INSPIRATION
24 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas: Unique Inspiration for Kids, Adults, and Families #DIYXMAS
Counting down to Christmas with an Advent calendar is a magical way to celebrate December! From DIY surprises to personalised activities, Advent calendars offer a delightful tradition for families, friends, and loved ones. Here are 24 unique Advent calendar ideas for all ages, perfect for adding excitement and joy to each day of the holiday season.
Classic & Crafty Advent Calendars
Crafting an Advent calendar gives you a fun way to add holiday charm and personality to your home. These classic designs are easy to make and ideal for children and adults alike.
DIY Gift Bag Countdown Create a wall display using small festive bags or fabric pouches. Attach each one to a hanging line or wall hooks, adding small toys, treats, or heartfelt notes. Personalise the bags with holiday-themed stickers, stencils, or hand-painted designs, ensuring each day brings a new surprise and visual delight. Pegboard Surprise Calendar Transform a pegboard into a beautiful, custom Advent calendar. Paint the board in festive colours and hang bags or envelopes on the pegs. Inside each one, place small gifts, daily tasks, or notes with encouraging messages. The pegboard makes a versatile calendar that you can rearrange to suit your home decor. Envelope Tree Arrange colourful, numbered envelopes in the shape of a Christmas tree on the wall or pinboard. Fill each with a small gift, family activity idea, or even a holiday riddle for added fun. This budget-friendly option is ideal for anyone who loves a simple but festive design and can be easily personalised.
Advent Calendars for Creative Crafters
For those who love hands-on activities, these Advent calendars add an imaginative twist to each day.
Mini Stocking Garland Hang a string of mini felt stockings across a mantel or along the staircase, filling each stocking with tiny surprises like sweets or mini ornaments. Mix and match colours or stick to a single theme for a coordinated look. The garland doubles as seasonal decor and can be reused for many years. Decorative Matchbox Chest Stack matchboxes together to form a mini chest of drawers, decorating each with festive paper or paint. Fill each box with a tiny treat, toy, or message. This DIY project allows creative freedom and provides a daily delight as each drawer reveals something new. Glitter Cones for a Sparkling Display Make paper cones and cover them with glitter, hanging each on a small tree or from a branch. Fill the cones with sweets, small ornaments, or other trinkets. The glittery display brings a festive sparkle to your home and can be easily customised with different colours.
Advent Calendar Ideas for Kids
Kids love the excitement of counting down to Christmas. These child-friendly Advent calendars keep the anticipation going all season.
Shoe Organiser Countdown Repurpose a hanging shoe organiser by numbering each pocket and filling it with small toys or treats. It’s a great budget-friendly option that’s also easy to customise with stencils or holiday-themed stickers. Kids will enjoy reaching into each pocket to find a surprise. Toy Building Sets Add a piece of a toy set, such as Lego blocks or model kits, to each day. Kids can gradually assemble the toy, making it a fun, engaging project. They’ll love watching their creation come together by Christmas Day. Photo Memory Chain Craft a photo chain Advent calendar with pictures of family moments from the past year. Every day, kids pull down a new photo, reliving special memories and bonding moments. This calendar serves as a keepsake that everyone can enjoy year after year.
Thoughtful and Relaxing Ideas for Adults
Adults deserve a little holiday magic too! These ideas create a meaningful and restful countdown.
Acts of Kindness Calendar Instead of gifts, fill each day with an act of kindness. Include activities like “Pay for someone’s coffee” or “Write a thank-you note.” It’s a beautiful way to spread holiday cheer and bring purpose to the season. Self-Care Essentials Treat yourself to a self-care Advent calendar with items like teas, bath salts, or mini skincare samples. Each day offers a moment of calm, helping you unwind during the bustling holiday season. Gourmet Treats for Food Lovers Create a gourmet Advent calendar filled with artisanal snacks, teas, or wine. Each day offers a different flavour to savour, making it the perfect countdown for food enthusiasts. Customise it with cheeses, truffles, or any treat of your choice.
Family-Centric Advent Calendar Ideas
For families who cherish time together, these ideas make shared experiences the highlight of the countdown.
Christmas Story Countdown Each day reveals a new page of a Christmas story, building up to the ending on Christmas Eve. This tradition encourages cosy read-aloud sessions and sparks holiday wonder, making it a great bonding activity. Game Night Surprises Every day’s surprise is a mini-game, puzzle, or toy for the family to enjoy together. Whether it’s a card game, a trivia question, or a piece of a larger board game, this calendar builds excitement and brings everyone together. Family Activity Cards Create cards with fun family activities, like “Bake Christmas cookies” or “Go ice-skating.” Each day reveals a new adventure, making memories that will be cherished long after the season ends.
Memory and Photo Advent Calendars
Capture the joy of past moments with memory-filled Advent calendars. These ideas turn nostalgia into a daily gift.
Memory Lane Calendar Print family photos from the past year and place each one in a numbered envelope. Display them on the wall or keep them in a box for a daily dose of nostalgia as you recall special memories together. Gratitude Advent Calendar Each day, write down something you’re grateful for or a memory that made you smile. By Christmas, you’ll have 24 meaningful notes that capture what you love most about the holidays. Holiday Card Chain Use holiday cards from friends and family as part of your Advent calendar. Arrange them in a chain or stack, letting the family pull out a new one each day to remember loved ones near and far.
Eco-Friendly & Nature-Inspired Advent Calendars
Go green with nature-based Advent calendar ideas that celebrate the outdoors and promote sustainable practices.
Nature Finds Calendar Use items found in nature, like pine cones, leaves, or stones, to fill each day’s surprise. These natural elements add a rustic, earthy vibe to your home and are perfect for a minimalist look. Reusable Fabric Bags Sew or purchase small fabric bags to use as daily surprise holders. Fill them with sustainable treats, like organic chocolates or mini reusable items, and hang them as a garland. The bags can be used year after year, making it an eco-friendly choice. Recycled Gift Box Calendar Use recycled paper or old cardboard to craft small gift boxes, filling each one with eco-friendly surprises. Consider small natural items, like beeswax candles or biodegradable soaps, for an environmentally conscious countdown.
Edible Advent Calendar Ideas
Add a dash of sweetness to each day with edible treats. These delicious Advent calendar ideas are sure to satisfy any taste.
Homemade Goodies Fill each day with homemade holiday treats, like cookies, brownies, or fudge. Experiment with different recipes and flavours, providing a little bite of Christmas cheer with each treat. Hot Chocolate Calendar Create a hot chocolate Advent calendar, including various flavours and toppings for each day. Add marshmallows, crushed candy canes, or different types of chocolate to keep things exciting. Cheese or Wine Tasting For an adult twist, arrange a cheese or wine tasting calendar with a sample of cheese or a small bottle of wine for each day. This luxurious countdown offers a tasteful way to unwind each evening.
Minimalist & Modern Advent Calendars
For those who prefer a sleek, understated look, these minimalist Advent calendars add a contemporary touch to the holidays.
Simple Paper Chain Calendar Create a paper chain with each link representing a day. Inside each link, write a holiday-themed message or activity. The simplicity of the design makes it a beautiful, modern addition to your holiday decor. Envelope and Message Tree Write thoughtful messages or favourite holiday quotes on cards and arrange them in envelopes to form a Christmas tree shape on the wall. This minimalist style brings elegance and meaning to each day. Wall Art Calendar Arrange tags or small decorations in the shape of a Christmas tree on the wall, with each piece representing a day. This stylish, subtle calendar doubles as wall art, bringing a modern look to your holiday season.
Conclusion
Advent calendars add magic to the holiday season by transforming each day into a small celebration. With these 24 unique ideas, you can make the countdown to Christmas exciting and memorable, whether it’s for kids, adults, or the whole family. Craft an Advent calendar that reflects your personality, style, and holiday spirit – and let the countdown to Christmas be filled with surprises, joy, and togetherness.
Sonia Writer and expert
