DIY Advent Calendar (and What to Put Inside)

Every year, I share my DIY Advent Boxes and without fail, they end up being one of my most-loved holiday projects and my top requested item of the season. It’s become a bit of a tradition around here!

The best part? You can easily recreate the same idea by wrapping up 12 small gifts, tucking them into little numbered bags, boxes, or even baskets. I’ve done this for friends, my grandma, and of course, the kids. It’s always a huge hit!

how to make the advent calendar

You may have seen my favorite advent calendar already. I love to personalize these and make them special for my loved ones. The idea is simple: instead of one big gift, create 25 little moments of joy throughout December.
You can use:

• A classic wooden advent box
• Small boxes, envelopes, or fabric bags
• Or simply wrap each item individually and number them

Display them in a basket, on a shelf, or hang them with mini clothespins. It can double as a fun and festive decoration too!

what to put inside your advent calendar

for everyone:

• Candy or chocolates
• Gum or mints
• Stickers or small stationery
• Keychains or ornaments
• Lip butter or hand cream
• Gift cards (coffee or fast food ones are perfect!)
• Cozy socks or scrunchies
• Hot cocoa packets or tea sachets
• Fidget toys or small puzzles

for kids:

• Mini coloring books or crayons
• Lego mini sets
• Stickers, tattoos, or trading cards
• Makeup pouch
• Slime, silly putty, or small toys

for teens:

• Phone accessories
• Lip gloss or skincare minis
• Jewelry or hair clips
• Mini candles
• Cute pens or journals

for men:

• Fishing lures or hunting gear (Hudson’s favorites!)
• Beef jerky or candy
• Socks or rechargable hand warmers
• Pocket knife or flashlight
• Small car gadgets

for moms, grandma’s or friends:

• Hand cream or cuticle oil
• Bath bombs or bubble bath
• Mini perfumes
• Cozy slippers or fuzzy socks
• Tea or coffee samples
• Small ornaments or keepsakes

make it personal!

The magic of DIY advent boxes is in the thoughtfulness. Think about what the person actually loves… their hobbies, snacks, favorite colors, scents and make it theirs.

One of my favorite parts is customizing each box for the person I’m gifting it to. For example, Hudson’s usually includes fishing lures, hunting supplies or snacks he loves. For my grandma, I wrap things like her favorite chocolates, a new ornament for her tree, puzzle books and cozy socks.

You can take it a step even further and include a little note with each day’s gift. For example, one year I added a bible verse to every gift my grandma opened. I’ve included a “favorite memory together” or “something I love about you” for advents I’ve sent my girlfriends that live in other states.

If you’re doing a few boxes this year, it’s fun to create a theme for each one. Like a self-care advent, a beauty themed advent or even a treats-only countdown!

The best part about these DIY advent boxes is how meaningful they become, not just for the person opening them, but for you as the giver. It’s such a sweet tradition to start (or continue!) each year. It’s the perfect way to slow down and add a little magic to the season. If you end up creating one of your own, I’d love to see how you personalize it! Be sure to tag me on Instagram so we can see your advent ideas and maybe even share them.

Happy wrapping, and happy countdown to Christmas!

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