An Advent calendar is a magical way to count down the days until Christmas, building excitement and creating cherished memories. While store-bought options are fun, making your own DIY Advent calendar adds a personal touch and allows you to tailor the surprises inside. From creative designs to easy-to-make options, this guide will help you craft an Advent calendar that suits your style and brings joy to the season.
1. Why Make a DIY Advent Calendar?
Creating your own Advent calendar is not just about the final product—it’s about the joy of crafting something unique. Here’s why it’s a great idea:
- Customizable Surprises: Include treats, activities, or heartfelt notes tailored to your family.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money by using materials you already have at home.
- Eco-Friendly: Upcycle items and reduce waste with reusable designs.
- Memorable Tradition: Crafting an Advent calendar can become an annual family activity.
A DIY Advent calendar is a wonderful way to personalize the holiday season while spreading joy daily.
2. Essential Materials and Tools
Before you start, gather these basic supplies to bring your Advent calendar vision to life:
Materials:
- Base Materials: Cardboard, fabric, wood, or small containers (e.g., jars, envelopes).
- Decorative Items: Paint, ribbons, stickers, glitter, and holiday-themed paper.
- Numbers: Pre-printed stickers, stencils, or hand-drawn numbers.
- Surprises: Candies, small toys, handwritten notes, or activity ideas.
Tools:
- Scissors, glue, and tape.
- Hole punch or stapler.
- Paintbrushes and markers for personalization.
Pro Tip:
Think about the size and weight of the surprises you’ll include when choosing materials for your calendar.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Advent Calendar
1. Choose a Base Design
Decide on the style and size of your Advent calendar. Popular options include:
- Wall Hanging: Use fabric or sturdy cardboard for a calendar that can be displayed on a wall.
- Tabletop Design: Create a freestanding calendar with jars, boxes, or small bags.
- Repurposed Items: Upcycle an old muffin tin, shoe organizer, or wine box.
2. Prepare and Decorate the Base
- Paint or cover your base with festive colors and patterns.
- Number each section from 1 to 24 (or 25 for an extra Christmas Day surprise).
3. Fill the Calendar
Add surprises to each section. Ideas include:
- Treats: Chocolates, candies, or mini cookies.
- Toys: Small figurines, ornaments, or puzzles.
- Notes: Daily holiday jokes, riddles, or inspirational quotes.
- Activities: Suggestions for family fun like “Decorate the tree” or “Watch a Christmas movie.”
4. Assemble and Display
Once filled, secure the sections and place the calendar in a prominent spot. Use ribbons, hooks, or stands to display it beautifully.
4. Creative DIY Advent Calendar Ideas
Looking for inspiration? Try one of these unique calendar designs:
1. Envelope Advent Calendar
- Hang 24 small envelopes on a string using clothespins.
- Decorate each envelope with numbers and holiday-themed stickers.
2. Mason Jar Advent Calendar
- Fill 24 small mason jars with surprises.
- Arrange them in a pyramid shape or line them up on a shelf.
3. Gift Box Stack
- Wrap 24 small boxes like presents and stack them into the shape of a tree.
- Number each box and fill with treats or surprises.
4. Wooden Board Calendar
- Attach small hooks or nails to a wooden board and hang numbered bags or ornaments.
- Paint the board with festive designs like snowflakes or trees.
5. Paper Bag Garland
- Fill 24 paper bags with goodies and fold the tops.
- String them together like a garland and hang them along a mantel or staircase.
5. Family-Friendly Activity Calendars
If you want to make your Advent calendar interactive, include daily activities instead of physical surprises. Here are some ideas:
- Crafting Days: “Make paper snowflakes” or “Create ornaments.”
- Baking Days: “Bake Christmas cookies” or “Decorate a gingerbread house.”
- Holiday Fun: “Write a letter to Santa” or “Go caroling.”
- Family Time: “Watch a Christmas movie” or “Read a holiday story.”
Activity calendars create opportunities for bonding and building memories throughout the season.
6. Upcycled Advent Calendar Ideas
Make your Advent calendar sustainable by upcycling items you already have at home:
- Muffin Tin Calendar: Cover each cup with a decorated paper circle.
- Old Jars or Bottles: Paint or decorate jars, then arrange them with numbers.
- Shoebox Drawers: Stack shoeboxes to create a drawer-style calendar.
- Wine Cork Tree: Glue 24 wine corks together in a tree shape and write numbers on them.
These eco-friendly ideas reduce waste while creating a charming holiday decoration.
7. Tips for Personalizing Your Calendar
Make your Advent calendar extra special by adding personal touches:
- Customize for Each Family Member: Include surprises or activities tailored to their preferences.
- Themed Designs: Choose a theme like “Winter Wonderland” or “Rustic Christmas” for your calendar.
- Handwritten Notes: Add a heartfelt message or wish for each day.
- Interactive Elements: Include QR codes linking to holiday music or videos.
Personalization transforms a simple Advent calendar into a meaningful tradition.
8. Displaying Your Advent Calendar
Once your Advent calendar is complete, showcase it in a way that enhances your holiday decor:
- Wall Hanging: Hang it in the living room or kitchen where it’s easily accessible.
- Centerpiece: Place a jar or box-style calendar on a table as a decorative centerpiece.
- Child’s Room: Display a kid-friendly calendar in their bedroom for morning excitement.
- Mantelpiece: Arrange a garland-style calendar along your mantel for a festive touch.
A well-placed Advent calendar adds both function and festive charm to your home.
FAQs
1. What is an Advent calendar?
An Advent calendar is a special calendar used to count down the days leading up to Christmas, often featuring small surprises or activities for each day.
2. How do I make a budget-friendly Advent calendar?
Use household items like envelopes, jars, or paper bags as the base. Fill it with inexpensive treats or DIY surprises like handwritten notes or crafts.
3. Can I make a reusable Advent calendar?
Yes! Create one using durable materials like fabric, wood, or metal. This allows you to refill it each year with new surprises.
4. What can I put in an Advent calendar besides candy?
Include small toys, ornaments, daily activities, holiday jokes, or inspirational quotes. Customize it to fit the recipient’s interests.
5. How long does it take to make an Advent calendar?
Depending on the complexity, it can take anywhere from an hour to a weekend. Simple designs like envelope garlands are quick, while wooden boards require more time.
6. Can kids help make the Advent calendar?
Absolutely! Let kids decorate the calendar or choose the surprises for each day. It’s a fun family activity that sparks creativity.
7. How do I keep my calendar looking festive all season?
Choose sturdy materials and secure decorations well. Place the calendar in a cool, dry area to prevent damage.
8. What are some eco-friendly Advent calendar ideas?
Use upcycled materials like old jars, wine corks, or shoeboxes. Include sustainable surprises like handmade crafts or vouchers for experiences.
9. Can I create a calendar for multiple people?
Yes! Designate separate sections for each person or make a shared calendar with family-friendly surprises and activities.
10. How do I incorporate daily activities into the calendar?
Write the activity on a slip of paper and include it in each day’s compartment. Activities can range from baking cookies to watching a Christmas movie.