As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about ways to spread some festive cheer in our homes. One fun and exciting tradition that can help us count down the days until Christmas is creating a DIY advent calendar.
These DIY advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes, from chocolate-filled treats to printable activities for kids. Not only do they provide an extra dose of holiday joy each day leading up to December 25th, but some also encourage us to embrace the true meaning of Christmas by performing acts of kindness.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or elaborate, there are countless ideas out there that can help make your holiday season even more special this year. In this blog post, we’ll explore twenty different DIY advent calendar ideas that are sure to inspire you and your family during the most wonderful time of year!
Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Instead of giving your kids candy or small gifts every day, this calendar focuses on spreading kindness and doing good deeds. You can add various acts of kindness cards to the calendar, so you can pick the ones that work best for your family. See the tutorial on Lovely Indeed.
Christmas Advent Calendar Wall Chart
Inspired by the classic borrowing system used at primary school libraries, this calendar features faux chalkboard date pockets that hold cute little shipping tags ready to be hung on the tree. Each pocket is filled with a special activity or treat for each day of advent. See the tutorial on The Painted Hive.
DIY Mini Box Advent Calendar
This homemade mini box advent calendar is made using mini treat boxes, which are decorated with vibrant pom-poms on top of each numbered Advent box. It’s recommended to fill these tiny containers with delightful treats and surprises for a daily dose of holiday joy. See the tutorial on Alice and Lois.
DIY Paper Bag Advent Calendar
A DIY Paper Bag Advent Calendar is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. By using 24 colorful pastry bags, you can create a festive and visually appealing calendar that will add joy to your home. You can fill each bag with different treats such as cookies, candy, or small gifts. See the tutorial on Tell Love and Party.
DIY Modern Tree Advent Calendar
Add some style to your holiday countdown with this DIY modern tree advent calendar! Each day’s activity is hidden behind an ornament hanging from a little brass finishing nail. Simply remove the ornament to reveal the activity for that day or leave them all up and flip them over one by one to add some variety to your countdown. See the tutorial on A Kailo Chic Life.
Matchbox Advent Calendar
This DIY matchbox advent calendar project is simple to put together and is sure to bring joy to your family throughout the month of December. Each day, open a matchbox to reveal a treat or a piece of paper with an activity written on it. See the tutorial on The Craft Patch Blog.
DIY Christmas Bulb Advent Calendar
If advent calendars are one of your favorite parts of the holiday season, this DIY Christmas bulb advent calendar is both functional and decorative, making it perfect for hanging up around the house as a colorful decoration while holding treats to open each day. See the tutorial on The House That Lars Built.
Nativity Advent Calendar For Kids
The nativity advent calendar for kids a great way to teach children about the story of Christmas. This DIY calendar offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing parents to transform it into a nativity scene or simply fill its pockets with delightful trinkets. See the tutorial on Lovely Indeed.
Mini House Wooden Advent Calendar
For a more natural holiday countdown, consider this adorable DIY mini house wooden advent calendar! Instead of flashy decorations, each day brings a simple yet charming wooden house with matching reindeer and trees. The best part? Each house has a hidden activity at the back. See the tutorial on Your DIY Family.
Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
This Christmas tree advent calendar is sure to bring joy and excitement to your little ones this holiday season! This advent calendar features 24 paper trees, one for each day leading up to Christmas morning. Each tree is placed in a wooden stand and has a number and an activity painted on it. See the tutorial on Tried & True Creative.
DIY Magnetic Advent Calendar
A DIY magnetic advent calendar is an excellent way to add some fun and excitement to the holiday season. The best part about this project is that everything (besides the treats) can be used year after year. You can hang your magnetic advent calendar on your fridge or use a cute magnetic board as a display surface. See the tutorial on Somewhat Simple.
DIY Fabric Advent Calendar
By using basic sewing skills and a couple hours of work, you can create a unique and personalized fabric advent calendar for the holiday season. See the tutorial on The Merrythought.
DIY Advent Calendar with Felt Ornaments
As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better way to spread festive cheer than by creating your own DIY felt advent calendar wall hanging featuring a cozy Christmas tree. Each day in December, simply pull out an ornament from its numbered pocket and hang it proudly from a button on the Christmas tree. See the tutorial on The Craft Patch Blog.
Glam Pink & Gold Reusable DIY Advent Calendar
Starting from a compact wood box storage unit, you too can make this glamorous advent calendar! Keep things simple and just paint and decorate the 24 little boxes in a pink and gold theme. When you’re done, put a tiny chocolate in each box and enjoy the sweet countdown to Christmas! See the tutorial on Swoon Worthy.
Refillable Rustic Advent Calendar
Add a touch of rustic charm to your holiday celebrations with this refillable rustic advent calendar! Perfect for creating a cozy farmhouse Christmas atmosphere, this chalkboard advent calendar features 25 little paper mailboxes that you can fill up with special activities or treats for each day in December. See the tutorial on Crafting my Home.
DIY Colorful Houses Advent Calendar For Kids
A DIY advent calendar for kids that features 24 mini cardboard houses made from boxes, which are really easy to store and reuse year after year. The durable design holds plenty of goodies, so your little ones can enjoy a new surprise every day leading up to Christmas. See the tutorial on Sugar & Cloth.
Pegboard Felt Stocking Advent Calendar
This pegboard advent calendar features 24 colorful felt stockings, each adorned with a shimmering glitter number. Open a new mini stocking each day to reveal a special surprise inside! See the tutorial on Damask Love.
Tea House Advent Calendar
Start your day off right in December with the cozy charm of a tea house advent calendar! This fun and simple DIY project adds an extra touch of joy to your morning cup, featuring a variety pack of new flavors that will delight your senses. See the tutorial on Delia Creates.
DIY Felt Truck Advent Calendar
Get ready for a fun-filled holiday season with our DIY felt truck advent calendar! Designed specifically for kids who love trucks, this unique calendar features 24 colorful felt pockets, each containing a special surprise. See the tutorial on Studio DIY.
DIY Paper Advent Calendar for Christmas
If you’re looking for a fun and easy DIY advent calendar this year, consider creating your a paper one using a jewelry organizer as its base. Each day, you can tear open a new piece of paper to reveal a surprise inside – whether it’s candy or another small gift, the anticipation and excitement will build until Christmas morning! See the tutorial on Club Crafted.
