I know—this “calendar” doesn’t look like a traditional calendar. There are no numbered windows or compartments. It’s simply a collection of small gifts tucked inside a decorated box. And that’s the point. A box full of surprises is a delight: reach in for 25 days and pull out a new treat. The box itself becomes a giant present, which makes the whole thing extra fun. This is the first of two cardboard box advent calendar ideas—another version is coming soon.
Supplies
Cardboard box
Packing tape
Wrapping paper
Spray adhesive
Bowl (for tracing the hole)
Pencil
Box cutter
For the bow:
Crepe paper strips
Ruler
Scissors
Stapler
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
…and of course, small gifts to fill the box.
Assembly
Begin by preparing your box. Tape seams securely—if you’re making the grab-bag version, seal both top and bottom; if you prefer the alternate version, leave the bottom open. In a well-ventilated space, spray one side of the box with spray adhesive and carefully wrap it in your chosen wrapping paper. I wrapped the sides in one continuous piece and covered the top with a separate piece for a clean look.
Decide how large you want the opening to be so gifts will fit through. Place a bowl or round object of that size in the center of the box top and trace around it with a pencil.
Carefully cut out the traced circle through all layers of the box top using a box cutter. Keep the circle you cut out; you’ll use it later when attaching the bow. With the hole cut, the basic grab box is ready.
Make a giant bow or use a premade one. To craft the bow from crepe paper, cut several 4″ wide strips: six at 20″ long, six at 18″ long, and one at 16″ long. Form loops by bending two 20″ strips into loops and overlapping slightly; staple to secure. Repeat to make three paired loops, then stack and hot-glue them together into a star-shaped layer.
Repeat the same process with the 18″ strips to make a slightly smaller star-shaped layer. Fold the 16″ strip into a small circular loop and staple it. Hot-glue the smaller star on top of the larger one, then glue the center loop on top to finish the bow. Finally, attach the completed bow to the circle you saved from the box top—this covers the opening and creates the look of a giant present.
Fill the box with small surprises—candy, small toys, notes, or holiday trinkets. Once filled, place the bow back on top to conceal the gifts until each night in December.
All photos by Studio DIY
Each night in December let your child reach into the box and pull one item without looking. It’s a tactile, surprising way to celebrate the season—wrap items deceptively for extra fun if you like.
If you want more holiday DIY inspiration, explore other projects and variations for different styles of cardboard advent calendars. And don’t forget to fill your box with little treats that will make each night a special moment.
Psst—there’s still time to enter the holiday giveaway!