Advent calendar inspiration for the DIY adventist. Ditch the store-bought and create your advent calendar this year.
Advent calendar inspiration
Every year, for as long as I can remember, December 1st has not only meant the day we get to put up the Christmas tree, but the day we get to open the first day of our advent calendar.
When we were little we used to get the regular chocolate ones (always Cadbury) then as I got more mature mine became Lindt.
The my Mum got really creative and started making them for us with the last few having a piece of puzzle for each day.
On Christmas Eve we get to put all the pieces together to reveal a present.
I stopped getting then a fear years back (once it became about the kids) but in November of the final year, Mum said to me ‘you sister doesn’t want an advent calendar this year because she forgets about it, do you still want one?’
I think I may have looked like I might cry because she just laughed at me and said she’d start brainstorming.
Yes I’m a child at heart.
For the last few years before we became parents I also made my husband an advent calendar.
Advent calendar inspiration
I love the idea of this twig tree with little numbered boxes hanging from the branches.
I’d probably want to hang the empty boxes up again so it didn’t look too sad by Christmas Eve.
There’s something so enchanting about these mini Christmas trees topping the little brown boxes filled with goodies.
Does anyone know where you can get the trees?
This genius advent calendar uses those magnetic spice tins.
The numbers are available as free printables on the original site.
Plus you can re-purpose the spice tins after Christmas.
This one makes me think of Dr Who but I also love the combo of red and white with the aqua blue.
It makes great decoration too.
I think this is a lovely idea for a family.
Each day has a Christmassy activity on it like baking cookies or checking out the Christmas lights.
I’d finish it with ‘open one present’ on Christmas Eve.
Now I’m not sure that I could wait 24 days for the Christmas tree to be totally decorated but the idea of hanging an ornament each day is pretty cute.
I love the rustic feel.
Brown paper packages hung up on string, could be filled with a few of your favourite things.
I love how simple this one is.
Finally, I’m a big fan of anything that involves re-using so this collection of painted jars caught my eye.
Of course you could paint them to suit your colour scheme then re-use the jars later as vases for Christmas day.
I’m really not sure if these helped me make a decision or just confused me even more but I certainly have a few ideas now.
What about you?
Do you do advent calendars?
Do you DIY or buy?
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Other Christmas gift giving ideas
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Claire Cameron
Nutrition and Wellness Coach, mum of 3 and creator of Claire K Creations, Claire Cameron is passionate about simplifying natural living for busy families.
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Hi Claire
I am new to your site and have been looking around, I love all things Christmas so have been scouring thru’ those pages, love them, thank you.
You’re welcome Di!
Love these ideas Claire. If you locate the supplier of those tiny fir trees please forward it on..
Nothing beats home made ideas …Thanks for all the inspiration…
I’ll let you know Kris!
I can’t believe your sister isn’t going to have an Advent Calendar! We have three here! I have one that reads like a book and everyday there’s a piece that goes into the manger and on the 24th, baby Jesus is put into the manger – it’s gorgeous. It’s a lovely little book to read to children – you might be able to still by a copy on-line; it’s by Priscilla Lamont. Then I have a Santa who hangs on the wall and he has pockets all over him. Each night I have to put a chocolate in the next day’s pocket and a little Santa moves along from pocket to pocket letting you know what day we’re up to. And then I go and buy one. Just one of those cardboard ones where you rip off a door each morning. It’s such an exciting way to start the day. Not long now until I get them out on display! xx
Me either Charlie! I also have one of the ones with the pockets. It used to have a little Santa that moved along but he disappeared so now it’s a star. Not long at all!
I love the jars idea! And if I get organised this week, I might just get onto making it to put on our mantel piece! Thanks for sharing.
It’s cute isn’t it? I seriously need to get my act together!
We have mini stockings. This year I’m going with the activity idea as well as chocolates. I’m planning to buy a new Christmas story each year to read on Christmas Eve and build up a little library to give to my kids. I love that you still want your Mum to make you an advent calendar – I think our Mum still hung stockings up for us until I had my own kids (then the grandkids became more important – watch out for that!)
Sounds perfect Jo and I love the story idea. I may have to steal that next year. Yes mum informed me that I probably won’t be getting a stocking next year :-(
I’ve never done the advent thing – even when I was at Catholic school as a kid. I have no idea why because I think it’s really clever. I can’t see one without thinking, “Claire would love that.” :)
I could imagine you getting into it Maureen. Maybe this year could kick it off?
Very imaginative and exciting. I never have done any of this. My parents were too busy working up till the last second before Christmas so I think its lucky we had Christmas at all. I love the ideas though. What about hobby co for those little Christmas trees?
They’re so cute aren’t they? Thanks for the tip I’ll check it out.
I don’t usually do an advent calendar, but whenever I see one I always think of you!!
Thanks, I’ve been Pinning advent ideas lately. Have got my kids the chocolate ones from Aldi *yawn* but would love something a little more imaginative. Might give the spice jars or the activity a day one a go.
P.S. We’ve already got our tree up!
Just 8 sleeps until our tree goes up Bec!