Advent calendars are such a fun way to start December with a little extra excitement! But why not switch from cheap store-bought calendars to a beautiful, unique, and reusable one - and you can put the good stuff in!
Need inspiration? Here! I've collected the best homemade advent calendar ideas for the Christmas countdown. And make sure to grab the list of ideas for advent calendar gifts below.
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Reusable advent calendars are the best! I love them because you simply fold them up with your Christmas decorations at the end of the year. Then, next year, you can fill them with your handpicked goodies for the kids. Voila!
Diy Advent Calendar Ideas List
Since I love sewing, I'll start with the diy advent calendars to sew. Actually, I already have two free fabric calendar tutorials from the previous years you'll want to see!
But there's much more! All kinds of countdown calendars I could imagine: in addition to cloth advent calendars, there are felt advent calendars, those made of wood, paper, metal, cans, household items, tons of upcycled advent calendars to make, quilted advent calendars, and more. Let's start!
40+ Beautiful Diy Advent Calendars You Can Make This Christmas
Looking for the cutest Christmas this year? Put together one of these DIY advent calendars! Ranging from traditional and charming to modern and minimalist, we're sure you'll find your next favorite here.
I might be biased as I love creating with fabric, but honestly, this one has been my absolute favorite for years! I finally managed to put it into a tutorial just a while ago, so you can use this free advent calendar pattern to create your own, reusable advent calendar. Perfect for yardage!
Insider tip: the tutorial also includes a free advent calendar numbers template you can use on ANY calendar. Make sure to grab it!
No time to measure and cut, but love fabric Christmas countdown calendars? Enter Christmas Fabric Panels! This is an easy and hassle-free way to create a stunning advent calendar that will add a touch of festive cheer to your home. Year after year.
Must-see bonus tips included, and ways to make it even better.
Do you love the modern look? Sew this beautiful, contemporary advent calendar using black and grey fabric. I love how simple it is and how it will last for years!
A tutorial for an adorable, neutral-tone Christmas countdown calendar. I loved the 24 watercolor Christmas activity cards that are free to print and use. Beautiful!
OMG, I absolutely love love love these cheerful colors! Nicole Daksiewicz made this advent calendar with a quilted background in white fabric and simple felt squares. I want one like this!
What a cute idea, in red and white, with rick-rack trim, and adorable little buttons! Extra points for this advent calendar with pockets, as the author went the extra mile to write the tutorial both in English and German. Thank you, Duni!
Do you prefer more neutral tones? THIS one! I love the way this linen advent calendar with stenciled numbers looks. Timeless, classic, and easy to match, even when you change your holiday home decor.
This advent calendar is a quick-ish sew, and it has the numbers embroidered - just an idea if you also own an embroidery machine.
This diy quilted advent calendar is perfect for you if you have tons of little square scraps to use. It might take you a bit more time to sew, but it's so rewarding!
Whip up this DIY fabric advent calendar to add a home-sewn touch to your countdown to Christmas. A free printable template is included with this advent calendar sewing pattern.
Do you want to teach your children about the Christmas story? Usse this free felt nativity advent calendar tutorial by Cutesy Crafts!
A creative spin on the popular Santa's sleigh, your kids will love this adorable felt truck advent calendar. Grab your felt and scissors, and countdown to Christmas with style and fun!
Most advent calendars hang on walls, but felt advent calendar pockets have more options: it can hang across a frame or doorway, as a garland. Sweet!
Have a few yards of a wide ribbon? Create your own DIY advent calendar with ribbon for a personalized and festive touch to your holiday season.
This burlap pockets advent calendar is over-the-top cute! While the tutorial uses store-bought burlap pockets, I'd probably just sew them myself from this gift bag tutorial, using some burlap leftover pieces from a larger project. Hang the bags on a few ribbons or ropes to create a lovely set.
Use a wooden tray and some discs to turn into a festive farmhouse Christmas countdown calendar. I love it because it will fit right in with whatever holiday colors you're going for!
IF you're an avid DIY-er and want to get your home into a farmhouse-style holiday mood, this stunning Christmas countdown clock is the way to go. It's just perfect with white lettering, don't you think?
This simple Nordic paper bag advent calendar brings a cozy touch to your holiday celebrations. Use new or used bags, white paper pockets or brown bags are both great ideas to create a cozy farmhouse vibe in your holiday home!
I love this country-chic advent calendar idea - and these tiny galvanized buckets make it adorable!
This is an easy calendar to set up even if you just have a tiny space or shelf to display it. And it’s beautiful!
Christmas wouldn't be complete without a Mason jar craft, right? This one helps kids count down to the big day with tasty treats hidden inside the jars!
This is so cute! To create this matchstick boxes calendar, you'll need a package of small matchboxes, some scrapbook supplies, and a glass jar.
I love the simplicity of this advent calendar with notes that you can keep on the fridge. It can include activities like 'baking cookies with mom', or a riddle, leading the kids to a hidden treat somewhere in the house. Ingenious!
How about keeping as simple as placing a bunch of gifts in a box!? Win!! It’s pretty fun to reach in a box every day for 25 days and grab out a surprise gift, if you ask me. Especially when the box itself looks like a giant present!
What an ingenious idea - simply hang a shoe organizer on a door (like this shoe rack on Amazon), add number stickers, and gifts - done! At the end of every year, fold it up and put it with your other Christmas decor. All you’ll need to do next year is fill it with goodies for your kids.
This diy nativity advent calendar for kids is simply beautiful. The author created a simple no-sew advent calendar that will house the nativity figurines they had from before. Felt, glue, and a dowel is all you need.
Get yourself some colorful paper bags, green ribbon, and a background - this one looks so much fun to make and to look at! Perfect for filling with all kinds of yummy treats and goodies, in tiny quantities.
Upcycled Advent Calendar Ideas
Upcycled Advent calendars are a great idea - give new life to old items and bring eco-friendly excitement to your holiday countdown!
This jeans pocket advent calendar from Pillar Box Blue looks stunning and adds a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor. If you have a pile of old jeans to upcycle and reuse, this eco-friendly advent calendar is a must-make!
Craft simple boho-style advent calendar boxes using upcycled toilet paper rolls. They are easy to personalize by adding paint, ribbon, lace, and glitter to create any Holiday style that will suit your own home.
Ever thought of using kids' socks from the 'lost' bin? Use a long piece of ribbon or rope and hang it on your wall, add the number stickers to your socks and attach them to the ribbon with clothespins. Fill with trinket gifts for kids to pick a present every morning before Christmas. Yay!
Free Printable Advent Calendars
And, another category: in case your time to create is really scarce, why not try a printable advent calendar? Also, a great last-minute resource, and perfect for activity-based countdown calendars. Also, a way to avoid candy if you need to. Let me list a few free printable advent calendar ideas I liked most.
Happie Housie is sharing a free printable activity-based Advent Calendar that you can simply print, cut, glue, and use this holiday to help you create special family holiday memories each day of December leading up to Christmas.
Can you imagine that these boxes are really just paper! This refillable rustic advent calendar is the perfect farmhouse Christmas decor. The tutorial includes a free template to fold and craft these cute advent boxes. Paint them silver for a metallic look, or stick to the traditional gold, red, or white color - your choice!
Such an adorable idea! In these envelopes, you'll find acts of kindness rather than chocolate or gifts. The true meaning of Christmas right there!
This free printable design is customizable, and it comes with three banners: a Santa, a nativity scene, and a Star Wars-style banner.
Hello Wonderful shared beautiful printable Santa hat favor boxes. All you need to do is print the favor boxes template, cut, and fold along the lines. Add washi tape at the bottom to hold the number for each date. Voila!
Simple graphic dotted boxes you can print out, fold, and use. Love the black and white, with style!
All you need is a printer, and a muffin tin for this one! To prepare this advent calendar, simply print the calendar cards on card stock paper (and laminate if you’d like!). Then cut out the cards, and place them onto the muffin tins. So clever!
Kristin from the Yellow Bliss Road has created a whole advent calendar set, perfect for scripture cards too. In addition to the envelopes, she also added printable activity cards, as well as printable scripture cards. Very generous and thoughtful, thank you!
Delia at Delia Creates decided to take on the challenge of designing her own paper houses using her Silhouette and look how cute they turned out! She was so kind to offer her designs as a free template from her blog, make sure to get it if you use a cutting machine.
Advent Calendar Patterns You can buy
Last week, I found beautiful Christmas advent calendar patterns and kits on Etsy while searching for a holiday gift. They are not free, so I did not add them to the list above. But these are a must-see for me, and I want to revisit them when I have more time on my hands, so I'm adding a separate list here, hoping some of the ideas will be a helpful inspiration for your holiday sewing too.
This list, way shorter, consists of just a few of my favorite advent patterns and finished items that are available for purchase. I absolutely love these and want to keep them in mind for my future crafting 🙂
Advent Calendar Patterns You Can Buy + Finished Makes
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Advent calendar sewing pattern by Sugar House Shop is absolutely stunning in its elegant simplicity!
This hexagon advent calendar pattern by Crafty Quilter Designs is a treat to everyone's eyes. I found the sewing pattern on Etsy. And though it may look like a complicated design, the designer who created this pattern looks like my kinda girl: no piecing required, she cleverly designed the pattern so that quilting is done simultaneously when stitching the hexies to the background fabric. Simpler to sew than it looks like, but gorgeous - these cute little pockets!
If you're looking to create your own shoe-organizer-style advent calendar with gusseted pockets, give these sewing instructions a try. They are suitable for hanging and accommodating a wide range of little pocket stuffers.
I simply couldn't pass on this adorable crochet pattern for an advent calendar. These cute little ornament pockets! Pattern available at Etsy.
No wish to sew your own advent calendar? Order this gorgeous advent calendar sewn with Rifle Paper Co Christmas decorations prints - and there are several colorway options.
Love Scandi style? This reusable fabric advent calendar with pockets will be perfect. Entirely handmade, it has 24 numbered pockets and a soft filling which adds a luxurious touch. And you get it shipped in a sturdy box you can keep to store your advent calendar safely from year to year. I love practical!
So, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
These DIY advent calendars are fast and simple to make. They are a great way to create special memories for your family every year. Also, with sustainable home decor design in mind, you can reuse these DIY advent calendars. Year after year. They are kinder to the planet and help you cut down your plastic waste.
What advent calendar gifts to put in an advent calendar for kids?
Simple first, 🍭I think of sweet treats like mini candy canes, AND other small gifts. You can create a themed advent calendar: make tons of tiny DIY play food out of felt, and you have a new toy collection.
Sew (very likely, you love sewing if you're here 🙂 small doll clothes for their favorite doll. Or add tiny crayons, pencils, and post-it notes. Small toys like dinosaurs, and tons of Hotwheels cars for Hot Wheels fans.
Healthy dry-fruit bars, nicely wrapped up. Especially for kids, so easy to choose!
Instead of gifts, you can include notes with a kind gesture or other give-back initiative to go with, to emphasize the importance of giving, not just receiving gifts.
And last but not least: activity cards. Just a few of my favorite examples to get you started:
- Play a board game together
- make hot cocoa with marshmallows
- build a fort or create a teepee
- have a picnic in the living room (a blanket and snacks!)
- cut out paper snowflakes and tape them on the windows
- make popcorn and watch a Christmas movie
- treasure hunt around the house
- Go out to a movie
- Make a pinecone bird feeder
- Bake Christmas cookies
- Go downtown and look at the lights
What can I put in an advent calendar for adults?
While so many ideas pop into my mind when choosing tiny gifts for kids, I'm in a bit of a rut to come up with ideas for little gifts for grownups, to put in a Christmas countdown calendar like these. This list took some effort for me to make but am confident it will be my reference list for years to come. And it might help you too:
Tons of possibilities! Here's what I placed in a diy advent calendar for a creative person who loves to sew.
And here are a few examples of the most popular miniature presents to put in a small Advent calendar for adults:
- Chocolates and sweets: Opt for high-quality chocolates, truffles, or gourmet candies to indulge in each day.
- Give the person a selection of different tea bags or coffee samples to enjoy during the month.
- Self-care treats include mini skincare products, bath bombs, scented candles, and handmade face wipes for personal care.
- Inspirational quotes or messages: Write down uplifting quotes, affirmations, or motivational messages on small cards to brighten their day.
- Small accessories: Consider including items like earrings, cufflinks, a diy keychain, or small pieces of jewelry.
- Miniature puzzles or a diy fidget: Challenge their mind with small puzzles, crosswords, or brain teasers.
- Add excitement with scratch-off or lottery tickets for a chance to win prizes.
- Small collectible items related to a person's specific interest or hobby can be included, such as miniature figurines or collectibles. How about a special dice set for a DND fan!
- Gourmet treats: Include gourmet snacks such as flavored popcorn, dried fruits, nuts, or specialty cookies.
- Mini art supplies: If the person enjoys arts and crafts, include small items like mini paint sets, colored pencils, or sketchbooks.
- Coupons or vouchers: Create personalized coupons for activities or experiences like a dinner date or movie night.
Helpful Tips
What is an advent calendar?
If you're not familiar with this type of holiday tradition, you might be asking yourself what an advent calendar is. Super simple: it's like a calendar counting down the days from December 1 all the way to Christmas - just better! This calendar has a door, pocket, or sleeve for each day. Open it to find a small treat or surprise. My kids' favorite way to pass the days until Christmas!
Should an advent calendar have 24 or 25 days?
In short, 24, but nobody will mind an extra gift 🙂 Now let me clarify this a bit:
- traditionally, an advent calendar has 24 days, starting on December 1st and ending on the 24th.
- However, some advent calendars may include a 25th compartment, which corresponds to Christmas Day itself on December 25th. This one can be used for a special, often larger, treat or gift.
How to add numbers to a homemade advent calendar?
- If you have time, sew or embroider numbers on your calendar before sewing the pockets together.
- You can also use vinyl or iron-on numbers. Add them after sewing and turning the pockets.
- Use stick-on felt numbers.
- Lastly, my quickest go-to: attach numbers (wooden, paper, plastic) to your calendar using simple wooden clothespins. You can remove them when laundering the calendar if needed.
See More Ideas
Now use up your Christmas sewing stash making an adorable calendar just for your family. Maybe you can even match it to these stocking patterns to sew!
Or get the huge free holiday pattern bundle and make the fondest family memories this holiday season.
And save some matching fabric for a matching DIY Christmas tree skirt. You can make one using one of these 40 free tree skirt patterns.
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