The holiday season will soon be upon us, which means it’s time to start preparing for the Christmas countdown! An advent calendar is a fun way to mark the days leading up to December 25th. But why spend money on a pre-made one when you can easily how to make your own advent calendar?
Customizing your own DIY advent calendar means you can fill it with personalized treats, tiny gifts, sweet notes or holiday activities for your family. And as a bonus, many homemade advent calendars double as festive Christmas decor too!
Over the years, I’ve seen people make advent calendars out of all sorts of things like paper or cardboard, felt, wood craft sticks, mason jars, and more. Heck, I’ve even seen someone make one out of toilet paper rolls! So don’t limit yourself here – use whatever materials speak to your creative spirit.
In this complete guide, as a professional custom advent calendar printing manufacturer, I’ll walk you through how to make your own advent calendar in 10 easy steps:
How to Make Your Own Advent Calendar
Step 1: Pick a Design
The first step is deciding on the overall design for your calendar. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Hanging calendar – Make little pouches or boxes and hang them in a line from ribbon or string. This takes up minimal space.
- Flat calendar – Craft a calendar that lies flat, like a garland, line of envelopes, or row of tiny shelves. Lean it against a wall or lay it on a table.
- 3D structure – Build a dimensional advent calendar out of boxes, containers or wood. Resemble the shape of a Christmas tree, house, sleigh – anything!
Browse Pinterest, Instagram or Etsy for advent calendar ideas until you find one that sparks inspiration. Part of the fun is putting your own creative spin on it!
Step 2: Make a Supply List
Once you’ve settled on a design, make a list of everything you’ll need to bring your advent calendar vision to life.
For a hanging calendar, you may need:
- Fabric or paper to make 24 pouches or boxes
- Twine, ribbon, string or clips for hanging
- Craft numbers, number stickers or fabric pens
- Scissors, hot glue gun, fabric glue, etc.
If building a wood calendar, supplies might include:
- Wooden crates, boxes or boards
- Hammer and nails
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Wood numbers or number stencils
You get the idea! Compile all tools and materials needed for whatever DIY advent style you chose. Get creative with things you already have at home too.
Step 3: Prep the Pieces
Now comes the fun part – crafting the actual advent calendar!
Start prepping individual components like boxes, pouches, shelves, etc. This will depend on your specific design but may involve steps like:
- Building or repurposing wood boxes and staining them
- Sewing fabric pouches and adding ribbon ties
- Folding origami paper boxes
- Decorating glass jars with craft paint
- Gluing together cardboard boxes
Work assembly-line style and prepare all pieces before putting them together as an advent calendar.
Step 4: Add the Numbers
Once the physical containers are ready, mark them with numbers 1 through 24.
There are lots of options here, like:
- Handwriting numbers with fabric pens
- Attaching number stickers
- Gluing on paper number cut-outs
- Stenciling numbers with craft paint
- Writing with a wood burning tool
Make it fun by using a different font, color or material for each number!
Step 5: Attach Containers
Now comes the construction phase. This will vary greatly depending on your advent calendar design, but it’s time to assemble all individual components into one cohesive calendar.
For a hanging advent, clinch metal rings around fabric pouches and link them together. Or tie ribbons through holes in paper boxes to display them in a row.
If building a wood calendar, attach shelving atop one another with wood glue and nails. Get creative with how you seamlessly incorporate all containers as a calendar.
Step 6: Add Embellishments
Once structurally intact, the fun continues with decorating and personalizing! Here are some ideas:
- Paint designs like snowflakes, trees or ornaments
- Glue on small Christmas-themed objects like pine cones or bells
- Tie ribbons through rings or around boxes
- Sprinkle advent with glitter, pom poms or faux snow
- Weave string lights throughout the calendar
Tailor decor to the recipients. For kids, use bright colors and tactile decorations. For adults, incorporate rose gold accents and natural elements.
Make it as festive as possible! This is about spreading the holiday spirit.
Step 7: Fill Containers
Now for the best part – filling each numbered compartment! There are lots of options:
For kids:
- Holiday candy and chocolates
- Mini holiday erasers and toys
- Stickers, temporary tattoos or color-in holiday postcards
- DIY craft kits to keep them occupied before Christmas
For adults:
- Travel-size treats like candles or soaps
- Gift cards to favorite shops and restaurants
- Mini wines or liquor bottles
- Lottery tickets or scratchers
- DIY gift voucher for something like a movie night or home-cooked dinner
Get creative and tailor to the recipient! Kids will love peeling back the calendar every morning in anticipation.
Step 8: Wrap with Care
If gifting your advent creation, take time making it look as beautiful as possible!
Some ideas:
- Wrap entire calendar in cellophane with ribbon
- Make a DIY advent box out of scrapbook paper to house the calendar
- Tie closed fabric calendar with a big velvet bow
- Attach calendar to inside lid of gift box or tin
Place tissue paper between compartments so nothing shifts around. The presentation should get them even more excited!
Step 9: Display the Magic
It’s time to unveil your DIY advent countdown in all its glory!
Think about placement in the home or office. It’s best displayed somewhere:
- Visible – Allow people to watch advent progress daily
- Central – High traffic area to excite anticipation
- Accessible – Easy for everyone to open doors or pouches
Other popular display spots:
- Hanging along staircase banister
- Draped from fireplace mantel
- Set atop console table or kitchen island
- Leaning against wall in entryway
Flaunt your beautiful advent calendar in a prime area for all to admire!
Step 10: Enjoy the Countdown!
You did it – built your very own custom advent calendar!
Now the real excitement begins…the countdown to Christmas!
On December 1st, let the eager gift-getter in your home open compartment #1. Continue opening the corresponding pouch or door every morning leading up to December 25th.
Capture reactions of kids delighted by candy surprises or adults touched from receiving a sentimental note.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Bond over the daily excitement and anticipation. ‘Tis the season for spreading holiday cheer with those you love most!