If you’re looking for DIY Advent Calendar Ideas, look no further. We’ve put together our favorite DIY Advent Calendars to inspire you this Christmas! Christmas is a time for family traditions, and the Advent Calendar is definitely one of our favorites.
The Advent Calendar Tradition
The advent calendar tradition began as an ancient practice in Europe, with the earliest known source of this tradition being found in 13th century France. This custom involves an open door or window that is left open during Advent. Children put small ‘stocking’-shaped treats such as fruit and nuts inside each day.
This idea caught on and spread to other countries. But it wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century when Germany adopted this practice that it became widespread in Europe.
In 1866, Theodor Grashof patented his idea of taking 24 small pastilles and placing them in paper pockets on the back of the doors attached with an outer cover with windows cut into it. And the Advent Calendar was born!
Making a DIY Advent Calendar
Of course, you can easily buy chocolate or a photo calendar from your local store. But there’s no doubt that there’s something special about making your own DIY Advent Calendar. You can choose advent calendar fillers and personalize small gifts.
We’ve rounded up our favorite DIY Advent Calendar ideas from around the world. They are fun and easy to make. And your kids will love them!
DIY Advent Calendar Ideas
First, this simple but cute idea from Miss Brunette. Numbered brown paper bags are pegged to show the countdown to Christmas. You can fill them with your favorite Advent Calendar fillers like chocolates, candies, or small gifts and treats. Either way, this is a sweet idea that kids will love!
DIY Advent Calendar Garland Ideas
Our next idea is the little boxes Louise came from Our house. Louise is looking for somewhere to hang the boxes not near the radiator, so the chocolates inside don’t melt! So she had the idea to incorporate her Advent Calendar into her stairwell garland. And it works a treat!
How beautiful is this DIY Advent Calendar garland idea Millefeuilles de Baru. Just attach the pretty numbered bags to a hanging garland and you have a sweet DIY Advent Calendar. Remember to hang them nice and low so the kids can easily reach them!
DIY Advent Calendar With Drawers
The next DIY Advent Calendar Idea is this wonderful drawer idea by Hyggehaus. Fill them with edible treats or small toys for a truly custom Advent Calendar. Kids will enjoy opening the drawer every day! Order from their Instagram page.
Hanging Advent Calendar Ideas
Another great hanging option is this hanging Advent Calendar by Dominika Kijowska. Wrap 24 small gift boxes and hang them on a beautiful branch. Kids will absolutely love finding each day’s box to open!
This great DIY Advent calendar idea comes in a cute tree shape! Made by Little Bird Adventures, it features branches tied together to form a tree-shaped frame. Then, small canvas bags are hung from the tree. She even used wrappers from Who Gives A Crap toilet roll for gift packaging! Love it!
This cute DIY Calendar features sewn-in numbered pockets for goodies to fit. Made by Bear loves Mooshe said “I’m sure the kids will be happy with the Cadbury advent calendar too but I wanted to make it for them and I hope we bring it out every year and it becomes a little tradition. I also liked finding little gifts to fill it.”
And it just goes to show that the joy in these DIY Advent Calendars is in the creation as well as the receiving!
Countdown to Christmas
This sweet Christmas Countdown is made even better with Cricut lettering and the house detail on the little bags! Fairy lights and snowflakes add to the beauty!
Advent Calendar Tree
Kids will love this next idea! What’s cuter than a mini Christmas Tree with little boxes full of Tiny goodies! You can get the tree online at Indulge in Decoration and Fashion and then fill up on your favorite little treats!
Handmade Advent Calendars
Finally, this gorgeous handmade Advent Calendar by The Stocking Shop is definitely one of our favorites. You can buy this beautiful calendar here on Etsy. And even if you didn’t make it yourself, you still get the joy of filling it with all our favorite goodies! And I have a feeling that they will be kept forever!
Final Note on DIY Advent Calendars
If you’re wondering if a DIY Advent Calendar is really worth the effort, hopefully this article will convince you! Not only will you create something your kids will treasure, but you’ll also make some really fun memories along the way! And for our favorite Advent Calendar fillers check out this post here. For more simple Christmas tradition ideas, check out our favorites here.
About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
