How to Make an Advent Calendar + 50 Ideas for What to Put Inside

I’ve been making advent calendars for years. For my kids, my girlfriends, my grandma, and just about anyone I can think of who might enjoy a little surprise each day leading up to Christmas.

One of my favorite memories is making them for my grandma. I’d wrap little gifts and attach a Bible verse to each one. One year she called me and said, “Honey, I was so excited about it that I opened them all!” Which, of course, wasn’t exactly how the advent calendar was supposed to work. Ha!

We lost my grandma last year, so that’s a memory I’ll always treasure.

I’ve also mailed advent calendars to girlfriends who live in other states. Each day when they’d open their gift, I’d text them a favorite photo of us together with a little memory or something I loved about them. It was such a fun way to stay connected throughout the month.

Last year I made advent calendars for my girlfriends and gave them out at our Friendsgiving as their Christmas gifts. I loved hearing what everyone opened each day and which surprises were their favorites. Although one friend eventually confessed she’d opened every single box as soon as she got home. Apparently waiting until Christmas isn’t for everyone!

This year I’m making them again with the Target punch boxes for a list of women and then for my kids I’m using assorted-size gift boxes that I can display around the house as Christmas decorations!  

What I love about advent calendars is that they can be as simple or elaborate as you want. You don’t need 12 expensive gifts. Some days might be a favorite candy, a little beauty product, a handwritten note, or a photo that brings back a fun memory. Other days might have something a little more special.

For me, it’s about letting someone know you’re thinking of them throughout the month. The holidays can be busy, and sometimes lonely, and I love the idea of giving someone a little something to look forward to each day.

And while advent calendars are often thought of as something for kids, I think they’re just as fun for adults!

How Many Days Should an Advent Calendar Have?

Traditional advent calendars often have 24 days, but I typically make 12-day calendars. It’s a little more manageable, especially if you’re making them for several people.

You can do 12 days leading up to Christmas or make a full 24-day calendar. Either works!

Three Ways to Make an Advent Calendar

1. Use a punch box Advent Calendar

The easiest option is to purchase a calendar that’s already assembled and fill it yourself.

My Target 12-day advent calendar has been a favorite, and it’s one of the items readers ask me about most every Christmas.

Just fill the little compartments with treats, gifts, or notes.

2. Make a DIY Advent Calendar with Gift Boxes

This is what I’m doing this year!

I love using individual gift boxes in assorted sizes. Not only can you fit different-sized gifts inside, but the boxes look so pretty displayed around the house as Christmas decorations.

You can arrange them on a table, mantel, shelf, or wherever you have a little extra space.

Number the boxes, fill them with surprises, and you’re done.

I’ve used assorted-size boxes from Amazon before, and I love that you aren’t limited to what will fit inside a tiny drawer.

3. Make an Advent Calendar to Mail

You don’t have to live near someone to make them an advent calendar.

I’ve mailed calendars to girlfriends in other states, and it’s such a fun way to stay connected during December.

Choose lightweight gifts, wrap or box them individually, number each one, and pack everything securely in a shipping box.

One of my favorite things to do was text my girlfriends a photo of us together each day, along with a little memory or something I loved about them.

It made the gifts feel even more personal.

What to Put Inside an Advent Calendar

This is the question I get asked most often!

Whenever someone asks me what they should put inside an advent calendar, my first question is always, “Well, what do they love?”

Think about the person you’re making it for. What’s their favorite candy? What do they order at Starbucks? Do they love skincare, golf, baking, reading, or working out? What little things do they use every day?

Start there.

The best advent calendars aren’t necessarily filled with expensive gifts. They’re filled with little things that feel personal to whoever is opening them.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Favorite Treats & Snacks

Beauty & Personal Care

Little Everyday Gifts

Personal & Thoughtful Surprises

More Advent Calendar Filler Ideas

Tips for Making an Advent Calendar Without Spending a Fortune

You don’t need to spend a lot to make a really fun advent calendar.

I usually mix a few special gifts with smaller things I know the person will love. Some days might have a $2 candy bar, a protein bar, or a favorite snack. Other days might have a gift card or something a little more special.

You can also include handwritten notes, photos, favorite memories, or little coupons for things to do together.

If you’re making several calendars, don’t feel like every box needs to be filled with something expensive. The fun is having a little surprise to open each day.

And don’t feel like you have to make 24 days. Twelve is plenty!

Shop My Advent Calendar Favorites

I’ve put together a few collections of my favorite advent calendars, gift boxes, and little things to put inside.

Whether you’re filling a reusable calendar or making your own with individual boxes, there are lots of fun options.

Free Advent Calendar Shopping Checklist

Need a little help getting started?

I made a free Advent Calendar Shopping Checklist with easy gift ideas you can print and take with you on your next shopping trip.

It’s full of ideas for men, women, teens, kids, and anyone else you’re making a calendar for.

This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I actually use and love!