While shop-bought versions are convenient, creating your own advent calendar allows you to tailor it to your family’s tastes, style, and traditions.
Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding project that adds a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Here’s how you can craft your own unique advent calendar.
Step 1: Decide on the Style
There are countless ways to create an advent calendar. Choose one that suits your space and crafting skills:
Hanging Calendar: Small fabric or paper pouches hung on a string.
Box Calendar: Individual boxes stacked or arranged in a festive shape. (That's what I'm doing this year!)
Wall Display: Envelopes, mini stockings, or felt pockets attached to a board or frame.
DIY Drawers: Upcycle an old drawer set or purchase a wooden advent calendar with compartments to customise.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Depending on your chosen style, you’ll need different materials. Here are some general supplies:
Paper or fabric for making containers (pouches, envelopes, etc.).
Decorations such as stickers, stamps, ribbon, and festive embellishments.
Numbers (stickers, stamps, or handwritten).
A base structure like string, a board, or a box frame.
Small gifts, treats, or notes to fill each day.
Step 3: Choose the Fillings
The beauty of a DIY advent calendar lies in personalising the surprises. Think about the recipient and pick a mix of fun, thoughtful, and festive items:
For kids: Small toys, chocolate, activity cards, or stickers.
For adults: Mini toiletries, tea bags, candles, or indulgent snacks.
Family fun: Christmas trivia questions, craft supplies, or vouchers for activities like a movie night or baking session.
Step 4: Assemble Your Calendar
Create the containers: Whether you’re folding envelopes, sewing pouches, or decorating small boxes, ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the surprises.
Number them: Add numbers 1 to 24 (or 25) to each container.
Fill them: Place a surprise in each container, keeping in mind the order if some days have specific themes or activities.
Arrange your calendar: Attach the containers to your base (hang them, stack them, or arrange them however you like).
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Once assembled, take a step back and look for ways to make your advent calendar even more festive. Add fairy lights, greenery, or a dusting of glitter for that Christmas magic.
Tips for Success
Plan ahead: Start early to allow time for sourcing materials and crafting.
Budget wisely: DIY doesn’t have to be expensive; use items you already have or check charity shops for supplies.
Get creative: Think beyond sweets and include meaningful notes or family activities to make each day special.
A homemade advent calendar is more than just a holiday countdown; it’s a reflection of your creativity and a gesture of love that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your children, or a friend, this project will bring joy to the festive season. Happy crafting!