or activity cards
How to Make It:
- Number each envelope from 1 to 24 using markers, stickers, or stamps.
- Fill the envelopes with your surprises, such as handwritten holiday activities, jokes, or small flat items.
- Hang a piece of twine or ribbon on a wall or mantle.
- Clip the envelopes to the twine in a row or staggered formation using mini clothespins.
Pro Tip:
Use decorative washi tape or embellishments to decorate the envelopes and match your holiday style.
2. Rustic Hanging Bag Advent Calendar
This rustic-style calendar uses small cloth or paper bags to hold goodies and adds a farmhouse charm to your décor.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 small fabric pouches, burlap sacks, or paper bags
- Twine, ribbon, or a wooden dowel
- Numbered tags or labels
- String lights or greenery for decoration
- Treats or small gifts
How to Make It:
- Fill each bag with a treat or gift and tie it shut with twine or ribbon.
- Attach numbered tags to each bag using clothespins or string.
- Hang the bags on a dowel, piece of twine, or directly on a decorative ladder.
- Add greenery or string lights to the display for an extra festive touch.
Pro Tip:
Mix and match bag sizes to add variety and visual interest to your calendar.
3. Mini Gift Box Advent Calendar
Turn small boxes into beautifully wrapped presents for a visually stunning advent calendar.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 small cardboard or wooden boxes
- Wrapping paper, gift bags, or fabric scraps
- Ribbon or twine
- Numbered stickers or tags
- Small surprises for each box
How to Make It:
- Wrap each box like a mini gift, securing it with ribbon or twine.
- Attach a number to each box using stickers or tags.
- Arrange the boxes on a shelf, table, or under a small tree for a festive display.
Pro Tip:
Coordinate the wrapping paper with your Christmas décor for a cohesive look.
4. Chalkboard Advent Calendar
This modern and reusable option doubles as a piece of functional holiday décor.
What You’ll Need:
- A chalkboard or chalkboard paint to create your own surface
- Chalk or chalk markers
- Small clothespins or hooks
- Twine or ribbon
- Small bags, envelopes, or cards
How to Make It:
- Write numbers 1–24 in rows or a creative shape (like a Christmas tree) on the chalkboard.
- Attach small hooks, pins, or twine below each number.
- Hang small pouches, cards, or envelopes with treats or activities below each day.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t have a chalkboard, use a magnetic board and add numbers with adhesive magnets for a similar effect.
5. DIY Paper Cone Advent Calendar
This lightweight and playful option uses paper cones to hold small surprises, making it perfect for kids or colorful spaces.
What You’ll Need:
- Colored or patterned paper
- Twine or ribbon
- Tape or glue
- Hole punch
- Number stickers or markers
- Small gifts or treats
How to Make It:
- Roll the paper into cone shapes and secure the edges with tape or glue.
- Write or attach numbers on each cone.
- Punch a hole at the top of each cone and thread twine or ribbon through the hole to create a hanging loop.
- Hang the cones on a branch, wreath, or wall display.
Pro Tip:
Choose paper patterns that match your holiday décor, like snowflakes, plaid, or metallics.
6. Mason Jar Advent Calendar
This option is both decorative and practical, using mason jars to hold small treats or notes.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 mason jars (or any small jars you have)
- Numbered stickers or tags
- Ribbon, twine, or fabric for decoration
- Treats, notes, or small toys to fill the jars
How to Make It:
- Label each jar with a number sticker or tag.
- Fill the jars with treats, trinkets, or holiday activities.
- Arrange the jars on a shelf, tray, or countertop in numerical order.
Pro Tip:
Add festive ribbons or faux greenery around the jar lids for a holiday flair.
7. Upcycled Tin Can Advent Calendar
Repurpose old tin cans into a unique advent calendar that’s perfect for a rustic or industrial look.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 clean tin cans (remove labels and sand sharp edges)
- Spray paint (optional) to match your theme
- Number stickers or paint
- Small gifts, notes, or candies
- Hot glue or string to hang cans
How to Make It:
- Spray paint the cans if desired and let them dry completely.
- Add numbers to the front of each can using stickers, paint, or stencils.
- Fill the cans with surprises and either stack them in a pyramid or hang them on a wall or board.
Pro Tip:
For a more colorful design, paint each can in a different festive shade or add washi tape accents.
8. Branch and Ornaments Advent Calendar
For a modern and minimalist look, use branches and hanging ornaments to create your calendar.
What You’ll Need:
- A sturdy branch or driftwood
- Twine or ribbon
- 24 small ornaments or fabric pouches
- Numbered tags or stickers
- Treats or surprises to fill the pouches
How to Make It:
- Securely hang the branch on a wall or above a mantel using strong string or hooks.
- Attach small ornaments, gift bags, or pouches to the branch with twine or ribbon.
- Add numbered tags to each item.
Pro Tip:
Incorporate fairy lights or greenery around the branch to elevate the look.
9. Clothespin and String Garland Advent Calendar
This simple yet elegant calendar doubles as a decorative garland for your home.
What You’ll Need:
- Twine or string
- 24 clothespins
- Numbered cards, envelopes, or small paper bags
- Treats, notes, or holiday activities
How to Make It:
- Hang a piece of twine or string along a wall, mantel, or window.
- Use clothespins to attach numbered cards, envelopes, or small paper bags to the string.
- Fill each bag or card with a surprise or holiday-themed activity.
Pro Tip:
Drape the garland over greenery or string lights for an extra festive touch.
10. Recycled Box Tower Advent Calendar
This eco-friendly calendar is perfect for upcycling materials you already have at home, like cardboard boxes or containers.
What You’ll Need:
- 24 small boxes, tins, or jars (recycled from items like shoeboxes, cereal boxes, or food containers)
- Paint, wrapping paper, or fabric to decorate the boxes
- Numbered stickers or tags
- Surprises to place inside
How to Make It:
- Decorate the boxes using paint, paper, or fabric.
- Add numbers to the front of each box.
- Arrange the boxes in a tower, pyramid, or grid layout.
Pro Tip:
If space is limited, stack the boxes in a single column or line them along a shelf.
Conclusion
DIY advent calendars are a fun and creative way to make the holiday countdown extra special. By customizing the design and filling each day with meaningful surprises, you can create a memorable experience for family, friends, or even yourself. From rustic hanging bags to upcycled cans and elegant mason jars, there’s a style to suit every home and aesthetic. This year, make your countdown to Christmas as exciting as the holiday itself with a personalized advent calendar!
FAQs
1. What can I put in a DIY advent calendar?
You can include small gifts, chocolates, notes, holiday activities (like “watch a Christmas movie”), or acts of kindness (like “donate a toy”).
2. How can I make a budget-friendly advent calendar?
Use recycled materials like envelopes, tin cans, or old jars. Fill the calendar with inexpensive items or handmade notes.
3. Can I make a non-candy advent calendar?
Yes! Include toys, stickers, mini puzzles, self-care items, or activity ideas instead of sweets.
4. How do I make an advent calendar for adults?
Fill it with items like mini wine bottles, skincare products, coffee pods, or uplifting quotes.
5. What’s an eco-friendly way to create an advent calendar?
Use upcycled materials (like paper bags, fabric scraps, or tin cans) and include sustainable surprises like reusable items or acts of kindness.
6. How do I hang a wall-mounted advent calendar?
Use adhesive hooks, a sturdy dowel, or command strips to safely secure the calendar on your wall.
7. Can kids help make the advent calendar?
Absolutely! Let them decorate envelopes, boxes, or bags and choose activities or treats to include.
8. What if I don’t have space for a large advent calendar?
Opt for a compact version like a chalkboard calendar, tabletop display, or string garland.
9. How do I personalize an advent calendar?
Incorporate family traditions, favorite treats, or meaningful activities that reflect the recipient’s interests.
10. Can I reuse a DIY advent calendar?
Yes! Many designs, like cloth bags, mason jars, or wooden boxes, can be reused year after year by simply refilling them with new surprises.