How to Make a DIY Advent Calendar for Kids
Make a reusable advent calendar from 24 small bags or boxes, number them, and fill with treats or tiny activities for a fun countdown to Christmas.
Ages5+Time1 hour
What You Need
A homemade advent calendar is 24 little pockets you fill and open one per day. Kids love decorating it and the countdown becomes a daily family habit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay out all 24 bags or boxes and number them 1 to 24 with stickers or a marker.
- Decorate each one with washi tape, stamps, or drawings.
- Write 24 ideas on slips of paper. Mix small treats with simple activities like “make cocoa” or “sing a carol.”
- Fill each bag with its treat or note and fold the top over.
- Stretch a length of twine across a wall or mantel.
- Clip each bag to the twine with a mini clothespin, in any order, to make finding numbers a game.
- Open one bag each morning or evening.
Tips for Little Hands
- Let younger kids sort and place the numbers.
- Keep treats small so bags stay light on the twine.
- Anchor the twine with strong hooks. Adults should hang it.
- Plan around your schedule: easy ideas for busy nights.
Make It Your Own
- Fill every bag with one puzzle piece to build a picture by Christmas.
- Add a kindness challenge, such as a note for a neighbor.
- Hang the bags on a branch in a vase instead of twine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start an advent calendar?
Most families open the first door on December 1 and finish on December 24. Set it up a few days before.
What can I put in an advent calendar besides candy?
Try activity cards, stickers, small toys, jokes, or notes such as a reminder to watch a holiday movie tonight.
How do I make an advent calendar reusable?
Use fabric pouches or sturdy boxes and refill them every year with fresh treats and notes.
