Introduction
The holiday season is all about anticipation, and what better way to build excitement than with a personalized advent calendar? DIY advent calendar ideas allow you to add a creative, personal touch to the countdown to Christmas.
Whether you’re filling it with treats, heartfelt notes, or small surprises, a handmade advent calendar can make each day leading up to the holidays extra special.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 DIY advent calendar ideas that are easy to create and can be customized for anyone on your list.
From classic paper calendars to creative holiday decorations, these projects will add a special, thoughtful element to your holiday preparations.
12 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas For Holidays.
1. Mini Gift Box Advent Calendar.
Transform small boxes into a charming DIY advent calendar by turning each one into a day of the countdown. This idea is perfect for adding little surprises like candies, small gifts, or even notes.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather Materials: Use mini gift boxes, one for each day.
- Decorate the Boxes: Paint or wrap each box in festive paper, and label them from 1 to 24.
- Fill the Boxes: Add small gifts, chocolates, or notes inside each box.
- Display: Arrange the boxes in a festive display on a shelf or mantle.
Expert Tip: These small boxes can also double as DIY Christmas presents for mom, with personalized gifts inside each one. (source).
2. Hanging Stocking Advent Calendar.
Create an adorable and festive hanging stocking advent calendar by using mini stockings or pouches, each filled with small surprises for every day of December.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find Mini Stockings: Purchase or sew 24 mini stockings or fabric pouches.
- Number the Stockings: Use fabric markers or stickers to number each stocking from 1 to 24.
- Fill the Stockings: Add candy, notes, or small gifts inside each stocking.
- Hang: String the stockings on a piece of twine or ribbon and hang it across your mantle or wall.
Expert Tip: Pair the stockings with a handmade DIY Christmas tree topper to enhance your holiday decor. (source).
3. Matchbox Advent Calendar.
For a cute and compact option, try a matchbox advent calendar. This project is perfect if you’re looking for a way to hide small surprises or messages in a creative way.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Collect Matchboxes: Gather 24 matchboxes and stack them in a grid.
- Decorate the Boxes: Paint or cover each matchbox with festive paper and number them.
- Fill the Drawers: Insert small trinkets, notes, or chocolates inside each drawer.
- Assemble: Arrange the matchboxes into a fun shape, such as a tree or snowman.
Expert Tip: Matchboxes are the perfect size to include personal photos, making this project a great way to integrate DIY ornaments photo or DIY photo ornaments. (source).
4. DIY Envelope Advent Calendar.
For a minimalist approach, a DIY envelope advent calendar is simple, elegant, and fun to make. Fill each envelope with daily activities, heartfelt notes, or small surprises.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose Envelopes: Pick 24 small envelopes in festive colors.
- Decorate and Number: Number each envelope from 1 to 24, and decorate with holiday stickers or stamps.
- Fill with Surprises: Add handwritten notes, coupons, or small flat gifts inside each envelope.
- Display: Hang the envelopes on a piece of string or pin them to a decorative board.
Expert Tip: Create a mix of fun holiday activities and personal messages to bring a smile to your mom’s face each day. These can also serve as small DIY Christmas presents for mom. (source).
5. DIY Ornament Advent Calendar.
Combine two holiday traditions by making a DIY ornament advent calendar. Each day, your family can add a new ornament to the tree, building excitement as Christmas gets closer.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather 24 Ornaments: Collect or make 24 ornaments, one for each day of December.
- Create a Display: Hang each ornament on a string or place them in small pouches with numbers.
- Decorate the Tree: Each day, add a new ornament to the Christmas tree.
Expert Tip: For a personal touch, include DIY photo ornaments to capture special memories as you count down the days. (source).
6. Paper Bag Advent Calendar.
For a simple and eco-friendly approach, use paper bags to create a rustic and charming DIY advent calendar. Fill each bag with small gifts or treats for the days leading up to Christmas.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare Paper Bags: Get 24 small paper bags and number each one.
- Decorate: Add festive stickers, stamps, or ribbons to the bags.
- Fill the Bags: Insert small treats, candies, or notes inside each bag.
- Hang or Display: Hang the bags on a wall or place them in a decorative basket.
Expert Tip: You can combine this calendar with personalized DIY holiday cards tucked into some of the bags to make the countdown even more special. (source).
7. DIY Advent Calendar with Jars.
Using mason jars or small glass jars, create a DIY advent calendar that doubles as charming holiday decor. This idea is perfect for filling with sweets, messages, or small gifts.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Collect Jars: Use 24 small glass jars or mason jars.
- Decorate the Lids: Number each lid from 1 to 24, using stickers or paint.
- Fill the Jars: Add candy, small toys, or rolled-up notes inside each jar.
- Display: Arrange the jars on a shelf or table for a beautiful display.
Expert Tip: If gifting to your mom, this project can easily become a thoughtful DIY Christmas present for mom by including heartfelt messages in each jar. (source).
8. Hanging Branch Advent Calendar.
A natural, rustic twist on the classic advent calendar, a hanging branch advent calendar uses small bags or pouches suspended from a decorated branch.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find a Branch: Use a sturdy branch, cleaned and decorated with lights or ornaments.
- Attach Pouches or Bags: Hang 24 small bags or envelopes from the branch using twine or ribbon.
- Fill the Pouches: Add small surprises or activities inside each pouch.
- Display the Branch: Hang the branch on a wall or place it in a decorative holder.
Expert Tip: This natural design pairs beautifully with a rustic DIY Christmas tree topper for a coordinated holiday look. (source).
9. Photo Display Advent Calendar
Create a sentimental and personal countdown with a photo display advent calendar. Each day reveals a new photo, helping you reminisce on special moments with your family.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Print 24 Photos: Choose and print 24 of your favorite family photos.
- Number and Display: Attach each photo to a small envelope or card, number them, and hang on a string or pinboard.
- Reveal Daily: Reveal a new photo each day and remember a cherished moment.
Expert Tip: Pair this idea with your existing DIY ornaments photo or DIY photo ornaments for a fully customized, memory-filled Christmas. (source).
10. Chalkboard Advent Calendar
A chalkboard advent calendar offers a sleek and minimalist way to countdown to Christmas. This idea allows you to change the daily message or activity easily.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Set Up a Chalkboard: Use a small chalkboard or chalkboard paint on a framed surface.
- Write the Countdown: Write each day’s number and corresponding activity or surprise.
- Erase and Update: Erase and update the calendar daily with new messages or surprises.
Expert Tip: You can use this as part of your holiday decor, combining it with a handmade DIY Christmas tree topper for a cohesive festive look. (source).
11. DIY Advent Calendar Tree
Create a mini advent calendar tree, where each day reveals a small gift or ornament hanging from a tabletop tree. This idea is both decorative and interactive.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find a Mini Tree: Use a small Christmas tree as your base.
- Prepare Small Gifts: Wrap small gifts or ornaments and label them with numbers.
- Decorate the Tree: Each day, remove a gift or ornament from the tree to reveal a surprise.
Expert Tip: For extra personalization, add DIY photo ornaments for each day’s reveal, showcasing a cherished memory with every gift. (source).
12. Envelope Garland Advent Calendar
This DIY advent calendar idea turns a simple garland into a holiday countdown by attaching numbered envelopes filled with notes or activities.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose 24 Envelopes: Select decorative envelopes and number them from 1 to 24.
- Fill with Messages: Add fun activities, holiday traditions, or sweet notes inside each envelope.
- Hang on a Garland: Attach the envelopes to a string or ribbon and hang it across a wall or mantle.
Expert Tip: For a personal touch, include mini DIY holiday cards in a few of the envelopes, each with a heartfelt message for your loved ones. (source).
Conclusion
These 12 DIY advent calendar ideas are perfect for making the holiday countdown fun, creative, and memorable.
Whether you’re using mini stockings, mason jars, or ornaments, these projects allow you to customize each day with small gifts, family photos, or activities that will bring joy to your holiday season.
Many of these ideas also make thoughtful DIY Christmas presents for mom, as they can be filled with personal messages or small treasures.
By combining elements like DIY ornaments photo, DIY photo ornaments, and DIY holiday cards, you can create an advent calendar that’s not only fun but also deeply personal, adding extra meaning to each day of the countdown.
FAQs On 12 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas.
1. What can I put inside a DIY advent calendar?
You can fill a DIY advent calendar with small gifts, chocolates, personal notes, fun holiday activities, or even mini ornaments. For moms, including heartfelt messages or small keepsakes can make the gift even more special.
2. How do I make a DIY advent calendar look festive?
Decorate your DIY advent calendar with ribbons, glitter, festive wrapping paper, or holiday-themed stickers. You can also pair it with a DIY Christmas tree topper or other holiday decor for a cohesive, festive look.
3. Can I make a DIY advent calendar for adults?
Absolutely! For adults, you can include items like beauty products, gourmet treats, or even daily reminders for self-care. Personal messages or memories can also make the advent calendar meaningful.
4. How can I involve my family in making a DIY advent calendar?
Involve your family by letting them help create and decorate the calendar. You can also ask each family member to contribute small gifts or notes for specific days, making the project a collaborative holiday activity.
5. Are DIY advent calendars reusable?
Yes, many DIY advent calendar ideas are reusable, especially those made with durable materials like fabric bags, mason jars, or wood. You can refill them each year with new surprises, making them a lasting holiday tradition.
