Crafts & DIY

Christmas Advent Calendars Crafts

Count down to Christmas with a handmade advent calendar.

Projects: 2
Core materials: 8
Pro tips: 4

An advent calendar turns the wait for Christmas into an experience, not just a countdown. Handmade calendars let you customize the surprises inside — chocolate, activities, love notes, small toys, or any combination that fits your family. Building the calendar itself is a pre-season tradition that builds anticipation for the anticipation.

Handmade advent calendar with numbered pockets and decorations

Tips for Advent Calendars Success

Plan Your Fillings First

Decide what goes inside before building. The pocket size depends on the contents.

Mix It Up

Combine small treats with experiences: "Movie night!" or "You pick dinner" adds variety.

Make It Reusable

Build a sturdy calendar you can refill annually. It becomes a family heirloom.

Include Activities

Some days could hold instructions for baking cookies, writing letters to Santa, or driving to see Christmas lights.

Common Materials You'll Need

✓ Small envelopes or cloth bags
✓ Clothespins and twine
✓ Small boxes or containers
✓ Number stickers or stamps
✓ Treats and small surprises to fill
✓ Ribbon for hanging
✓ Cardboard or wood for backing
✓ Fabric if sewing pockets

Advent Calendars Projects

Small numbered envelopes clipped to twine as a hanging Advent calendar

easy 1-2 hours Ages: 5+

Envelope Advent Calendar Garland

Turn 24 small envelopes into a hanging Advent calendar that costs a few dollars, stores flat, and holds anything from candy to handwritten activity cards. A one-evening project that becomes a yearly tradition.

Small decorated boxes stacked into a numbered Christmas countdown calendar

medium 3-4 hours (plus drying time) Ages: 8+

Matchbox Advent Calendar

Twenty-four tiny matchbox drawers stacked into a keepsake Advent calendar. It looks far more expensive than it is, holds real treats, and lasts for years with basic care.

Why Make Your Own Advent Calendars?

Handmade advent calendars can contain whatever YOUR family loves — not whatever a company decided to put inside. You control portion sizes, allergy concerns, and budget. And the calendar itself can be an annual tradition, refilled each year with new surprises.

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