An Advent calendar has a way of turning December into pure magic. Each little surprise adds a spark of excitement to even the busiest mornings. For kids, it’s like a daily dose of holiday wonder; for adults, it’s a fun way to sprinkle a little extra festive charm around the house.
It’s a pure joy making your own calendar. It’s not just about the result—it’s the glitter-covered chaos, the giggles when someone tries to sneak a peek, and the joy of creating something unique.
So, if you’re on the hunt for ideas, we’ve got you covered with 14 adorable DIY Advent calendar projects your kids will absolutely love.
1. Painted Paper Roll Advent Calendar
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This one’s a classic and a great first DIY project: flatten 24 toilet-paper/cardboard rolls into pillow-box shapes, decorate them with festive drawings (penguins, candy canes, trees, or whatever your kids love), number them 1–24, then glue them onto a big piece of cardboard (you can round the top for a nice finish).
Kids get excited by the bright artwork and the sense of expectation; each morning is a surprise waiting behind a cute little box. Use non-toxic acrylic paints, especially if younger kids are helping. And make sure the boxes are securely glued so they don’t fall when you hang up the calendar.
2. Rustic Branch Gift-Wrapped Calendar
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Here, you hang small wrapped packages from a branch, which gives a rustic, natural, and charming vibe. Wrap 24 small treats or trinkets in brown paper or metallic wrap, tie with jute or ribbon, add numbered tags, then hang them from a sturdy branch fixed to a wall.
The natural materials are perfect if you like a more subdued, homey holiday look. And kids tend to love the “treasure-hanging” feel of pulling down a tiny package each day.
3. Boho Hoop Envelope Calendar
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This one is like a wreath meets an advent calendar. All you have to do is wrap a large hoop (metal or wooden) in chunky yarn or macrame cord, tie 24 small envelopes or pillow-boxes to the hoop with ribbon, and add faux greenery or woven stars, and you’ve got a calendar that doubles as wall decor.
It’s decorative year after year, plus the hanging feel makes it look more like art, which kids love, and so will your home decor-loving self. It’s simple, elegant, and feels a little magical every morning.
4. Glam Pink & Gold Countdown Wall
For a bit of sparkle, use white paper bags or envelopes, decorate them with gold star stickers/glitter / metallic ribbon, number them from 1 to 24, and hang them in even rows on a string with mini clothespins. Weave fairy lights through for extra glow, which will be perfect for a festive wall display.
Kids often love shiny, colorful things, and this one feels like a party on the wall. It’s also easy to fill with small treats or even little notes, and double as decor for the whole holiday season. But if you are using glitter, go easy or use glitter-tape or glitter stickers so you don’t end up with glitter everywhere.
5. Over-the-Door Pocket Calendar
Use a clear or fabric over-the-door shoe organizer or hanging pocket organizer. Fill 24 of the pockets with small treats (candies, little toys, notes), label each pocket with a number, and decorate with garland or tinsel for a festive touch.
It’s super practical and has no wall hooks, no large setup needed. Great for smaller spaces or rooms with limited wall space. Especially handy if you have multiple children and want each pocket accessible. After the season, you can empty and store it for reuse next year.
6. Minimalist Monochrome Village Calendar
Using a fabric hanging organizer with 24 pockets (or sewing one yourself), draw or paint simple monochrome house shapes (roofs, windows, doors) on each pocket. Label them 1–24. Drop in a treat, note, or small surprise per pocket and display like a little Scandinavian village on your wall.
The design is modern and minimal, so it blends with a lot of home décor styles. Kids still get the fun of a surprise each day, but it doesn’t clash with more grown-up spaces in the house. Use fabric paint or permanent markers that don’t fade. If you’re storing it after the holidays, keep it flat or hang it to avoid creases and make it ready for next year.
7. Botanical Triangle Calendar
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Cut 24 pieces of cardstock into matching triangles, fold them into small pyramid-style boxes, punch a hole at the top, tie twine, decorate with pressed florals or small sprigs of faux foliage, number them 1–24, and hang them from a branch or string cluster.
It’s a bit different, geometric, delicate, and ideal for families who appreciate a more natural, handmade vibe. Kids enjoy the “forest-fairy” look, and it doubles as holiday décor. You can also spray the finished calendar with a clear acrylic spray (non-toxic) to give it extra durability.
8. Burlap Mitten Garland Calendar
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Cut out 24 mini mitten shapes from burlap fabric or buy small burlap mittens, glue the edges to create little pockets, decorate them with felt snowflakes or ribbon bows, number them, then clip them onto twine or string and drape across your mantel or wall.
It’s cozy and rustic, and feels like the kind of decoration that belongs in a family fireplace setting, very warm and homey. For kids, opening a mitten each day feels like discovering a tiny secret. Choose sturdy fabric so the mittens don’t tear when removing goodies. Store them carefully after the holidays, fold with tissue paper inside each pocket to keep their shape.
9. Kraft Star Hanging Calendar
Cut 24 star shapes from kraft cardstock about 5 inches across, glue two together to form little pockets for treats or notes, number them, punch a hole, tie baker’s twine, and hang from a branch or wall in a random, whimsical pattern.
The stars look magical — like a little sky-full of surprises. For kids, the stars make the countdown feel whimsical and special; for home décor, it’s a soft, natural look that works with many design styles.
10. Village-Style Envelope or Hanging Calendar
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Use kraft paper or brown craft paper to cut out little house shapes or envelopes, decorate them (white paint to mimic frosting, windows, doors), number them, then hang or clip them along a string or a branch, creating a charming “Christmas village” feel.
It feels storybook-like, especially if you add a bit of decoration (like tiny “trees” with old bottle-brush Christmas trees, or tinsel snow). Perfect for kids who love imaginative play and holiday storytelling.
11. Sparkle Drawer Advent Box Calendar
Build a small multi-drawer box (with 24 drawers), decorate it and paint pastel or festive colors, add glitter or glitter-cardstock fronts, label each drawer 1–24, then fill each with small treats, charms, notes, or gifts.
It feels like opening a little treasure chest every day — super satisfying for kids and grown-ups alike. And since it’s a solid box, you can store it and reuse it for years to come. Use non-toxic glue/paints if letting kids help. If the drawers are small, avoid heavy gifts — stick to small toys, notes, candies, or little keepsakes.
12. Modern Painted House Shelf Calendar
Cut 24 cardboard boxes into “house” shapes (varied heights for a cute village on a shelf), paint them in fun holiday-ish colors (stripes, dots, grids), add numbered stickers, and fill with little surprises hidden inside or under each “house.
It doubles as holiday decor on a shelf or mantel all December long. Kids enjoy lifting off the tops or peeking inside, and it gives the whole home a festive vibe.
13. Gingerbread Cottage Bag Calendar
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Take 24 kraft paper gift bags, decorate them with house-like façades (white paint for “frosting” windows/roofs), fold the tops, tie with twine or ribbon, optionally tuck a small pine or rosemary sprig, number them, and hang them up with hooks or clips.
The cottage-bag look is cozy and festive, like a little holiday village growing on your wall. Kids enjoy the bag-opening surprise each day, and the simple materials make this a budget-friendly option.
14. Matchbox Drawer Calendar
Get a set of small matchboxes (or tiny gift boxes), paint or decorate them, number each from 1–24 (or 25), then stack and glue them together securely so they form a mini-drawer set. Fill each drawer with tiny surprises, small toys, candies, and notes.
It becomes a little keepsake box long after the holidays. Kids find opening drawers more “mystery-box” exciting than just unwrapping a bag or envelope. For sturdiness, choose matchboxes made of thicker cardboard, or reinforce the glued structure so drawers don’t fall apart when pulled.
Wrap Up the Countdown with Creativity
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If you give these calendars a try, pick one that fits your home vibe and how involved you want the kids to be. Whether it’s a quick up-cycle project with toilet rolls or a weekend crafting session building a little cardboard village.
Once you make your calendar, spend a little time planning what goes inside: small toys, handmade coupons (movie night, hot chocolate, garden time), notes, chocolate, or little crafts — mixing treats with memories makes the countdown extra special.