An Advent calendar is a cherished holiday tradition that adds excitement and anticipation to the Christmas season. Instead of purchasing a store-bought version, why not craft your own personalized DIY Advent calendar? Creating a customized calendar allows you to tailor it to your family’s preferences, include meaningful surprises, and even make it part of your holiday décor.
Whether you want to fill it with sweet treats, small gifts, heartfelt messages, or family activities, a DIY Advent calendar can become a treasured part of your holiday traditions. This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, creative ideas, and tips to make your own personalized Advent calendar.
1. Why Make a DIY Advent Calendar?
1.1 Personalization
A DIY Advent calendar lets you customize everything from the design to the contents. You can choose a theme, colors, and surprises that reflect your family’s traditions and preferences.
1.2 Budget-Friendly
Making your own Advent calendar can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made ones. You can reuse items, repurpose materials, and control how much you spend on fillers.
1.3 A Fun Holiday Activity
Creating an Advent calendar is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. It’s a creative project that you can do solo or as a family, making it a fun bonding activity.
1.4 Eco-Friendly
DIY Advent calendars can be made using upcycled or sustainable materials, allowing you to celebrate the holidays in an environmentally conscious way.
2. Types of DIY Advent Calendars
There are countless ways to design an Advent calendar. Here are a few popular options to inspire you:
2.1 Hanging Pocket Calendar
A fabric or felt calendar with 24 small pockets, each filled with a surprise, hung on a wall or door.
2.2 Envelope Calendar
Use decorated envelopes pinned to a board, strung on twine, or displayed in a grid, with a note or surprise inside each one.
2.3 Box Calendar
Use small boxes (like matchboxes or gift boxes) stacked or arranged into a shape, such as a Christmas tree, to hold your surprises.
2.4 Jar Calendar
Fill 24 small jars or containers with treats or messages and display them on a tray, shelf, or mantel.
2.5 Clothespin Garland Calendar
Clip 24 small bags, envelopes, or tags to a length of twine using clothespins, creating a garland you can hang across a wall or staircase.
2.6 Reusable Countdown Board
Create a wooden or chalkboard-style countdown calendar with doors, drawers, or hooks to hold daily surprises.
3. Materials You’ll Need
Basic Supplies:
- A base for the calendar (fabric, wood, cardboard, jars, etc.)
- Numbers (stickers, stencils, stamps, or handwritten)
- Glue, tape, or a hot glue gun
- Scissors or craft knives
- Twine, ribbon, or string (for garlands or hanging items)
- Small bags, envelopes, jars, boxes, or pouches
Decorations:
- Paint, markers, or chalk
- Wrapping paper or scrapbook paper
- Stickers, stamps, or stencils
- Washi tape or decorative tape
- Holiday-themed embellishments (mini ornaments, bows, pinecones, etc.)
Fillers:
- Candy or chocolates
- Mini gifts (e.g., toys, trinkets, ornaments)
- Handwritten notes or quotes
- Family activities or challenges
- Coupons for experiences (e.g., “Movie Night” or “Hot Cocoa Party”)
4. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a DIY Advent Calendar
Step 1: Choose a Design
Decide on the type of calendar you’d like to create (garland, hanging pockets, jars, etc.) and how it will be displayed. Consider the available space in your home and the materials you already have.
Step 2: Gather and Decorate the Base
Create the foundation for your Advent calendar. For example:
- Garland: String twine across a wall or mantel and attach clothespins for hanging bags or envelopes.
- Hanging Pockets: Sew or glue small pockets onto a piece of fabric, felt, or a wooden frame.
- Box Calendar: Wrap small boxes in holiday paper or paint them and stack them into a Christmas tree shape.
Pro Tip: Choose a cohesive color palette or theme (e.g., traditional red and green, rustic neutrals, or metallics) for a polished look.
Step 3: Number the Days
Label each pocket, box, jar, or bag with the numbers 1–24 (or 25 if you want to include Christmas Day). Use stickers, stencils, or hand-drawn numbers.
- Creative Tip: Use mini tags tied with twine or small wooden numbers glued to each section for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Fill the Calendar
This is where the magic happens! Add a surprise to each day. Tailor the fillers to the recipient(s)—for example:
- For Kids: Candy, small toys, stickers, or family activities like “Bake Cookies Together.”
- For Adults: Chocolates, mini bottles of wine, self-care items, or love notes.
- For Families: Activity ideas like “Watch a Christmas Movie” or “Decorate the Tree.”
Pro Tip: Mix it up! Combine treats, small gifts, and meaningful experiences to keep each day exciting.
Step 5: Assemble and Display
Once you’ve filled the calendar, assemble it in your chosen format and display it in a central location. Here are some display ideas:
- Hang a garland-style calendar along a staircase or across a fireplace.
- Arrange jars or boxes on a tray, shelf, or table.
- Hang a fabric calendar on a wall using a dowel rod or curtain rod.
5. Creative Ideas for Advent Calendar Fillers
Treats and Snacks:
- Mini candy canes
- Chocolate coins
- Hot cocoa packets
- Holiday cookies
Small Gifts:
- Mini ornaments
- Keychains
- Nail polish
- Puzzle pieces (add a few each day to complete the puzzle by Christmas!)
Fun Activities:
- “Build a Snowman”
- “Go Ice Skating”
- “Make Christmas Cards”
- “Read a Holiday Story”
Notes and Messages:
- “I love you because…”
- Holiday jokes or riddles
- Daily quotes or Bible verses
- Coupons for experiences (e.g., “One Movie Night” or “Extra Dessert Tonight”)
6. Creative Themes for Your DIY Advent Calendar
6.1 Rustic Farmhouse
- Use burlap, twine, and wooden embellishments.
- Add natural elements like pinecones or dried orange slices.
6.2 Modern Minimalist
- Stick to neutral colors like white, black, and gold.
- Use clean lines and simple shapes for a sleek look.
6.3 Whimsical and Colorful
- Use bright colors, playful patterns, and pom-poms or glitter for decoration.
- Include small toys and quirky surprises for each day.
6.4 Cozy Hygge
- Incorporate soft textures like felt or knit materials.
- Include warm surprises like tea bags, candles, or cozy socks.
7. Tips for Success
7.1 Plan Ahead
Decide on your design and materials in advance to ensure you have everything you need. Pre-pack the surprises to save time.
7.2 Secure the Calendar
If your calendar is heavy (e.g., jars or boxes), make sure it’s displayed on a stable surface or securely hung to avoid accidents.
7.3 Get Creative with Fillers
Think beyond candy! Include thoughtful messages, fun challenges, or small activities to make the calendar more interactive and meaningful.
7.4 Reuse and Repurpose
Opt for reusable materials, like fabric or wooden boxes, so you can recreate the calendar year after year.
8. Conclusion
Creating a personalized DIY Advent calendar is a fun and meaningful way to count down to Christmas. By customizing the design and surprises to fit your family’s preferences, you’ll make every day of the holiday season extra special. Whether you choose a rustic garland, a sleek modern display, or a playful jar arrangement, your handmade calendar is sure to bring joy and excitement to your home.
This holiday season, let your creativity shine and start a new tradition that you and your loved ones will treasure for years to come.
FAQs
1. What materials can I use to make a DIY Advent calendar?
You can use fabric, wood, jars, envelopes, small boxes, or even recycled materials like paper bags or tin cans.
2. How long does it take to make an Advent calendar?
The time depends on the complexity of the design. A simple calendar can be completed in 1–2 hours, while more intricate designs may take a day or two.
3. Can I make a reusable Advent calendar?
Yes! Use durable materials like fabric, wood, or sturdy boxes so you can refill and reuse the calendar every year.
4. What can I include in an Advent calendar for kids?
Candy, small toys, stickers, holiday-themed activities, or notes with jokes or riddles are great options for kids.
5. What are some filler ideas for adults?
Mini wine bottles, candles, self-care items, chocolates, or notes with date night ideas are perfect for adults.
6. Can I make an Advent calendar without spending much money?
Absolutely! Use recycled or upcycled materials, like jars, paper bags, or old boxes, and fill the calendar with handwritten notes or simple treats.
7. What’s the best way to hang an Advent calendar?
Use adhesive hooks, nails, or command strips to secure hanging garlands or wall-mounted calendars. Ensure the surface can support the weight.
8. How do I match my calendar to my holiday décor?
Choose a color palette and theme (e.g., rustic, modern, traditional) that complements the rest of your holiday decorations.
9. How can I make the calendar interactive?
Include family activities, challenges, or clues that lead to hidden surprises for an interactive twist.
10. Can I involve kids in making the Advent calendar?
Yes! Kids can help decorate envelopes, paint boxes, or come up with activity ideas for each day, making it a fun family project.