Advent calendars are one of the most requested holiday items I share each year. Over time I’ve posted a variety of ideas — from fully handmade projects to easy tweaks on store-bought pieces, plus a few ready-to-buy options. Below I’ve gathered favorites from my archive and other creative sources to help you decide whether to buy, adapt, or make your own calendar this season.
Browse the list and see which style fits your family’s traditions and decor.
DIY Felt Truck Advent Calendar
This heirloom-style felt truck is Arlo’s favorite. Instead of treats, each felt pocket holds a tiny felt present you place in the truck each day. It’s simple, tactile, and designed to be used year after year.
DIY Flair Advent Calendar
Perfect for teens, this flair calendar hides small items like keychains, hair clips, pins, or patches under each number. It’s a playful way to swap candy for wearable surprises.
Sticker Advent Calendar
A budget-friendly option for little ones: each day reveals a festive sticker. You can also pair the sticker theme with a simple activity for the day, like making hot cocoa or decorating stockings.
Heirloom Stocking Advent Calendar
If you love stockings, this reusable stocking advent calendar makes a charming focal point. Mix colors and patterns for a personalized, festive look that becomes part of your holiday décor.
Christmas Countdown Advent Calendar
This Christmas countdown doubles as an advent calendar—add a sticker each day to transform a simple building scene into a festive holiday town. It’s an easy way to build anticipation visually throughout December.
Christmas Village Advent Calendar
Chelsea adapted a colorful Christmas village idea into a full advent calendar. Small houses or displays can hide tiny surprises or activities and look beautiful on a mantel or shelf.
Tassel Advent Calendar Wall Hanging
A simple, ready-to-buy option: this tassel wall hanging has pockets just large enough for small treats or stickers. It’s decorative and low-fuss.
Fabric Scrap Advent Calendar
A one-of-a-kind piece made from fabric scraps—no tutorial provided, but it’s included here for inspiration. If you have leftover fabrics, this approach creates a warm, textured calendar that feels handmade and unique.
Printable Scratch-Off Advent Calendar
This printable calendar pairs perfectly with scratch-off stickers. Behind each scratch-off is a holiday activity to check off, making the season feel interactive and intentionally planned.
Advent Present Wall Hanging
This premade wall hanging includes tiny strings where you can tie small treats or presents. It’s an easy, charming way to display daily surprises without much prep.
Book Advent Calendar
One of my favorites: wrap up 24 Christmas books and let your children open and read one each night. It turns reading time into a daily tradition and builds a cozy holiday ritual.
Wall Hook Christmas Village Advent Calendar
A village-style wall hook rack makes a great advent base. Add a festive twist and hang different bags or small items from each hook to create a countdown display that doubles as decor.
DIY Take Out Box Advent Calendar
A classic from the archives: use take-out boxes or other small containers you’ve collected, decorate or upcycle them, and fill each with a small treat or note for a creative, budget-friendly countdown.
Striped Houses Advent Calendar
This striped houses concept is bold and colorful — ideal for shelves or bookcases. Each little house can hold a surprise and together they create a cheerful display.
DIY Number Pillow Countdown
Turn number pillows into a countdown set. If you already have a set for photo props or decor, add the missing numbers to make a reusable, soft advent display.
Leather Advent Calendar
A more durable option, leather calendars come in multiple sizes and colors. They’re ideal if you want something elegant, long-lasting, and refillable year after year.
Printable Christmas House Advent Calendar
Another house-themed printable—affordable and easy to assemble. It’s a quick way to add charm without a big time commitment.
DIY Cloud Advent Calendar
For a neutral, nontraditional look, the cloud advent calendar is modern and whimsical. It’s a great pick if you prefer subtle seasonal decor over overtly Christmas-themed pieces.
Woodland House Advent Calendar
These small woodland houses function as pockets for activities, treats, or tiny gifts. They’re available in 12- and 24-piece sets if you want a shorter or full-length countdown.
DIY Felt Tree Wall Hanging
Convert an interactive felt tree into an advent calendar by creating 25 ornaments. Each day, add a new ornament to the tree—an engaging ritual that builds into a full holiday display.
Which of these advent calendar ideas speaks to you? Do you have a family favorite or a unique tradition? I’d love to hear which calendar you pick or how you personalize one for your home.