Handmade Advent calendar ideas: stylish ways to decorate
In December, there’s the Advent calendar that lets you count the days until Christmas.
You open one box or paper bag each day and enjoy the countdown to Christmas.
You can buy ready-made ones, but many people might prefer to make their own if they’re going to the trouble, right?
In this article, we’ll show you how to make Advent calendars using a variety of materials, as well as how to display them.
Using supplies from 100-yen shops, you can easily create one by hand—so give it a try!
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Ideas for how to make it (11–20)
An advent calendar for enjoying pictures
It’s a stylish advent calendar that lets you count down the days to Christmas while enjoying artwork.
It’s made of two overlapping sheets of paper; the top layer has slits so that windows with dates can be opened.
When you open a window, an illustration with a Christmas vibe appears.
Because the action of opening the windows is key, shaping the whole piece like a house will help convey the concept.
It’s also important to consider what to do for the window on Christmas Day—making it a large window with a striking illustration could be a fun idea.
Advent calendar made from 100-yen store Petit Blocks
@erikahome8 An advent calendar made with DAISO Petit Blocks 🎄💓 Perfect for my daughter who loves building ♡ I made it inspired by a post from @Suu 🐒 Home Play/Early Learning/Montessori ☺️🎄💓Advent calendar
3:03 PM – Sharou
When it comes to advent calendars, it’s standard to have a little cute treat each day, but how about making it mini-sized building blocks instead? Using 100-yen store mini blocks is an easy option, but be sure to choose a set appropriate for the child’s age! First, separate the blocks needed for each step of the build, and put them into small zippered storage bags.
If possible, copy the instruction sheet, cut it into steps, and include the relevant part with each bag—this will enhance the excitement of “I wonder what it will be?” On the final day, you could make it special by adding a message card and having them search for a treasure filled with sweets!
Advent calendar made from toilet paper rolls
This is a tree-shaped advent calendar made from toilet paper rolls.
First, prepare 12 toilet paper rolls and cut each one in half to make 24.
Next, cut Christmas-patterned paper napkins to a size that can cover the round opening of a roll, and attach them with glue.
For two of the rolls, use brown origami paper, and for one, use gold origami paper.
Gather the rolls into a tree shape using double-sided tape or similar, and fill the inside of each roll with candy.
Use green construction paper reinforced with duct tape as the base, and attach the tree-shaped arrangement of rolls to it.
Finally, put a round sticker on each roll and write the numbers 1 through 24.
It’s also fun to tear open the paper on the edge each day!
Using small gift envelopes (pochibukuro) and stickers
Let’s make an advent calendar using small gift envelopes (puchi-bukuro) from the 100-yen shop.
It’s very easy, so try making it with your child if you’d like.
We’ll decorate the envelopes using things like origami paper, stickers, and washi tape.
Buy simple plain envelopes and decorate them cutely in your own style.
Once you’re done decorating, put a date sticker on each one.
Place some candy or other treats inside, hang them on twine or similar, and you’re done! Take one down each day until Christmas and enjoy!
Using a wall pocket
A wall pocket that’s great for organizing letters and medication.
It can actually be used as an advent calendar, too! Just put sweets into envelopes or bags, seal them, stick on date labels, and pop them into the wall pocket.
Since wall pockets can be hung, they won’t get in the way—another nice perk.
You can buy a transparent wall pocket to show off the patterns on the envelopes or bags, or decorate the wall pocket itself with stickers and more.
Think up a Christmas-themed design and have fun decorating!
Using a shipping tag
Here’s an idea for making an advent calendar using shipping tags.
Decorate the tags with stamps or other designs to make them cute.
Make small bags from origami paper, punch holes in them, then thread them together with the tags using jute twine and tie them.
And that’s your advent calendar done! If you don’t have stamps, stickers work well too.
Since shipping tags are often white, you can keep it monochrome for a chic look, or go colorful—the atmosphere can change a lot depending on your ideas!
How-to ideas (21–30)
three-dimensional tree type
Let’s try making a standout 3D tree-shaped advent calendar that will look lovely even in your entryway.
The finished look is like stacking small boxes to form a tall, slender pyramid.
Use mostly green boxes with a touch of red to get a more Christmassy feel.
Decorate with things like cotton “snow” and Santa figurines.
If you have a Christmas tree at home, you can also tie the small boxes directly onto the tree.
It’s a great activity for the whole family, and you can even do a mini gift exchange!