Advent calendars are a delightful way to count down the days until Christmas, bringing joy and excitement as the holiday season approaches.
Whether you’re creating a calendar for kids or adults, DIY advent calendars can be personalized with treats, activities and surprises.
Here are some creative ideas that cater to all ages, making the countdown to Christmas fun and memorable!
1. Treat-filled calendar 🍬
A classic option, a treat-filled advent calendar can be made using small boxes, envelopes or even a muffin tin. Fill each compartment with a variety of goodies, such as chocolates, candies or homemade baked treats. You can personalize the treats based on the recipient’s preferences—maybe even include a mix of sweet and savory snacks!
2. Activity advent calendar 🎉
Instead of sweets, create a calendar filled with daily activities. Write down a fun holiday-themed activity for each day, such as:
- Watch a holiday movie
- Make holiday cards for friends and family
- Bake cookies together
- Go for a festive light walk
- Do a random act of kindness
You can hang the activities on a string with clothespins or place them in small envelopes to open each day.
3. Advent calendar jars 🌟
Use small mason jars to create a charming advent calendar. Fill each jar with a small gift, treat or a note about a special memory or holiday tradition. Decorate the jars with ribbon and labels for a personalized touch. This option works well for families, as each jar can contain a surprise for every member.
4. Countdown with books 📚
For book lovers, create a countdown calendar using 24 holiday-themed books. Wrap each book individually and place them in a basket or stack them. Each day, unwrap a new book to read together, making it a wonderful bonding experience for families. You can include classic Christmas tales or new holiday releases.
5. Nature-inspired advent calendar 🌿
Bring a touch of nature into your countdown with a nature-inspired advent calendar. Use small brown paper bags or envelopes and fill them with items collected from nature, such as pinecones, acorns or dried herbs. Each day, explore the outdoors together to find the next item, fostering appreciation for nature while celebrating the season.
6. Personalized photo calendar 📸
Create a photo advent calendar by selecting 24 favorite family photos or memories from the past year. Print them out and hang them on a string or clip them onto a decorative board. Each day, reveal a new memory and share stories about that moment. This is a heartfelt way to celebrate the year gone by while counting down to Christmas.
7. DIY ornament calendar 🎄
For a creative twist, make a calendar using DIY ornaments. Create 24 unique ornaments—using felt, paper or even wood—and hang them on a small tree or garland. Each ornament can contain a small note or treat inside. As you countdown, you can also decorate your home with the ornaments you’ve created together.
8. Scratch-off advent calendar 🎉
Get crafty with a scratch-off advent calendar! Create a board or poster with 24 numbered squares covered in scratch-off paint (made by mixing acrylic paint with dish soap). Behind each square, hide a fun activity or small gift. This interactive element adds excitement to each day as everyone eagerly scratches to reveal what’s in store.
9. Subscription box-style calendar 📦
If you have a favorite subscription box or service, consider creating a calendar that includes mini versions or samples of those items. Whether it’s beauty products, snacks or craft supplies, wrapping each item and placing them in a box will create anticipation for what’s inside each day.
10. Community giving calendar 🎁
Spread joy and kindness this season with a community-giving advent calendar. Each day, focus on a different act of kindness, such as donating items to a local shelter, baking treats for neighbors or volunteering your time. Create a list of daily giving activities and encourage everyone to participate.
It's Christmas 365 