IS THERE ANY GREATER JOY IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON THAN GIVING? THIS YEAR, MAKE YOUR OWN DIY PERSONALIZED ADVENT CALENDARS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES AND ADD SOME EXTRA MAGIC TO CHRISTMAS!
Well, it’s November. Of course, that means wind, rain and … Christmas?? As far as I’m concerned, we’ve turned the corner from Fall. We’re about 5 weeks away from Christmas, so naturally, I’m starting to get ready! For me, part of the fun of the holiday season is anticipation. And what’s the best way to add to that excitement? A countdown! And how do we count down? With Advent Calendars! And better yet – personalized Advent Calendars!
For many years, Advent calendars in our house were store-bought. Some with chocolate, some with toys and even once with coffee. Of course, they were always fun, but they weren’t unique. Over the past couple of years, however, I’ve been loving DIY holiday projects. And that includes Advent calendars. In fact, they’re a great opportunity to get really creative, for little or no cost!
What is an Advent Calendar?
Simply put, an Advent Calendar is a countdown to Christmas. They’ve been around for a long time, with early Advent calendars being used in the 19th Century! Over the years, they’ve taken many forms and they are used throughout the world. Nowadays, you can get pretty much anything in an Advent calendar – wine, beer, coffee (yes please!), chocolate, Lego – you name it, there’s a calendar for it!
I remember as kids, we would get beautiful paper Advent calendars, like these calendars that you can purchase on Amazon.
The details in those calendars were wonderful. I remember the rich colours and beautiful scenery and some even had moving parts or pop-ups. Of course, my favourites were the ones covered in glitter. Each little door had a picture or saying behind it, and I absolutely adored them. Plus, the doors were so well hidden that it sometimes took a little while to find them. It was like a little game every morning! My brothers and sisters and I always had slightly different pictures on ours, so we could tell them apart, and the doors were never in the same place! We couldn’t even cheat off each other!
Making Personalized Advent Calendars
One fun thing about a personalized Advent calendar is the personal touch. When you make your own Advent calendars, your friends or family get just the right stuff! For instance, my daughter loves all things that my husband has no interest in. I can create individual experiences for each of them! When you look at all the options – activities, crafts, gifts and sweets – that you can include in a DIY Advent Calendars, each one will be perfectly suited for your loved one!
This year, I’ve rounded up some absolutely AMAZING ideas from my fellow bloggers for how to make personalized Advent calendars! Check these out:
How to Make Personalized Advent Calendars
There is no shortage of inspiration and creativity in these DIY Advent Calendars. I'm pretty sure I'll be making at least two each year!
Be sure to visit each of these websites, as these bloggers are so amazingly talented and have many more great ideas!

Free Printable 25 Days of Christmas Activities Book (100+ activities!)
Countdown to Christmas with these fun Christmas activities for families! Free Printables!

DIY Christmas Advent Calendar
Easy budget-friendly DIY Christmas Calendar your kids, and your whole family, will love!

Easy DIY Advent Calendar with Ribbon and Burlap: #12MonthsofDIY
Easy DIY Advent Calendar made with ribbon and burlap - so easy to personalize for everyone in your family!

DIY Advent Calendar
This DIY Advent Calendar can be made quickly and easily, with simple colours or vibrant patterns!

DIY Cheap Advent Calendar
This DIY Advent calendar is good frugal fun! Made from items around the house, it's cute AND cheap!

Homemade Paper Envelope Advent Calendar
Count down to Christmas with this super-cute DIY paper envelop Advent calendar!

A Minimalist and Zero Waste Advent Calendar (with 58 Kindness, Traditions, and Activity-Based, Non-Candy Ideas)
A collection of amazing non-candy Advent Calendar ideas, traditions and activities!

Christmas Advent Countdown Goody Boxes Kids Craft
What could be more fun than opening 24 gifts BEFORE Christmas?! Super fun and cute goody box Advent Calendar.

Make Your Own Advent Calendar - A Paper Bag Advent Calendar
Using dollar-store materials, this lovely paper bag Advent calendar can be made quickly, easily and within any budget!

DIY Christmas Advent Calendar – Acrylic Pouring!
Using acrylic paint pouring, this Advent calendar becomes a keepsake! No two will be the same!

DIY Teen Advent Calendar Gift
This DIY Teen Advent Calendar is full of inspiration for those special someones in your life!

DIY Christmas Countdown Dry Erase Board Printable
Make counting down to Christmas fun for the kids with this cute dry erase board!

DIY Advent Calendar Tutorial
This lovely DIY Advent Calendar can be styled to suit any decor - I love it in the Rustic Farmhouse look!

Easy DIY Advent Calendar For Kids
Get the kids involved in their Advent Calendar in a different way - by crafting!
So who’s ready to get crafting? And then, how will you ever choose just one? I don’t know about you, but I plan to start at the top and work my way through them all!
For some more seasonal and handmade ideas, be sure to check out these posts:
Easy Yarn DIY Christmas Wreath: Holiday Decor on a Budget
Christmas Cookie Recipes You Need to Make This Year
Easy DIY Tiered Tray Pillows: How to Make Your Own Christmas Decor
How to Make a Photo Board with Dollar Store Materials
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