During the contemplative Advent season, young and old alike look forward to the daily surprises that an Advent calendar has in store. The custom of counting the days until Christmas with small gifts or treats has a long tradition that goes back to the 19th century. Originally created in Germany, Advent calendars are now popular in many countries and have taken on numerous shapes and designs.
materials for the Advent calendar
But nothing is nicer than making your own Advent calendar and giving it a personal touch. By making it, you can not only be creative, but also actively shape the anticipation of Christmas. A homemade calendar shows the recipient how much effort and passion you put into the preparations.
Before you start making your Advent calendar, it is important to gather the right materials. The basic materials include cardboard or thick paper for the basic structure, scraps of fabric or wrapping paper for decoration, as well as scissors and craft glue. Colored pencils or watercolors will help you personalize the calendar, while string or ribbon are useful for hanging it up.
It is advisable to use eco-friendly or recyclable materials to not only be creative but also contribute to sustainability. Old newspapers, cardboard tubes or even empty gift wrapping can provide a good base and make your craft project even more unique.
Ideas for Advent Calendar Designs
The design options for your Advent calendar are almost unlimited. A classic cardboard calendar is always a good choice: cut 24 small doors into sturdy cardboard and decorate them as you wish. Alternatively, you can sew or make small bags or sacks and hang them with a string on a branch or decorative line. Surprise boxes are another creative option where you create 24 small boxes that you can paint colorfully or cover with wrapping paper. Make sure to choose colors and patterns that you like and add personal elements such as photos or small drawings. This turns the Advent calendar into a unique work of art that brings joy and makes you smile.
Step-by-step instructions
Let's make a classic cardboard Advent calendar step by step. First, you need a large piece of cardboard that you cut to the desired size. Next, you cut 24 small windows or doors into the cardboard that can be easily opened later.
Now you can start decorating: paint the cardboard in festive colors or cover it with pretty wrapping paper. It's a good idea to give each door its own number to increase the anticipation of each day. Once everything is decorated, you can put the little gifts and surprises inside and either set up or hang up your Advent calendar.
fillings for the calendar
The fillings for your Advent calendar are what make the project really exciting. You can fill it with various small gifts such as sweets, toys or decorations. Homemade items such as cookies or small vouchers for shared activities are also great. Another creative idea is to hide small notes with personal messages or memories - this creates a special connection and joy. Remember to choose varied fillings that will delight the person receiving the gift. This way, every day becomes a little surprise that makes the wait for Christmas even more beautiful.
Special themed Advent calendars
If you want to make making an Advent calendar more attractive for a specific target group, themed calendars are a great idea. For children, for example, you can fill a calendar with small toys or craft materials to stimulate their creative spirit. For couples, romantic surprises or vouchers for shared experiences are great.
You can also create a DIY projects calendar, where each day presents a new craft idea that you can do together. These special calendars not only encourage the anticipation of Christmas, but also togetherness. When you work on an Advent calendar together with friends or family, you create precious memories and experience the anticipation of Christmas in a whole new way.
Creative Filling Ideas for Advent Calendars
For children (ages 3-12 years)
- mini-toys: Small figures or cars that stimulate the imagination and invite you to playful adventures.
- Sticker sheet: Colorful stickers with different motifs that will delight children.
- stencils: Templates for creative painting projects that promote artistic talent.
- Sweets: Small chocolates or lollipops for a sweet surprise.
- colored pencils: A new color or a fun pen to paint creative pictures.
- Craft material: Glitter, pompoms or googly eyes for a variety of craft projects.
- puzzle cards: Small puzzles that you can put together alone or with friends.
- children's puzzles: Funny puzzles or puzzle books that provide daily fun.
- origami instructions: With colorful paper for easy and creative folding.
- mini-stories: A short book or ongoing story that arouses curiosity.
- Bath book: A waterproof book for the bathtub to make bathing more exciting.
- Small modeling clay: A portion of modeling clay in different colors that invites you to shape and design.
- Lanyard: A fun ribbon for school cards or keys that brings fun.
- Glittering bangles: Homemade bracelets for friends and family.
- mini board game: A simple travel-sized board game, ideal for on the go.
- trading cards: Cards featuring popular movie characters or animals that encourage collecting.
- Flashcards: Cards on topics such as animals or the alphabet for playful learning.
- Picture book: An entertaining picture book for a cozy reading hour.
- Light toys: Small LED flashlights for playing or for nighttime adventures.
- Christmas stamps: Stamps with festive motifs for creative craft and painting projects.
- Mini figures: Popular movie characters or animals that inspire play.
- Handwarmers: A small cloth bag that can be heated in the microwave to keep your hands warm.
- Transparent painting foil: For coloring with window painters and for creative wall designs.
- Christmas craft set: Materials to make a unique Christmas card.
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For mothers or partners
- Relaxation bath: Bath additive or bath salt for a soothing break.
- teas: A selection of aromatic tea bags for cozy moments.
- wellness voucher: For a massage or facial to pamper yourself.
- Hand lotion: Care products for the hands, especially in the cold season.
- Advent calendar voucher: A voucher for a day without household chores to relax.
- Chocolate: A special praline or exotic type of chocolate for a sweet treat.
- Notebook: A stylish book for your thoughts or to-do lists.
- candle: Scented candles for relaxing evenings and a cozy atmosphere.
- Kitchen utensil: Useful and stylish kitchen helpers that make cooking easier.
- cookbook: A small book full of simple and tasty recipes.
- Family photo: A framed picture or photo collage with special memories.
- vouchers for time off: A voucher for a free weekend or an evening for yourself.
- bakeware: Silicone molds for muffins or cookies that make baking easier.
- Bookmarks: Attractively designed bookmarks for your favorite books.
- hairband or clip: Stylish accessories to spice up your hairstyles.
- notes with compliments: Handwritten notes with loving messages that brighten the day.
- mini planner: A nice planner for your important appointments.
- coffee bags: A special filter coffee for cozy hours.
- flower seeds: For growing pretty flowers next year.
- shopping list block: A practical notebook for your shopping needs.
- Piece of jewelry: A small pendant or ring that enhances your beauty.
- voucher for a family trip: For example, for a visit to the zoo or museum.
- cozy socks or slippers: For cozy, warm feet.
- DIY kit: Materials for a fun little craft project.
For fathers or partners
- mini barbecue spices: A selection of small spice samples for your next barbecue.
- liquor or mini beer bottles: Exotic varieties for a taste journey of discovery.
- Puzzles: An exciting puzzle that you can put together together.
- cards for a board game: With a new game for entertaining evenings.
- vouchers for cooking: An evening where you cook for him to enjoy time together.
- Funny coffee mug: With a humorous saying that brightens up the day.
- Compliments in note form: Notes with loving messages or memories of special experiences.
- film tickets: For a shared movie night in the cinema or at home.
- Keychain: A personal keychain that has a special meaning.
- mini tool: Practical tool for DIY projects or small repairs around the home.
- liquor cards: Interesting facts or funny sayings about your favorite schnapps.
- relaxation voucher: A voucher for a relaxing evening at home.
- Joint activity: A voucher for a walk or an excursion together.
- Handwritten notes: With motivational messages that will brighten his day.
- type of coffee or tea: His favorite brand in a practical mini selection.
- pin or button: With a funny or personal saying for your everyday life.
- accessories for the car: A small air freshener or practical gadgets for your vehicle.
- photo album: A small album with your shared memories.
- Funny Magnet: A humorous fridge magnet that will make you smile.
- puzzle pieces: A puzzle where he can add a new piece every day.
- voucher for a game night: An evening together with your favorite games.
- Fashionable accessories: A small scarf or a fashionable tie.
- notebook for ideas: A beautiful notebook for your creative thoughts.
- Sports accessories: Small fitness accessories to stay fit and encourage sports activities.
These creative filling ideas are designed to convey joy and surprise and to enrich the wait for Christmas with small, thoughtful gifts.
Making your own Advent calendar not only offers the opportunity to be creative, but also has a variety of emotional and traditional benefits. Through your individuality, you create a very personal calendar that shows your affection and effort. Continuing the tradition of the Advent calendar every year strengthens the bonds with loved ones and enriches the pre-Christmas period. With each door that is opened, you experience the joy and anticipation together, which makes the holiday season even more magical. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy making and designing your very own Advent calendar.
Oh yes, tips for the presentation
To make the most of your Advent calendar, think about where it would be best placed. Put it in a festively decorated corner of your living room or hang it up in the kitchen - this way you can make your progress visible every day.
Subdued fairy lights or branches with Christmas decorations can create an inviting atmosphere that makes the wait for Christmas even more exciting. You could also create a small corner with other Christmas elements, such as candles or a nativity scene, to underline the festive mood. Christmas is a time of sharing and joy - so the Advent calendar not only becomes a personal highlight, but also an eye-catcher in your home, bringing the magic of the pre-Christmas period closer to everyone.