How to Create a Memorable Advent Calendar

The anticipation of Christmas is half the fun of the holiday. The best way to track it? An advent calendar, of course. Not only do they help you count down the days, but they sometimes reward you with a sweet treat or small gift. Instead of buying the same, store-bought version you gravitate toward each season, try out one of these DIYs this year. You’ll be surprised at how creative you can get with them. Besides, they’ll make the fun holiday tradition even more special. Whether you want something totally kitschy or something a little more elevated, you’ll find it in this round-up of clever and festive DIY advent calendar ideas.

Get into the holiday spirit with this advent calendar filled with acts of kindness. Add anything from simple tasks like “Smile and say hello to someone” to bigger acts like “Volunteer.” Get the tutorial from Lovely Indeed.

Once you’ve finished your coffee, save the tins so you can use them to create this easy advent calendar. All you have to do is wrap them in paper, add numbers, stuff them with goodies, and stack them in a tree shape. Get the tutorial from Look What I Made.

Recreate this adorable advent calendar by Emily Henderson with miniature felt or knit stockings strung together for a bedroom garland. It’s the perfect way to jazz up a kid’s room for the holidays while also getting them excited for Christmas.

This take-out box advent calendar is mesmerizing to look at and it’s super easy to make. Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

Here’s another great DIY advent calendar brought to us by Sugar and Charm. You’ll just need some plywood, small tin cans, and a hot glue gun (and then goodies, of course).

This advent calendar is definitely the prettiest a bunch of paper bags ever could look. We love the color coordination and grid layout. Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.

Upgrade your advent calendar tradition with this DIY version from Sugar and Charm. The little wooden houses are surprisingly easy to make and they’re the perfect thing to line the mantle with.

urn your advent calendar into a game this year by creating a box with holes that you can punch into to discover the surprise inside. Get the tutorial from Studio DIY.