50 Advent Calendars That Make Your Christmas Countdown Way More Fun
Whether you want a grown-up or kiddie version, there's a calendar just begging to be made.
Whether you want a grown-up or kiddie version, there's a calendar just begging to be made.
Wooden Tree Counter
With decorative clothespins, this tall wooden tree becomes the perfect place to hang numbered bags (filled with fun goodies) right next to your real Christmas tree.
Get the tutorial here.
Numbered Chalkboard Ornaments
With these 24 charming chalkboard ornaments, you get to add a new decoration to the tree each day the holiday gets closer.
Get the tutorial here.
Metallic Tree Hangers
Numbered metal clips hold small satchels filled with treats so there's an elegant-yet-fun surprise waiting at the start of each day.
Get the tutorial here.
Framed Metal Buckets
This designer lookalike has tiny bronze buckets to hold Christmas ornaments, so that you can add one to your tree each day. Bonus: it still looks gorgeous on the mantel, even while it empties.
Get the tutorial here.
Bead Christmas Counter
Unlike other advent calendars, this miniature tree-themed counter doesn't have numbers or clothespins. Just slide the decorative beads over the wire until you reach the final red bead that obviously means it's Christmas.
Get the tutorial here.
Sealable Plastic Containers
Turn tiny latch containers from the Dollar Store into a wall-mounted counter so that your household can see what's coming—and the kids get little knickknacks for good behavior.
Get the tutorial here.
Plastic Toys on Boxes
Fill your mantel with stacked brown boxes topped with red-nosed toys for a simple advent calendar that doubles as holiday decor.
Get the tutorial here.
Picture Countdown Cards
Put your favorite Instagram snaps from the year on display with this cute hanging card counter. As each day passes, flip the card to reveal another sweet memory.
Get the tutorial here.
Envelopes with Painted Dinosaurs
Make your countdown a family activity. Write out 24 cards filled with holiday-related activities you can do together, then spread the cards out face-down with a colorful toy on top.
Get the tutorial here.
Mommy's Advent Calendar
Between gift shopping, dinner prep, and decorating, Christmas is a non-stop train. Reward yourself with an advent calendar you can really appreciate.
Get the tutorial here.
Burlap Door Hanger
Make a rustic hanging calendar using burlap and ribbon. The little pockets are the perfect size for stowing candy canes and other holiday treats.
Get the tutorial here.
Simple Cork Board Countdown
For a super simple counter, make a set of double-sided gift tags and pin them up to a cork board using decorative clothespins. As each day passes, flip the tag to show the non-numbered side.
Get the tutorial here.
Mini Tabletop Tree Counter
You can turn a tiny tabletop tree into a glamorous advent calendar with a little gold paint, pretty cards, and pins.
Get the tutorial here.
Tea Lights with Washi Tape
Set a centerpiece of 24 decorated tea lights, and each evening, light the correlating number of candles. Hello, cozy glow.
Get the tutorial here.
His & Hers Drawers
Make a matching set of 'His & Hers' drawer counters so you and your husband can take turns counting down the nights.
Get the tutorial here.
Roll-Down Numbered Ribbon
This minimalist ribbon counter is an adorable way little kids can get in on the advent calendar action. Simply let them unroll the ribbon at the start of each day to reveal the days left until Christmas.
Get the tutorial here.
Slanted Ladder Counter
Turn your countdown into large-scale decor by hanging numbered packages from the steps of an orchard-style ladder. Untie a package for a special treat at the end of each night.
Get the tutorial here.
Bright Ornament Board
For this clever calendar, you need a picture frame and 25 bright ornaments. Each day, pick an ornament off the board and add it to the tree so you'll have a super-festive look by the time Christmas morning rolls around.
Get the tutorial here.
Printable Chalkboard Tree
Print out this sweet chalkboard-style wall art, and punch out paper ornaments from glittering cardstock. Kids can add an ornament to the chalkboard tree each day until the whole page is sparkling.
Get the tutorial here.
Tissue Paper Ornament Counter
Craft ornaments out of colorful tissue paper so kids can punch through the thin film to reveal the secret treat—and get one design closer to Christmas.
Get the tutorial here.
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