The holiday season is upon us. And for many families, making an advent calendar is a beloved tradition. As a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I am writing this guide for how to make advent calendar at home. I hope it can help you.
Why Make a Homemade Advent Calendar?
Advent calendars are a fun way to count down the days until Christmas. But when you make one yourself, it becomes even more special.
Here are a few reasons to create your own advent calendar at home:
Customization
Store-bought advent calendars look pretty much the same from year to year. But when you DIY an advent calendar, you can customize it however you want.
Make one that fits your family’s style. Include inside jokes and personal touches just for your kids. The options are endless when you make it yourself.
Affordability
Many advent calendars can cost $30 or more. But with a homemade one, you likely already have most of the supplies.
All you need is a little creativity. For just a few bucks, you can make a one-of-a-kind advent calendar.
Togetherness
Crafting an advent calendar is a fun family activity. Let the kids decorate the boxes or envelopes for each day. Making DIY decorations and treats can be a yearly bonding tradition.
So if you’re looking for an affordable way to make more holiday memories, creating an advent calendar at home is perfect.
How to Make an Advent Calendar from Scratch
The great news is that making an advent calendar isn’t difficult. All you need are a few inexpensive supplies from the craft store or around the house.
Here’s what to do:
Choose a Base
First, decide if you want your advent calendar to hang or stand up on its own.
Common bases include:
- Poster board or foam core: Lean against a wall for support
- Hanging garland: Create a banner-style advent with hooks
- Wreath form: Hang it or use as table decor
Corkboard and wood plaques also make sturdy advent calendar bases.
Pick Containers
Next, you need 24 containers to represent the days leading up to Christmas. Here are some options:
- Jars
- Boxes
- Envelopes
- Canvas bags
- Socks
- Paper bags
- Takeout containers
You can also sew simple fabric pouches or purchase fillable plastic Christmas ornaments.
Matching containers create uniformity. But using different ones adds whimsy. Feel free to mix and match shapes, styles, and even sizes.
Add Numbers
To clearly designate each day, number your containers 1 to 24. Here’s how to easily add numbers:
- Stickers: Buy number stickers or decorate plain ones. Adhere a sticker directly onto each container.
- Printables: Print out numbers in a holiday font, cut them out, and glue one to each container.
- Handwritten: Use a metallic marker to write numbers directly onto fabric bags and containers.
Elect to mark December 1st to 24th or include December 25th too.
Attach Containers
Now comes the fun part—attaching the containers to create your advent calendar display!
If using a solid base, evenly space and glue containers to the board or wreath form. For socks and fabric pouches, use miniature clothespins to connect them along a garland or ribbon.
For a hanging advent calendar banner, attach numbered envelopes or ornaments with ribbons to a long piece of twine.
However you arrange them, make sure columns and rows line up evenly so containers don’t protrude.
Fill with Goodies
Finally, the best part—filling each numbered container! Standard advent calendar filler ideas include:
- Candy and chocolates
- Small toys and trinkets
- Stickers, tattoos, and socks
- Bath bombs and beauty items
- Gift cards and cold, hard cash
Or switch it up from the norm with things like holiday jokes, craft supplies, movie tickets, and scavenger hunt clues leading to bigger gifts.
When multiple kiddos are involved, fill odd days with one child’s goodies, even days with the other’s. Or if you have a blended family, assign everyone their own row or column.
Alternative Advent Calendar Ideas
What if an advent calendar project seems too time-intensive? Or you need an advent calendar in a pinch?
Luckily, there are several clever shortcuts and premade advent calendar ideas for those in need:
Repurpose Household Items
Before buying anything, take stock of things around your home that easily transform into advent calendars with some holiday magic:
- Line up liquid single-serve creamers filled with treats
- Turn a spice rack or tackle box into the “box of the day”
- Place tiny gifts into the slots of an ice tray or egg carton
- Behind the little cardboard doors of a beer advent calendar are its own boozy treats
Grab a Premade Kit
For convenience, purchase an advent calendar kit. Most include a unique DIY decoration idea with all the craft supplies you’ll need.
From mini village houses to 3D paper trees, it’s a more hands-off approach for the not-so-crafty crowd. However, it still allows for ample personalization.
Employ a Printable Template
Instantly access beautifully designed, printable advent calendars online. Then simply print, cut, fold, fill, and enjoy!
Hunt down free printable templates for:
- Paper houses pop-up village
- Forest trees with daily gifts nestled underneath
- Sparkly garlands and 3D paper shapes
- Envelope banner advent calendars
This option lets kids help decorate while reducing prep work.
Final Touches
Once your homemade advent calendar is complete, add embellishments to complement your decor scheme.
Here are some easy touches of festive flair:
- Tie coordinating ribbons around containers
- Glitter names or numbers
- Attach faux greenery sprigs
- Sprinkle everything with fake snowflakes
- Drape string lights for a glow
When placed in a central location, your DIY advent calendar becomes a stunning Christmas decoration all on its own.
Enjoy Your Advent Calendar Tradition
As you open each tiny door or pouch leading up to the 25th, make the most of this opportunity for intentional togetherness as a family.
Let the anticipation build as you reflect on the meaning of Christmas and make priceless memories together.
Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to start brainstorming your own homemade advent calendar creations! With a dash of effort and holiday cheer, you’re sure to have something successful in no time.