The holiday season is upon us, and the pressure to create magical moments for our families can sometimes feel intense. One beloved tradition, the advent calendar, has been a staple in many families for generations. Parents everywhere, though, can relate to the way December 1 has a way of sneaking up, and catching us unprepared for that 24-day countdown to Christmas.
Moms on TikTok are saving the day by sharing clever, last-minute ideas for filling those calendar pockets or drawers, without breaking the bank.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
Small Treasures and Simple Pleasures
A major trend emerging from these videos is the focus on small, thoughtful gifts. Many moms are filling the 24 days with diminutive treasures that bring a daily dose of joy. Think of items like a fun new flavor of chapstick, a single piece of a favorite candy, or a bottle of festive nail polish for a holiday-themed manicure.
Other popular ideas include colorful socks, unique hair accessories, stickers, or a hot chocolate bomb. These small surprises are not only affordable, but also build excitement without creating an expectation for large presents every day. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with simple pleasures that kids genuinely love.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.
The Gift of Shared Experiences
Perhaps the most heartwarming advent calendar trend is the shift from physical items to shared experiences. Instead of a toy, a child might open a drawer or pocket to find a note revealing a special activity for the day. This approach transforms the calendar from a simple gift-giving exercise into a memory-making machine for the whole family.
Ideas for these activity-based surprises are endless. One day might be a coupon for a family movie night, complete with popcorn. Another could announce a drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. You could include tickets to a local production of “The Nutcracker,” a plan to bake and decorate cookies together, or a day dedicated to making a special craft. These experiences become cherished memories long after the holiday season ends.
The One Day at a Time Approach
The thought of coming up with 24 different gifts or activities all at once can feel overwhelming, especially during an already busy time of year. A helpful tip shared by many TikTok moms is to remember that you don’t have to have the entire calendar filled from day one. In fact, there’s a certain magic in filling it one day at a time.
Imagine your child going to bed with the next day’s pocket empty, only to wake up and find it miraculously filled with a treat or a note revealing the day’s adventure. This method not only reduces stress for parents but also adds an extra layer of wonder and surprise for the kids.
DIY Inspiration for Everyone
You don’t need an expensive, store-bought calendar to start this tradition. One TikTok creator, Katie, who posts under the handle @kisses.and.caffeine, shared a beautiful and simple DIY calendar she made from small paper bags. By adding a few creative touches, she transformed them into a charming gingerbread village. Her video was met with thousands of likes and delighted comments. “I just want someone to make ME one of these!!!” one user wrote.
@kisses.and.caffeine Advent calendars have gotten outrageous, right?? $20–$30 per kid… for tiny pieces of junk that disappear faster than my sanity on a Monday morning 😭 So this year I said nope. Not doing it. And instead… I made something cozy + magical that my kids will remember forever. 🥹 These little “gingerbread house” bags were SO easy — just brown paper bags, a white paint pen, and a little bit of mom creativity. Inside each one I tucked something special: some days candy, some days an activity, some days a tiny treat they’ll actually use (lip gloss for my girly girls 🫶). And the best part? It doubles as the cutest Christmas decor across our wall. Like… I wasn’t expecting it to turn out this pretty 😭 It saved us a ton of money, zero junk, totally personalized, and honestly? I think this is going to be one of those traditions my girls talk about when they’re grown. You could even add daily Bible readings to the bags! If you try it, tag me so I can see your little gingerbread village 🥹 Share with your crafty mama friends! . . . #christmasdecor #Christmas #fyp #momhack #mom ♬ original sound – Sun and Cheese
Katie’s project shows that with a little imagination, anyone can create something special. Whether you use paper bags, envelopes, or decorated boxes, the most important ingredient is the love you put into it. This holiday season, let these ideas inspire you to create a new tradition that focuses on connection, creativity, and the simple joys that make this time of year so special.
