I think I actually love Advent even more than Christmas itself. All that anticipation and planning and fun leading up to the big day! So having an Advent countdown calendar has been an important part of our family celebration for as long as I can remember. Here are some great ideas for DIY Advent calendars!
One of our favorites is our Advent book tradition. I would wrap up holiday books – one for each day in December and going right up through Epiphany and place them in a basket we’d put by the tree. Each night my daughter would choose one for us to read as her bedtime story.
For some of them I would write a date on the package – for example if it was T’was the Night before Christmas I’d put 24 on it so we were sure to read it then and if it was Baboushka and the Three Kings we always made sure to read it the night before Epiphany.
The rest were all random. It was fun for my daughter to unwrap them and it eliminated having to decide among so many books each night.
Looking for ideas for your Advent calendars this year? Here are 25+ DIY Advent Calendars –
Santa Claus Countdown Calendar – super easy and inexpensive to make. You can simply tear away the loops or write an activity on the inside of each to make it an activity countdown. Includes printable chain links with activities on them you can use if desired.
Another fun Advent calendar made with loops to use as an activity countdown if desired.
Simple Advent Calendar in a Bucket from The Country Chic Cottage
My pal Maple Leaf Mommy has this super clever magnetic Advent calendar!
These little elves serve as a great Advent calendar from Canadian Living– just pop some candy or other little gifts under their hats! 
Turn packs of gum into an Advent calendar from Out of the Crayon Box!
I just adore these little packets that are sewn shut – what a pretty Advent calendar from Natuerlich Kreativ!
I could see my little grand niece and grand nephew who adore creating towns when they play really liking this one from Mr Printables!
This is a great one if you’re doing the daily activities type Advent calendar. From Mess for Less.
Here’s another take on the magnetic Advent calendar from Cheerios and Lattes.
This is great for the rustic look! From Shanty 2 Chic.
I bet this hanging one from 52 Mantels with its clothesline or bunting type vibe would look great hanging across the mantel!
This toilet paper roll Advent calendar from Xtreme Team Duty looks like a bunch of wrapped candies to me!
Love vintage? Check out this Advent calendar from my friend the Graphics Fairy!
I love this design – so simple but so striking! This house made of TP rolls comes from Morning Creativity.
I love embroidery hoop projects as much as I do mason jar ones so I’m digging this Advent calendar from The Crafty Crow!
If you’ve got a bunch of baby food jars lying around, this Advent calendar from Craft-o-Maniac might be the perfect one for you!
This only has 12 days on it (don’t get me started on when the 12 days of Christmas is supposed to be – hint: it’s not before Christmas!) but if you just want a short countdown, this one from Cherished Bliss could be a good one for you!
Punchboards seem to be gaining popularity. You Are My Fave made one into an Advent calendar.
How much fun would this be? (and it’s pretty and colourful too!) A mini pinata Advent calendar found over on Mod Podge Rocks.
This one looks like a bit of work but it would be worth it for the Lego fans in my family! This is from one of my favorite blogs, Paper Plate and Plane.
Here’s another from You Are My Fave – this time using a pegboard!
This is so pretty and I just love the little drawers. Get the how to over on Happiness is Homemade.
This Pottery Barn inspired Christmas tree classic Advent calendar comes from Family Ever After.
Did you find an idea you liked? Be sure to check out my Advent board on Pinterest here for even more great suggestions!
Do you celebrate Advent with your family? If so, share your Advent traditions with us in the comments!
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