A DIY advent calendar is the perfect way to count down the most wonderful holiday of the year. We've put together a list of beautiful homemade advent calendars and fun activities that your kids are sure to enjoy.

Christmas is magical, isn't it? Part of that magic and wonder is the buildup and anticipation of the most celebrated holiday of the year. An advent calendar is a must to really gear up for the holiday, but you don't have to buy one of those chocolate calendars from the store.
You can make one yourself to fill with delicious goodies and fun family activities. Here are some ideas to get you started!
DIY Advent Calendars
1. Printable Advent Calendar Numbers

Printable Advent Calendar Numbers - you can print just 12 or all 25 of these pretty tags. Then just grab a hole punch and some twine or ribbon.
2. Plastic Animal Advent Calendar

Plastic Animal Advent Calendar | A Bubbly Life
3. Gumball Machine Capsule Advent Calendar

Gumball Machine Capsule Advent Calendar | Happiness is Homemade
4. DIY Christmas Bulb Advent Calendar

DIY Christmas Bulb Advent Calendar | The House that Lars Built
5. Plastic Cup and Tissue Paper Advent Calendar

Easy DIY Advent Calendar with plastic cups and tissue paper | Play Party Plan
More Advent Calendar Ideas
- Tree Topped Mini Box Advent Calendar | Uncommon Designs
- Muffin Tin Advent Calendar | Domestic Imperfections
- 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar | Cherished Bliss
- Felt Advent Calendar | Skip to My Lou
- Stocking Advent Calendar | Busy Mom's Helper
- Jewelry Box Advent Calendar | Handmade in the Heartland
Advent Calendar Activities
Are you looking for activities to fill your Advent calendar? Here are lots of fun and educational ideas that your whole family will enjoy doing together.
Learn How to Make Molded Crayons using up the bits and bobs of broken crayons. It's one of our favorite winter activities.
Make your activities both fun and educational with this list of STEM Christmas activities from Little Bins for Little Hands.
Mama Papa Bubba offers more than 40 ideas in her printable advent activity cards that you can put into a mason jar for a simple Advent calendar.
Learn How to Make a Kissing Ball with dollar store items.
And finally, teach your kids about giving back by adding a few activities from this Random Acts of Kindness calendar from Coffee Cups and Crayons to your Advent calendar.

Which calendar was your favorite? If you have a fun activity that you and your family do together every year as you count down to Christmas, share it in the comments!
Danielle says
Thanks so much for including my stocking tutorial! Loving so many of these ideas - may need to add one or two to my family's traditions LOL