DIY and Easy Advent Calendars

The countdown to Christmas is one of the best parts of the holiday season, and Advent calendars make it even more magical. Whether you love crafting from scratch or prefer something simple you can assemble in an afternoon, there’s a DIY Advent calendar out there for you. These creative calendars aren’t just a way to mark the days—they become cherished family traditions filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes a little chocolate. From paper villages to hanging buckets and modern wood designs, these ideas will inspire you to create something beautiful for your home.

Advent calendars are as versatile as they are festive. You can fill them with candy, tiny toys, acts of kindness, or meaningful notes. Use neutral tones for a minimalist vibe or go bold with red and green for a classic Christmas look. Handmade calendars add a personal touch that store-bought versions can’t match, and the process of creating them can be just as fun as counting down the days. For those who want an easy start, grab printable tags, numbers, and filler ideas from the MD Printables Shop to help organize your design and keep everything cohesive.

When it comes to decorating your Advent setup, think beyond the typical calendar. String lights, small ornaments, or mini envelopes can become part of the countdown display. Use baskets, jars, or even wooden boxes—whatever fits your space and style. The key is to make it feel personal and special. These DIY Advent calendar ideas will spark your creativity and help you make this Christmas season your most memorable yet.

Looking for a unique Advent Calendar to Buy?

☑️ These options from Meri Meri are perfect for any holiday setting!

If crafting isn’t your style or you simply don’t have the time this year, pre-made Advent calendars are a fantastic choice. Meri Meri’s designs combine whimsy and elegance with themes like nutcrackers, enchanted forests, and snowy villages. Each piece feels like a keepsake, and they add instant holiday magic to any room. You can fill them with your own treats or use the pre-included surprises for a stress-free countdown. They’re perfect for busy parents who still want something stylish and festive on display. Pair them with coordinating printable tags or labels from MD Printables to personalize your setup.

DIY Advent Calendars

There’s something extra special about making your own Advent calendar. DIY versions let you match your décor, add personal touches, and get the whole family involved in the creative process. Whether you’re sewing, painting, or gluing paper together, it’s all part of the fun. These handmade calendars turn the countdown into an event and create lasting memories every December. Here are some beautiful DIY Advent calendars that are as functional as they are festive.

String Lights Advent Calendar from The House That Lars Built

This project combines twinkle lights with numbered envelopes or tags, creating a soft, glowing display. Each light corresponds to a day, and you can clip small notes or treats to the string. It’s minimal, magical, and perfect for small spaces. Hang it above a mantle or across a window for a warm, modern look that doubles as holiday décor.

DIY Bucket Calendar from Angie’s Roost

Use tiny metal pails or buckets to hold daily surprises. Hang them on a wooden board, branch, or along a garland. Label each with printable numbers and fill them with candy or trinkets. The rustic charm of galvanized buckets fits beautifully with farmhouse or cozy cabin Christmas themes.

Christmas Village Advent Calendar from Bird’s Party

This one is a showstopper! Paper houses line up like a winter village, each hiding a small surprise inside. Arrange them on a shelf or mantle and add a bit of faux snow for a picture-perfect setup. The combination of paper craft and miniature detail makes this a fun family project that feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.

Wooden Advent Calendar from Let’s Make Stuff

A wooden box calendar is sturdy, reusable, and elegant. Paint or stain the boxes to match your home décor, then stencil or attach printed numbers. Fill each drawer with treats, ornaments, or notes of encouragement. It’s an heirloom-worthy project that looks stunning year after year.

DIY Advent Box Calendar from Made With Happy

This design uses small cardboard boxes or gift boxes arranged in rows. Each one can be wrapped in festive paper and tied with ribbon for a polished finish. The boxes stack neatly or can be glued together to form a tree shape. Simple, affordable, and beautiful—this DIY idea is perfect for creative kids and families.

Paper City Advent Calendar from Mr. Printables

This printable calendar is whimsical and imaginative. Cut and fold a series of paper buildings to create a mini cityscape where each building hides a surprise. It’s ideal for craft lovers and great for kids who enjoy cutting and decorating. Display the finished city on a shelf or along a windowsill for a playful holiday scene.

Easy Advent Calendars

If you’re short on time but still want something handmade and heartfelt, these easy Advent calendars are for you. They use simple materials like paper bags, balloons, or boxes and come together quickly while still looking festive and intentional. You don’t need to be a crafter to pull these off—just a little creativity and a few fun ideas.

Toddler Advent Calendar Ideas from New Darlings

Create a calendar full of toddler-friendly surprises like stickers, books, or small toys. Use felt pockets or little boxes and keep the activities age-appropriate—think “read a book,” “build a snowman,” or “sing a Christmas song.” It’s a fun way to celebrate each day while keeping the excitement simple and sweet.

Take Out Box Advent Calendar from Studio DIY

This clever idea uses colorful takeout boxes numbered with printable labels. Stack them in a pyramid or line them on a shelf for a bright, modern look. Each box can hold candy, crafts, or tiny surprises. It’s a great option if you want something reusable and customizable for different themes each year.

Nutcracker Advent Calendar from Meri Meri

This pre-made design features a traditional nutcracker shape with drawers or pockets for each day. Fill it with sweets or small trinkets. The Nutcracker theme adds instant Christmas elegance and coordinates perfectly with classic red and gold holiday décor.

Balloon Advent Calendar from Look What I Made
A colorful twist on the countdown—fill balloons with small notes or candy and number each one. Pop a balloon every day to reveal your surprise! It’s cheerful, easy to assemble, and a total hit with kids. Use red, green, or gold balloons for an instant party atmosphere.

Party Cup Advent Calendar from Pretty Little Party Shop

This easy DIY uses disposable paper cups turned upside down and numbered. Hide small items underneath and glue tissue paper across the top so kids can punch through each day. It’s budget-friendly, fun to make, and feels like a mini celebration every morning.

Advent Calendar from Design Mom

A clean, minimalist design that fits beautifully into modern homes. Using simple envelopes and printable labels, you can hang this calendar across a wall or fireplace mantel. The understated design keeps things elegant while the daily surprises add all the excitement you need.

Paper Bag Advent Calendar from Tell Love and Party

This one is perfect for last-minute planners! Decorate plain paper bags with numbers, washi tape, or ribbon, and hang them on a string with clothespins. Each bag can hold treats or activity cards. It’s simple, charming, and works for every décor style from rustic to modern.

Tools to help build an Advent Calendar

If you’re building your own Advent calendar, a few handy tools and pre-made pieces can make the process easier and more polished. These supplies add structure and durability so your finished project looks professional while keeping that handmade charm. From wooden houses to display hangers, these items take your DIY from good to gorgeous.

Canvas Hanger from The Cotton Lane

A simple and stylish way to hang envelopes, tags, or pouches for your Advent calendar. The wooden bar and neutral fabric complement any design.

Wooden House Advent Calendar from Funny Puzzle

An unfinished wood design that’s ready to paint, stain, or decorate. It features drawers for each day and can be reused every holiday season.

Advent Shower Steamers from Relax Away Essentials

Add a touch of luxury to your calendar with scented shower steamers. These fit perfectly into small boxes or drawers for an adult-friendly twist.

Wooden Advent Calendar for Kids from Busy Puzzle

A charming wooden calendar made for little hands, featuring engraved numbers and simple drawers for small treasures. Durable, playful, and keepsake-worthy.

Party Tableware

The easiest way to serve all the glorious party treats you make and buy is with some themed party ware. This is budget friendly and keeps the design flowing through every part of your party. Definitely a must buy! You can find holiday-themed plates, napkins, and serving trays in the MD Printables Shop or browse more ideas in Holiday Parties for ways to tie your Advent celebration into your holiday décor. Coordinating tableware makes snack time sparkle and keeps your setup cohesive without extra effort.

Grab some adorable party decorations from Meri Meri to get your party planning started!

Conclusion for DIY and Easy Advent Calendars

Whether you’re crafting from scratch or setting up something simple, an Advent calendar is a beautiful way to build excitement for Christmas. These DIY and easy Advent calendar ideas show that you don’t need elaborate materials or endless time to make something special. A few creative supplies, a good printable pack, and your imagination are all it takes. The best part is how these calendars become traditions—something your kids will look forward to every December.

Get started with the Advent Calendar Printable Collection from MD Printables, which includes number tags, countdown labels, and filler ideas that coordinate with any theme. Combine it with some of the fun DIYs above for a personalized look that feels uniquely yours. Whether you hang envelopes on a wall, build a wooden house display, or simply wrap small gifts in paper bags, the joy is in the anticipation and creativity.

If you loved these projects, check out more festive inspiration on Free Christmas Party Printables and DIY Holiday Craft Station. No matter how you count down the days, may your December be full of laughter, lights, and lots of hot cocoa!

If you love these ideas, please pin this image to your DIY Advent Calendars Pinterest Board: