As a mom of three, I know the drill: we start December with high hopes, but somewhere around day 12, the sugar crash sets in. We are drowning in cheap chocolate that tastes like wax and tiny plastic toys that I end up stepping on by Boxing Day. It’s exhausting, and honestly, it creates more clutter than joy. 🎄
That’s why I switched to non-candy advent calendar ideas focused on experiences. This curated list is your “Savior” solution—a guide to creating a homemade Christmas countdown that focuses on connection over consumption. These ideas range from eco-friendly holiday decor to simple activities that build memories, not cavities. ✂️
If you are looking to create a reusable advent calendar or simply want to know how do you make a simple DIY advent calendar, you are in the right place. These ideas will turn your home into a cozy, magical wonderland without breaking the bank. Let’s make this season about the magic, not the mess! ✨
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
- Lowest Mess: The “Book-a-Day” Cozy Countdown (No glue required!)
- Most “High-End” Look: The Toilet Roll “Christmas Village” (Looks like designer decor)
- Best for Little Kids: The “Dinosaur/Animal” Excavation (Great for imaginative play)
25 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas You’ll Love
1. The “Book-a-Day” Cozy Countdown ❄️
This is my absolute favorite tradition because it doubles as our bedtime routine. You simply wrap 24 holiday-themed books—we use a mix of library rentals and ones we own—to open one each night, creating a cozy reading ritual.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 24 Books
• Kraft Paper
• Baker’s Twine
• Fresh Greenery sprigs | Best For: Toddlers to Early Readers
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Number the spines so you can strategically place the longest books on weekends and shorter ones on school nights.
[Image-1: A rustic wicker basket overflowing with brown-paper-wrapped books, numbered with white marker, sitting next to a glowing Christmas tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Ruspepa Kraft Paper Roll Multipack 🐦
Why I love it: Buying the multipack ensures you have enough yardage for 24 books plus variety in the aesthetic without buying 4 separate rolls at a craft store. #NancyApproved
2. The “Popsicle Stick” Activity Jar ❄️
If you are looking for Christmas activities for families but are short on time, this is the winner. Write a festive activity on craft sticks and place them in a jar; simplicity at its finest!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Jumbo Craft Sticks
• Mason Jar
• Washi Tape
• Fine Tip Sharpie | Best For: Busy Families & Minimalists
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Color-code the tips of the sticks (Red for high-effort/weekend activities, Green for quick/weeknight activities) so you pull the right vibe for the day.
[Image-2: Close up of a mason jar with a red ribbon, filled with wood sticks; one stick is pulled out reading “Hot Cocoa Movie Night.”]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Washi Tape Set Holiday Patterns 🐦
Why I love it: Local stores rarely have this volume of patterns for the price, and this set allows for elaborate color-coding. #NancyApproved
3. The Toilet Roll “Christmas Village” ❄️
Upcycle those toilet paper rolls into a stunning eco-friendly holiday decor piece by painting them into mini houses. We hide a joke or activity slip inside each “house” for a daily surprise.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Toilet Paper Rolls
• Acrylic Paint
• Cardstock (for roofs)
• Number Stickers | Best For: Eco-Conscious Moms
Time: 2-3 Hours
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Flatten the bottom of the rolls slightly so the village stands upright without tipping over on the mantel.
[Image-3: A snowy “village” scene on a shelf made of painted tubes, faux snow sprinkled around, and bottle brush trees interspersed.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 30-Piece Mini Sisal Snow Frost Trees 🐦
Why I love it: Buying these in bulk on Amazon is significantly cheaper than hobby stores, and they instantly make the toilet rolls look like high-end decor. #NancyApproved
4. The “Punch-A-Prize” Muffin Tin ❄️
This is perfect for high-energy kids who love a physical reveal. You place a small toy or note in the muffin tin cups, cover them with tissue paper, and let the kids punch through to find the treasure.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 24-cup Muffin Tin
• Tissue Paper
• Rubber Bands
• Number Stickers | Best For: High-Energy Kids & Sensory Seekers
Time: 45 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: If you don’t have 24 cups, use plastic cups glued to a poster board for a larger-scale version.
[Image-4: Top-down view of a muffin tin with green and red tissue paper circles covering the holes, with a child’s hand punching through day 5.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Round Circle Paper Punch 🐦
Why I love it: Pre-cut tissue circles are hard to find, so having a punch tool makes creating the covers incredibly fast and uniform. #NancyApproved
5. The Hanging Envelope “Kindness Wall” ❄️
For an acts of kindness Christmas countdown, string 24 envelopes on a wall. Inside each one is a challenge to do something sweet for a neighbor or friend, teaching empathy throughout the season.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Mini Envelopes
• Clothespins
• Twine
• Printable RAOK cards | Best For: Teaching Empathy & Classrooms
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a wax seal stamp on the envelopes to give them an official “North Pole” feel that kids respect more.
[Image-5: Envelopes clipped to jute twine across a blank wall in the shape of a Christmas tree.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Wax Seal Stamp Kit Christmas Theme 🐦
Why I love it: A niche item that creates a “viral” Pinterest look, and this kit has everything you need in one box. #NancyApproved
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. The “LEGO” Build Countdown ❄️
If you have a STEM lover, break a small LEGO set into 24 piles and put them in bags. The child builds a small part of the scene every day, which is way better than a chocolate square.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• LEGO Classic Box or set
• 24 Small Ziploc/Cloth bags | Best For: STEM lovers
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Print out the instructions and cut the pages up, putting the relevant steps in the bag with the bricks for that day.
[Image-6: 24 small red cloth bags numbered 1-24 surrounding a growing LEGO structure.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: LEGO Classic Medium Creative Brick Box 🐦
Why I love it: Amazon often discounts these boxes, and they offer the best price-per-brick ratio compared to themed sets. #NancyApproved
7. DIY Scratch-Off Advent Cards ❄️
These custom cards are so fun; you write a reward like “Pizza Night” and cover it with a sticker. The kids get to scratch it off just like a lottery ticket!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Cardstock
• Metallic Acrylic Paint
• Dish Soap
• Crayons | Best For: Older Kids
Time: 1.5 Hours
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Skip the messy paint mixing and just buy the adhesive scratch-off circles; it cuts the time in half and looks cleaner.
[Image-7: A flat lay of colorful cards with silver circles, and a penny resting on one that has been scratched to reveal “Pizza Night.”]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 1 Inch Round Scratch Off Stickers 🐦
Why I love it: You cannot typically find scratch-off stickers in craft aisles, but Amazon sells rolls of 500+ for very cheap. #NancyApproved
8. The “Balloon Pop” Garland ❄️
Stuff activities or jokes inside 24 deflated balloons, blow them up, and hang them in a garland. Popping one a day brings a level of excitement and noise that kids absolutely adore.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Red/Green Balloons
• Sharpie
• Ribbon
• Activity Slips | Best For: Parties
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a funnel to easily slide the rolled-up paper slips into the balloons before inflating.
[Image-8: A festive arch of balloons over a doorway, each with a number written in gold marker.]
9. The Hanging Shoe Organizer Hack ❄️
Repurpose a shoe organizer by decorating the pockets with felt numbers. It serves as a huge reusable advent calendar that can hold larger advent calendar fillers for kids.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Shoe Organizer
• Felt Numbers
• Hot Glue/Safety Pins
• Fillers | Best For: Organization Freaks
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Wrap the top hooks in festive ribbon or garland to hide the “utility” look of the organizer.
[Image-9: A white canvas shoe organizer hanging on a door, pockets filled with candy canes, small toys, and notes, decorated with red felt numbers.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 24 Pocket Over The Door Organizer White Fabric 🐦
Why I love it: You need exactly 24 pockets, and Amazon has plain white fabric ones that look much chicer than the clear plastic ones found at Walmart. #NancyApproved
10. The Paper Bag “Forest” ❄️
Use brown lunch sacks cut into different heights to look like a whimsical forest. This is a brilliant paper craft advent that looks stunning on a mantelpiece.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Kraft Paper Lunch Bags
• White Paint Pen
• Wooden Clothespins | Best For: Scandi/Minimalist Decor
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Splatter white paint across the bags using a toothbrush to create a “snowy” effect on the brown paper.
[Image-10: Brown bags standing on a mantel, drawn with simple white pine tree outlines, illuminated by fairy lights.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: White Acrylic Paint Marker Pens 🐦
Why I love it: A high-quality paint pen is essential for opaque white lines on brown paper; cheap markers absorb and disappear. #NancyApproved
11. The Magnetic Tin Fridge Countdown ❄️
These magnetic spice tins are perfect for small spaces. Stick them to the fridge in a tree shape and fill the inside with magnets, puzzle pieces, or sweet notes.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Magnetic Spice Tins
• Scrapbook Paper
• Number Stickers | Best For: Small Apartments
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Arranging them in the shape of a Christmas tree on the fridge makes it a piece of decor, not just storage.
[Image-11: Stainless steel round tins arranged in a triangle on a stainless fridge, with festive red and green paper visible through the clear lids.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 24 Pack Magnetic Spice Tins 🐦
Why I love it: It is very difficult to find exactly 24 matching tins in a physical store without buying expensive individual units. #NancyApproved
12. The “Joke-a-Day” Walnut Shells ❄️
This is a lovely vintage throwback where you hide a tiny scroll inside a walnut shell. It feels incredibly special and magical for older children who appreciate the detail.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Whole Walnuts
• Gold Paint
• Ribbon
• Small Paper Strips | Best For: Vintage Aesthetic Lovers
Time: 2 Hours
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Paint the walnuts gold before cracking them for a cleaner finish, or use a tiny hinge to make them “lockets.”
[Image-12: A bowl of gold-painted walnuts. One is open showing a tiny paper scroll.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Metallic Gold Spray Paint 🐦
Why I love it: Amazon offers specific metallic finishes like “18k Gold” that look more realistic than standard yellow-gold craft paints. #NancyApproved
13. The Puzzle Piece Hunt ❄️
Take a family puzzle and put a few pieces in a numbered envelope each day. By Christmas Eve, the family completes the puzzle together during a quiet, cozy evening.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Personalized Photo Puzzle
• Small Envelopes | Best For: Family Bonding
Time: 20 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Assemble the puzzle first, then break it down in reverse order so the borders are opened first!
[Image-13: A partially finished puzzle on a coffee table with numbered envelopes scattered around.]
14. The “Mini-Stocking” Garland ❄️
A classic garland of 24 miniature felt stockings is a timeless decoration. These are durable and become an heirloom to reuse every single year.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Felt sheets
• Embroidery Floss
• Ribbon
• Fabric Glue | Best For: Traditional Decor
Time: 3 Hours (DIY) or Easy (Buying)
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t sew? Use “Stitch Witchery” or fabric glue to assemble the stockings—no needle required.
[Image-14: Red and white felt mini stockings hanging on a fireplace mantel.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 24 Pack Mini Christmas Stockings 🐦
Why I love it: Buying a bulk pack of 24 mini stockings is cheaper than making them from scratch if you don’t already own felt. #NancyApproved
15. The “Take-Out Box” Tower ❄️
Using mini Chinese take-out boxes allows you to gift slightly bulkier items like socks or cars. Stack them in a pyramid for a colorful, modern look.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Mini Take-Out Boxes
• Ribbon
• Stickers | Best For: Gifting bulkier items
Time: 45 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use wire cutters to remove the metal handle if you want to stack them perfectly flat like a pyramid.
[Image-15: A colorful pyramid of white take-out boxes decorated with red and green washi tape.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Mini Chinese Takeout Boxes 50 Pack 🐦
Why I love it: You generally cannot find these in stores outside of party supply warehouses, but Amazon sells them in bulk packs. #NancyApproved
16. The “Dinosaur/Animal” Excavation ❄️
For an “Advent Animal Parade,” wrap one plastic dino or animal per day. By the end of the month, your windowsill will be full of new friends!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Plastic Animals/Dinos
• Tissue Paper
• Ribbon | Best For: Preschoolers
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Create a “landscape” out of a shoebox for the animals to live in as they get unwrapped.
[Image-16: A line of 10 plastic dinosaurs on a window sill, with 14 more wrapped packages behind them.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 72 Piece Mini Dinosaur Toy Set 🐦
Why I love it: To get 24 distinct figures, you need a bulk set, and Amazon bulk tubs ensure you have enough for the whole month plus extras. #NancyApproved
17. The Clothespin Photo Countdown ❄️
This is beautifully sentimental. Print 24 family photos from the past year and clip them up backwards; flip one over each day to relive a meaningful memory.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Printed Photos
• Wooden Clothespins
• Fairy Lights | Best For: Sentimental Moms & Grandparents
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Write the date the photo was taken on the back so you can reminisce exactly when it happened.
[Image-17: Polaroid-style photos clipped to a string of fairy lights; most are turned around showing numbers, a few are flipped revealing smiling faces.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Photo Clip String Lights 🐦
Why I love it: This product combines the lighting and the clips into one unit, saving setup time and looking magical instantly. #NancyApproved
18. The “Ornament-a-Day” Tree ❄️
Give your child their own mini tabletop tree and let them unwrap a mini ornament every day. It saves your big tree from toddler hands!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Mini Tabletop Tree
• 24 Mini Ornaments | Best For: Bedroom Decor
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use a felt tree if the child is a toddler to avoid breakage and hazards.
[Image-18: A sparse Charlie Brown style tree next to a pile of 24 small wrapped boxes.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 24pc Mini Wooden Christmas Ornaments 🐦
Why I love it: Finding 24
tiny ornaments that match is hard; Amazon sells boxed sets specifically designed for mini-trees. #NancyApproved
19. The “Secret Message” Decoder ❄️
Write the daily activity in code (like A=1, B=2). The child has to decode the message to find out what the fun activity is, making them feel like a spy.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Cardstock
• Decoder Wheel
• Red Reveal Film | Best For: School-aged kids
Time: 2 Hours
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Use invisible ink pens for an extra layer of “magic” – use the UV light to reveal the code!
[Image-19: A child holding a UV light pen over a piece of paper to reveal glowing text.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Invisible Ink Pens with UV Light 🐦
Why I love it: A fun novelty item that turns a piece of paper into a high-tech experience, available cheaply in bulk on Amazon. #NancyApproved
20. The Coffee Filter Wreath ❄️
Create small pouches out of coffee filters, fill them, and glue them onto a cardboard wreath form. It’s a gorgeous rustic DIY that costs almost nothing.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Coffee Filters
• Cardboard Ring
• Stapler
• Number Tags | Best For: Farmhouse Decor
Time: 2 Hours
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Stain the filters with tea or coffee beforehand and let them dry for a beautiful antique look.
[Image-20: A fluffy, full wreath made of crinkled paper pouches, hanging on a door with a burlap bow.]
21. The “Play-Doh” Mats ❄️
Provide a small tub of dough and a laminated “challenge mat” each day. It’s perfect for keeping toddlers busy while you cook dinner.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Play-Doh Party Pack
• Laminated Printables | Best For: Sensory Play
Time: 1 Hour
Mess Level: Medium |
💡 Pro-Tip: Can’t laminate? Use clear sheet protectors. They work just as well for Play-Doh not sticking to the paper.
[Image-21: A printable sheet showing a blank gingerbread man, with brown play-doh being squished onto it.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Play-Doh Party Bag 🐦
Why I love it: The “Party Bag” contains tiny, advent-sized tubs which are perfect for one-a-day use and stay fresh. #NancyApproved
22. The “Science Experiment” Countdown ❄️
Each day contains the ingredients for a quick kitchen science experiment. It’s brilliant for curious kids and makes the countdown educational.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Test Tubes
• Pipettes
• Baking Soda
• Instruction Cards | Best For: Homeschoolers
Time: 2 Hours
Mess Level: High |
💡 Pro-Tip: Pre-measure dry ingredients into the test tubes so the experiment is “ready to go” instantly.
[Image-22: Plastic test tubes in a rack, filled with different colored powders and glitters.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Plastic Test Tubes with Caps and Rack 🐦
Why I love it: Getting a set of 24 durable plastic tubes with a rack is a science teacher staple available on Amazon. #NancyApproved
23. The Sticker Scene Scroll ❄️
Draw a long background scene on a roll of paper, and give the child a sticker to add each day. By Christmas, they have created a masterpiece!
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Butcher Paper/easel roll
• Large Sticker Book | Best For: Low Budget Artists
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Tape the scroll to a low wall or hallway so the child has to walk to it to add their daily sticker.
[Image-23: A long horizontal strip of paper on a wall with a few reindeer stickers added to a hand-drawn mountain.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 1000+ Sticker Book Christmas Theme 🐦
Why I love it: You need a
lot of stickers to make this fun, and Amazon sticker books offer the volume needed for a low price. #NancyApproved
24. The “Sock” Garland (12 Pairs) ❄️
Hang 24 individual socks on a line. Each day you get a sock, and by the end, you have 12 funky holiday pairs to keep toes warm.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• 12 Pairs of Holiday Socks
• Clothespins
• Twine | Best For: Teens
Time: 30 Mins
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Alternate the patterns so the “match” for a sock doesn’t appear for a few days—keeps them guessing!
[Image-24: A laundry line of crazy, colorful fuzzy socks.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: 12 Days of Socks Gift Set 🐦
Why I love it: Amazon sells specific “12 Days of Socks” advent boxes that you can deconstruct to make your own hanging display. #NancyApproved
25. The Treasure Map Hunt ❄️
The calendar is just the starting point here. Day 1 gives a clue to find Day 2, and so on. It is the ultimate scavenger hunt for adventurous kids.
| 📝 Key Materials | ✨ Why It Works |
|---|
• Parchment Paper
• Ribbon
• “Treasure” chest | Best For: Adventures
Time: 3 Hours
Mess Level: Low |
💡 Pro-Tip: Keep a “Master Key” list of where you hid everything in case you forget where Day 14 is!
[Image-25: A piece of paper with burned edges looking like a pirate map, marked with a red X.]
🛒
Buy on Amazon: Vintage Stationery Paper and Envelopes 🐦
Why I love it: Pre-aged paper gives the scavenger hunt an authentic, magical feel without you having to stain paper with tea manually. #NancyApproved
Conclusion
I hope these ideas help you create a holiday season filled with more connection and less clutter. Whether you go for the cozy book countdown or the exciting balloon pop, the goal is simply to smile together. If you’re still wondering “what can I put in an advent calendar instead of chocolate?”—I hope this list proved that the options are endless!
Tag me in your creations on Pinterest—I’d love to see your “Anti-Sugar” masterpieces! Happy Crafting! 🎄✨
