Each year we buy the girls Christmas Advent calendars. They are usually the inexpensive ones you can buy for a few dollars with chocolates inside. We splurged on Playmobil calendars last year. The girls loved those!
I wanted to do something a little special this year! I made this DIY Advent calendar made from simple white paper gift bags, printable tags and some pretty ribbon and garnishes!
The bags are attached to the wall by sticking command strips to the back of wooden clothes pegs! If you cut a large command strip in half it fits perfectly on the back of a peg!
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String lights outline the shape of a Christmas tree and add holiday sparkle and shine! I placed the end of the lights at the peak of the tree and then worked my way down to string them so that I could hide the battery pack behind a basket of green on the floor! They are just lightly would around the clothespegs to keep them in place!
Before clipping the bags to the wall I filled them with small treats or toys!
Some ideas for fillers:
- Halloween candy – This is my favourite option! It’s free and it stops your kids from eating it all immediately after Halloween!
- Dollar store toys – Definitely cost effective! This is the option I went with this year! I found stickers, treats, stamps, toys, glowsticks, pens, notebooks and more!
- Indigo novelty gifts – If you are willing to spend a little more on each small gift Chapters Indigo is one of my favourite stores to find novelty stocking stuffers and small gift items!
- Buy a Lego or Playmobile set and put a few new pieces in each day so that the set is built over time!
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I also thought it would be sweet to write notes of affirmation to add in with the toys and treats! I like to put these the girls’ lunches too!
You could also write out a winter or holiday bucket list item or fun activity to do together! The options are endless!
Side Note: This calendar was not created to be beagle proof! Ollie has already eaten one set of candies and an orange garnish!
I used a variety of items liked dried oranges, snippets of greens, velvet ribbon, leather ties and string to dress up each bag.
An easy way to dress up the bags is to fold the top over and then use a hole punch to place 2 holes next to each other close to the top. Then thread the ribbon through the holes from the back and tie in the front! It looks pretty and keeps the bag closed as well as securing the tag!
Alexandra from The Blessed Willow Gallery created these one of a kind advent calendar tags and we are giving them to you for free! Just scroll to the end of the post to print out your own set. I like to print them out on cardstock!
Even though I made this calendar for my kids, I was thinking about how nice it would be to make one for myself! Even Ollie would love one…
Here are some ideas for personalizing your advent calendar…..
FOR HIM
Write coupons for a back massage, guys night out, skip the dishes pass, or a new adventure activity to try!
ECO-FRIENDLY
If you are an eco-conscious household look for environmentally friendly stuffers like handmade candies, wooden toys, etc.. Maybe add in a pass to the local science centre or the zoo to learn about the world around us!
FOR HER
Pampering supplies like bath salts, sleep masks, gift certificates to the spa, or a nice dinner out would make the busy holiday season feel a little less hectic!
ESSENTIAL OILS
You can make so many yummy and non-toxic products with essential oils. You can also buy ready-made supplies from Young Living like lip balm, hand sanitizer, rollers, diffuser blends, beauty products, oil-infused jewellery, etc..
FOR PETS
Make a mini version for the fluffiest member of your family! Squeaky toys, chews, treats, and accessories would make for a fun puppy calendar!
FOR COUPLES
Make it romantic! Sweet love notes or date ideas make excellent stuffers. Take the opportunity to make your significant other feel extra special!
PAY IT FORWARD
This might be my favourite idea! Put an act of service to perform each day into the Advent calendar bags and see how much good you can do this holiday season. Volunteer at a shelter, pay for someone’s coffee in line, or leave a kind note for a stranger! This one embraces the true spirit of Christmas and would be a great one to do with kids!
Print your own DIY Advent Calendar Tags!
Hope this easy to make DIY Advent calendar makes your holiday season just a little more special! Don’t forget to pin it for later!
November 21st, 2019 at 6:29 PM
This is such a lovely Advent calendar! Thank you so much for sharing the steps and the free printables : )
November 21st, 2019 at 8:11 PM
You’re welcome! And thanks for taking the time to comment! It’s nice to know these DIY posts are useful!
November 21st, 2019 at 8:22 PM
How long is your set of lights?
November 23rd, 2019 at 1:47 AM
I want to say 16ft? But there’s some extra length so you could probably get away with a shorter one!
November 30th, 2019 at 8:03 PM
Love the service idea mixed in with fun treats!
Thank you!!
November 30th, 2019 at 8:10 PM
Welcome and yes so important to give back!!