The holiday season will soon be upon us. And for many people, that means breaking out the advent calendars as part of their Christmas countdown tradition.
But have you ever thought about making your own DIY advent calendar? With a little bit of creativity, you can design an advent calendar that perfectly fits your style and holiday aesthetic.
In this post, as a professional custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll share everything you need to know to create your own custom advent calendar for 2024.
Why Make Your Own Advent Calendar?
Here are just a few of the reasons why making your own advent calendar is such a great idea:
Total creative control. When you design it yourself, you can create an advent calendar that’s precisely tailored to your personal taste. Get ready to unleash your inner Martha Stewart!
Save money. Buying a pre-made advent calendar can set you back $50 or more. But with some leftover craft supplies and a bit of elbow grease, you can DIY one for less.
Make great memories. As you craft your advent calendar with your kids or friends, you’ll make some wonderful memories in the process.
Give personalized gifts. Fill your custom advent calendar with thoughtful notes or fun little gifts catered to the recipient.
Advent Calendar Ideas and Inspiration
The great news is that advent calendars come in all shapes and sizes these days. So let your creativity run wild!
Here are just a few advent calendar ideas to spark your inspiration:
- Classic fabric pockets
- Matchboxes or tiny drawers
- Paper bags or envelopes
- Christmas lights
- Wooden houses or Christmas trees
- Chalkboard calendar
- Pegboard display
- Mason jars
You can also theme your advent calendar around almost any holiday topic imaginable. Here are some fun examples:
- DIY and craft supplies
- Mini liquor bottles
- Dog treats
- Lego sets
- Beauty products
- Coffee or hot cocoa packets
- Christmas movies or books
How to Make an Advent Calendar: Step-By-Step Instructions
While every advent calendar design will be at least slightly different, here is an overview of the basic process:
Step 1: Pick Your Materials
First, decide on the overall style, size and materials for your calendar. Will it be fabric, paper, wood? Christmassy colors or neutrals? Geared more toward adults or kids?
Once you settle on a general direction, make a list of the supplies you’ll need so you can shop for materials.
Step 2: Make Your Calendar Base
Next, it’s time to construct the actual advent calendar structure. This will form the foundation that you decorate and embellish.
For example, you might:
- Sew fabric pockets
- Build a wooden shelving unit
- Assemble boxes or gift bags
- Create an envelope display
Take it slowly and don’t be afraid to get creative with materials on hand.
Step 3: Add the Numbers
Now for the fun part: numbering all the days 1-24. You can take many different approaches here:
- Print out numbers on sticker sheets or cardstock
- Handwrite numbers with markers
- Use letter stamps or number punches
- Paint or wood burn numbers onto wood
Make sure numbers are clearly visible but coordinate nicely with your overall aesthetic.
Step 4: Fill the Compartments
Finally, it’s time to fill your advent calendar with surprises! Brainstorm fun gifts, candy, beauty samples, notes or holiday trinkets.
Get the whole family involved for extra memory-making fun. Just make sure items fit nicely into all the compartments.
Step 5: Style and Share Your Creation!
Put on the final touches by decorating your advent calendar with ribbons, greenery and other embellishments. Then, display it proudly in your home for all to enjoy!
Part of the magic of a DIY advent calendar is being able to share it with loved ones. So make plenty of photos to spread the holiday cheer.
FAQs About Making Advent Calendars
Here are answers to some common questions around crafting your own advent calendar:
What size should I make the compartments?
- For mini items like candy or rings, 2″ x 3″ is a good guideline
- For slightly larger gifts, aim for 4″ x 6″ compartments
- But feel free to mix and match sizes!
How can I display my finished advent calendar?
- Hang it on a wall with command strips
- Place on mantel or console table
- Set it on entryway table for guests to admire
What if I’m short on time or craft skills?
- Printable advent calendars only require some scissors and tape
- Paper bag or envelope versions are also super fast
- Recruit a crafty friend to help bring your vision to life!
What should I use to attach parts?
- Hot glue gun for fabrics and wood
- Double-sided tape for paper or cardstock
- Craft glue for embellishments like glitter and sequins
I hope these tips help spark your creativity this holiday season. Just remember: Even imperfect homemade advent calendars made with love will create wonderful memories your family will cherish for years to come.
Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas in 2024! Let me know if you have any other questions.