Making an advent calendar with doors is a fun way to count down to Christmas. As a professional advent calendar printing manufacturer, I love getting creative for the holidays. So in this post, I’ll walk you through different techniques for DIY advent calendars with doors that open.
Whether you use cardstock, wood, or even Cricut materials, you can create a beautiful calendar for your family. Check out the step-by-step instructions below on how to make an advent calendar with doors.
How to Make an Advent Calendar With Doors
Gather Your Materials
Before we dive in, let’s go over the supplies you’ll need:
- Cardstock or decorative paper
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Glue or tape
- Small treats, notes or gifts
- Markers, stickers or stamps for numbers
I’m using cardstock and a Cricut machine but feel free to substitute with items you already have at home. The key is finding thin, sturdy materials that will hold up as calendar doors.
Make the Door Slits
Now comes the fun part – time to create the doors! Using your ruler and craft knife, measure and cut horizontal slits into your cardstock.
- For smaller calendars, make the slits 1-1.5 inches tall.
- For larger calendars, try 2 inch slits.
Be sure to leave a bit of space between door slits. About 0.5 inches should work well.
Take your time and be careful during this step. Refer to the advent calendar templates below for guidance on placing uniform slits.
Add Numbers and Fill with Surprises
Almost done! The slits are cut, now let’s transform them into Advent calendar doors.
Start by numbering each slit 1 through 24. You can write numbers with markers, add number stickers or stamps. Get creative here!
Next, tuck a small surprise behind each door. It could be:
- Candy
- Tiny toys
- Gift cards
- Handwritten notes
Feel free to follow a theme or switch it up with a variety of treats.
Display Your Calendar
Now the advent calendar is ready to generate some holiday excitement!
Hang it prominently on a wall or prop it on a bookshelf. Wherever you display your calendar, make sure it’s easy for everyone to access each day.
Some options for displaying handmade advent calendars:
- Hang with ribbon
- Tape to wall
- Place on mantel or tabletop
- Slot into a poster frame
Pick a visible location and watch the anticipation build as December 25 draws closer!
Advent Calendar Variations
What I love about DIY advent calendars is you can customize to suit your style. Here are just a few examples to spark your creativity:
Wood Pallet Calendar
Make door slits by nailing trimmed pallet wood atop a substrate. Numbers can be burned or wood-branded onto each plank.
Gift Box Calendar
Use any assortment of boxes, crates or tins stacked into a pyramid. Lid flaps become the doors to open.
Paper Houses Calendar
Illustrate and cut out a holiday village paper scene. Back with cardstock and cut door and window slits.
See the endless possibilities? Now get creative with your own advent calendar designs!
FAQs
Still have some questions? Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:
How many doors should an advent calendar have?
Most calendars have 24 doors to represent each day leading up to Christmas Day. Some have 25 to include Christmas Day.
What size should the doors be?
Door sizes can vary, but they need to be large enough to put a small gift or treat behind. For reference, 1-2 inch doors work well.
What if my doors tear or get damaged?
No need to start over! Just tape new paper or cardstock behind the torn section. Then recut the slit.
Can I reuse an advent calendar?
Definitely! Just save any undamaged components to rebuild your calendar next holiday season.
Spread Some Holiday Cheer
The simple magic of advent calendars makes them a beloved family tradition. Now that you know how to make an advent calendar with doors, will you be crafting one this year?
Hopefully these step-by-step instructions give you the confidence to DIY. The anticipation leading up to Christmas Day is so much fun for little ones (and the young at heart!).
Here’s to spreading seasonal joy one calendar surprise at a time. Let me know how your advent calendar creations turn out in 2024!