The countdown to Christmas is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and joy. An advent calendar is a wonderful way to mark the days leading up to the holiday, offering a small treat or activity each day. Rather than purchasing a pre-made calendar, why not create your own personalized version? Making an easy advent calendar is a fun and rewarding project that can be tailored to the recipient’s interests and preferences. This guide will walk you through various methods, from simple and budget-friendly options to slightly more elaborate and creative designs.
Choosing Your Advent Calendar Style
The first step is to decide on the style of advent calendar you want to create. Consider the recipient’s age, interests, and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. Several popular and easy-to-make styles exist, each offering its own unique charm.
Envelope Advent Calendar
This is perhaps the simplest and most budget-friendly option. It involves using envelopes to hold the daily treats or messages. You can use plain white envelopes or get creative with colorful paper and festive designs.
Bag Advent Calendar
Similar to the envelope calendar, this style utilizes small bags, which can be made of paper, fabric, or even burlap. Bags offer a slightly more substantial feel and can hold slightly larger items.
Box Advent Calendar
Using small boxes provides a sturdier and more visually appealing option. You can repurpose small cardboard boxes or purchase craft boxes specifically designed for advent calendars.
Hanging Advent Calendar
This involves hanging the envelopes, bags, or boxes from a string or garland. It adds a decorative element to your home and makes the advent calendar a focal point.
Repurposed Item Advent Calendar
Get creative and repurpose existing items into an advent calendar. Examples include using a muffin tin, a bookshelf, or even an old window frame.
Gathering Your Materials
Once you’ve chosen your style, it’s time to gather the necessary materials. The specific materials will depend on your chosen style, but here’s a general list:
- Envelopes, bags, or boxes: Choose the appropriate size and material based on your chosen style and the size of the treats you plan to include.
- Paper or cardstock: For decorating and creating tags or labels.
- String, twine, or ribbon: For hanging the calendar or attaching tags.
- Adhesive: Glue, tape, or a glue gun for assembling the calendar.
- Scissors or a craft knife: For cutting paper and other materials.
- Markers, pens, or paint: For decorating and numbering the calendar.
- Embellishments: Stickers, glitter, washi tape, or other decorative elements to add a personal touch.
- Treats or activities: Small candies, chocolates, toys, notes, or activity suggestions.
Assembling Your Advent Calendar
Now comes the fun part: putting your advent calendar together! Follow these steps to create your chosen style.
Preparing the Containers
Whether you’re using envelopes, bags, or boxes, the first step is to prepare them for decoration and filling.
- Envelopes: Decorate the envelopes with festive designs, numbers, or images. You can use markers, pens, paint, or stickers.
- Bags: Similarly, decorate the bags with festive designs. Fabric bags can be painted or embroidered.
- Boxes: Cover the boxes with decorative paper or paint them. Add numbers or designs to each box.
Numbering the Calendar
Each container needs to be numbered from 1 to 24, representing the days of December leading up to Christmas.
- Tags: Create small tags with the numbers and attach them to the containers.
- Directly on the container: Write or paint the numbers directly onto the envelopes, bags, or boxes.
- Stickers: Use number stickers to label each container.
Filling the Advent Calendar
This is where you personalize your advent calendar by adding the treats or activities.
- Treats: Choose small candies, chocolates, or other treats that fit inside the containers.
- Activities: Write down activity suggestions on small pieces of paper. These can include things like “Watch a Christmas movie,” “Read a Christmas story,” or “Bake Christmas cookies.”
- Small Toys: Small toys or trinkets can also be included, especially for children.
Assembling the Final Product
Once the containers are decorated, numbered, and filled, it’s time to assemble the final advent calendar.
- Hanging Calendar: Attach the envelopes, bags, or boxes to a string or garland using clothespins, ribbon, or adhesive. Hang the calendar in a prominent location.
- Standing Calendar: Arrange the boxes in a decorative display on a shelf or table.
- Envelope or Bag Calendar: Place the envelopes or bags in a basket or container for easy access.
Creative Ideas and Themes
To make your advent calendar even more special, consider incorporating creative ideas and themes.
Themed Treats
Choose treats that align with a specific theme, such as chocolate, candy canes, or homemade goodies.
Activity-Based Calendar
Focus on activities rather than treats. Include suggestions for family activities, acts of kindness, or creative projects.
Personalized Messages
Write personalized messages for each day, expressing your love and appreciation for the recipient.
Photo Advent Calendar
Include small photos or memories for each day, creating a sentimental and heartwarming calendar.
Color-Coded Calendar
Use different colors for the containers or decorations to create a visually appealing and organized calendar.
Tips for a Successful Advent Calendar
Here are some tips to ensure your DIY advent calendar is a success:
- Plan ahead: Start planning your advent calendar well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- Consider the recipient: Tailor the contents and design to the recipient’s interests and preferences.
- Use quality materials: Choose durable materials that will last throughout the advent season.
- Get creative with decorations: Add personal touches and embellishments to make the calendar unique.
- Involve others: Make it a family project and involve children in the creation process.
- Keep it a surprise: Keep the contents of the calendar a secret to maintain the element of surprise each day.
- Don’t overspend: Set a budget and stick to it. You can create a beautiful and meaningful advent calendar without breaking the bank.
- Have fun! Enjoy the process of creating your advent calendar and spreading holiday cheer.
Alternative Advent Calendar Ideas
If the above methods don’t quite fit your needs, here are a few more alternative advent calendar ideas:
Book Advent Calendar
Wrap 24 books (new or used) and number them. Unwrap one each day leading up to Christmas and enjoy reading it. This is a great option for families with children.
Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Instead of material items, each day features a suggestion for an act of kindness, such as donating to a charity, helping a neighbor, or writing a thank-you note. This calendar promotes generosity and compassion.
Final Thoughts
Creating an easy advent calendar is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. By following these steps and incorporating your own creative ideas, you can create a unique and meaningful advent calendar that will be cherished for years to come. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of spreading holiday cheer!
Here’s a simple comparison table to illustrate some options:
| Calendar Type | Difficulty Level | Cost | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envelope Advent Calendar | Easy | Low | Envelopes, paper, markers, adhesive |
| Bag Advent Calendar | Easy | Low to Medium | Bags (paper, fabric, burlap), markers, adhesive |
| Box Advent Calendar | Medium | Medium to High | Small boxes, decorative paper, markers, adhesive |
What materials do I need to make a simple advent calendar?
For a basic DIY advent calendar, you’ll need a few essential supplies. Start with a base – this could be a piece of sturdy cardboard, a branch, or even a pre-made blank calendar. Next, gather materials to create the 24 individual pockets or containers. Common choices include paper bags, small boxes, fabric pouches, or even socks. You’ll also need number labels (stickers, tags, or hand-drawn), and adhesive like glue or tape to attach everything to the base.
Beyond the basics, think about adding decorative elements to personalize your calendar. Consider using festive wrapping paper, ribbon, paint, markers, or embellishments like glitter, pom-poms, or mini ornaments. Having these supplies on hand will allow you to create a truly unique and visually appealing advent calendar that reflects your personal style.
What are some easy and inexpensive advent calendar filler ideas?
Finding affordable and delightful fillers for your advent calendar doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider small candies like chocolates, hard candies, or gum. Another option is mini toys, such as small figurines, bouncy balls, or puzzle pieces. Think about including small craft supplies like stickers, crayons, or erasers. These options are typically budget-friendly and widely available.
For a more personalized touch, try including handwritten notes with positive affirmations, Christmas jokes, or clues to a family activity. You could also add small practical items like hair ties, lip balm, or festive buttons. Focusing on thoughtfulness over extravagance will make your advent calendar even more meaningful and enjoyable.
How can I personalize my advent calendar to make it unique?
Personalizing your advent calendar is what truly makes it special. Consider the recipient’s hobbies and interests when choosing fillers and decorations. For a child, include small toys related to their favorite characters or activities. For an adult, incorporate items that cater to their passions, like tea samples for a tea lover or small art supplies for a creative individual.
Don’t underestimate the power of handmade touches. Create personalized number tags with unique designs or hand-write messages for each day. Incorporate family photos or inside jokes to make the calendar feel extra sentimental. By tailoring the content and design to the recipient’s personality, you’ll create an advent calendar that is truly one-of-a-kind.
How long does it typically take to make a DIY advent calendar?
The time it takes to create a DIY advent calendar varies depending on the complexity of the design. A simple advent calendar using paper bags or pre-made boxes can be assembled in just a few hours, especially if you have all the materials ready. More elaborate designs, such as those involving sewing or intricate crafting, will naturally take longer.
Plan your project accordingly. Consider breaking down the task into smaller steps over a few days or weeks. For example, gather materials one day, assemble the pockets the next, and add decorations on another. This will make the process more manageable and enjoyable, preventing you from feeling overwhelmed by the task.
What are some alternative base ideas for an advent calendar besides cardboard?
While cardboard is a common choice for an advent calendar base, there are numerous creative alternatives to explore. A bare tree branch secured in a vase can provide a rustic and natural look. You can hang individual pouches or ornaments from the branches to create a visually appealing display. Another option is to use a repurposed picture frame with wire or string stretched across it.
Fabric can also be used. A piece of felt or burlap can be hung as a backdrop, and pockets can be sewn or glued onto it. Consider using a ladder to hang the pockets from, creating a visually interesting display. These alternative base ideas offer a chance to create a unique and eye-catching advent calendar that stands out.
How can I make my DIY advent calendar reusable for next year?
Making your DIY advent calendar reusable is a great way to save time and resources in the long run. Choose durable materials like fabric pouches, small wooden boxes, or sturdy metal containers. Avoid using single-use materials like paper bags that may tear easily. Securely attach the pockets or containers to the base so they can withstand repeated use.
Consider using fasteners like clothespins or ribbon ties instead of glue, allowing you to easily remove and replace the fillers each year. Store the calendar carefully in a protected location to prevent damage. Investing in quality materials and thoughtful construction will ensure that your advent calendar can be enjoyed for many years to come.
What are some safety precautions to consider when making an advent calendar, especially for children?
Safety is paramount when creating an advent calendar, especially if it’s intended for children. Avoid using small parts that could pose a choking hazard, such as small beads, buttons, or tiny candies. Ensure that any adhesives used are non-toxic and child-safe. If using paint or other crafting materials, opt for water-based and washable options.
Be mindful of sharp objects like scissors or knives during the crafting process and supervise children closely if they are involved in the creation. Securely attach all elements of the advent calendar to prevent them from falling and causing injury. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your DIY advent calendar is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.