Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. DIY Projects & Crafts
  3. 12 Advent Calendar Ideas for the Countdown to Christmas

12 Advent Calendar Ideas for the Countdown to Christmas

Updated November 08, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
illustrated advent calendar
Credit: Devon Jarvis; Illustration by Stuart Kolakovic
Count down to Christmas with a handmade advent calendar you and the kids can create. Using ornaments, baby socks, and photos, these charming, treat-a-day ideas make the holiday season even more merry.
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
illustrated advent calendar
Credit: Devon Jarvis; Illustration by Stuart Kolakovic

For many families, opening 24 Advent gifts is always the best part of the holiday season. Now's the perfect time to start gathering gifts to be opened throughout December. The season of Advent begins on the first of December. As the countdown to Christmas begins, you can keep track of the passing days by marking them on a handmade Advent calendar. The tradition originates in the mid-19th century, when Germans would mark their doors with chalk or light candles to count the days leading up to Christmas. Today, most Advent calendars include paper doors that open to reveal an image, gift, or piece of chocolate. Your calendar can incorporate a theme, too, like family photographs, kids' toys, or treats for your pets. And just like your Christmas gifts, the Advent calendar can be another way to show your appreciation of the people in your life.

Even household staples can be upcycled into an Advent calendar for the home: For one, a shoe organizer is perfect for holding small gifts and treats in the days leading up to Christmas. It's also quick and easy to hang up and display. For another, a photo chain Advent calendar can be a way to celebrate your favorite memories through the years. Just hide photos behind the sliding cards and each day can reveal a new family story.

No matter how your calendar is crafted, it's meant to get everyone into the holiday spirit. It's the countdown to Christmas Day and just as meaningful as the morning of the day itself. Let these handmade Advent calendars inspire you this season.

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Envelope Advent Calendar

adventcalendar-480-mld109268.jpg
Credit: Seth Smoot

Our simplest Advent calendar to date, this is a minimalist take on the holiday tradition: Form the shape of a Christmas tree with envelopes in various sizes, and mark each with adhesive numbers. Stuff them with thin, lightweight presents, such as gift cards and stickers. Use painters' tape to secure the envelopes to the wall.

Shop Now: Chartpak Vinyl Numbers, 1 1/2", $17.88, amazon.com. Paper Presentation Rouge A9 Envelopes, from $17 for 50, paperpresentation.com. 

2 of 13

3 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shoe-Organizer Advent Calendar

shoe organizer Advent calendar
Credit: Addie Juell

Youngsters can hardly contain their excitement this time of year. But you can, with a fun-filled Advent calendar. We stenciled numbers onto a 24-pair canvas hanging shoe bag, stuffed some compartments with wrapped gifts, and filled the rest with supplies for holiday merriment. (The ninth, for instance, holds kid-size utensils for a cookie-baking spree they'll love looking forward to.) Customize the countdown to your family's celebration: Do all 24 pre-Christmas days of December, or trim off a few rows to encompass Hanukkah's eight nights.

Shop Now: HomeCrate 24-Pocket Hanging Canvas Shoe Organizer, in Beige, $27, amazon.com. Ann Clark Cookie Cutters Christmas set, $14 for 11, amazon.com. Pick a Toy Wooden Paddle-Ball Set, $15, amazon.com. Toysmith Pickup-Sticks Game, $8.75, amazon.com. Animal Alley Stuffed Labrador, $35, amazon.com. Yulia Kochevykh Felted Finger Puppets, from $14 each, yuliakochevykh.etsy.com. Cambridge Chocolates Mustache Lollipops, $3 each, cambridgechocolates.etsy.com. Gotham Chocolates "Wild" Bar, $10, gothambarandgrill.com.

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glittered Cones Advent Calendar

glittered cone advent calendar
Credit: Pernille Loof

Whether you're lighting up eight nights or counting down 24 days, half the fun of the holidays is the anticipation. Extend the excitement with a twinkling treeline full of hidden presents. We covered paper cones in ray adhesive and metallic glitter, slipped a treat under each, and attached a paper tag with a number sticker to create a free-form calendar. A word to wise men (and women): Wrap your miniature gifts, in case someone sneaks a peek.

Shop Now: Save-on-Crafts Papier-Mâché Cones, 10 1/2", $13 for 6, save-on-crafts.com. Martha Stewart Vintage Leaf Glitter, $16 for 12 0.14-oz. jars, amazon.com. Meyer Imports German Glass Glitter, from $6 for a 1-oz. jar, meyerimports.com.

4 of 13

5 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pegboard Advent Calendar

Advent calendar
Credit: Ryan Liebe

This whimsical Advent calendar comes together in a few basic steps. First, paint a two-by-four-foot pegboard slat; let dry overnight. Using stencils, craft paint, and a brush or sponge, paint the numbers one through 24 on muslin gift bags; let dry overnight. The next day, evenly space 24 small wooden pegs in the board; fill the bags with little toys, candy, and handwritten messages, and hang the bags in order. Then just place it on a console table or ledge, lean it against the wall (or mount it, if you have small children), and let the anticipation build.

Shop Now: Dimensions White Pegboard, 3/16" by 2' by 4', $22, homedepot.com. Snuggly Monkey Cotton Muslin Pouches, 4" by 6", $17.50 for 25, snugglymonkey.com. Krylon ColorMaster Gloss Enamel Spray Paint, in Banner Red, $9.25 for 12 oz., amazon.com. Lara's Crafts Wood Axle Pegs, 1 3/8", $4 for 31, createforless.com. Craftsmart Stencils, in Western Alphabet, $6, michaels.com. Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Craft Paint, in Habanero, from $2.50 for 2 oz., michaels.com.

5 of 13

6 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Traditional Advent Chain

advent gifts
Credit: Emily Kate Roemer

Hang this vertically with gift 24 at the top. Snip one from the bottom each day. Wrap each gift. Tie each with twine, leaving several inches of twine at the top. Stamp or write numbers on tags, and tie them to the gifts. Arrange the gifts in order from one to 24. Tie the loose twine on gift one to the twine on the bottom of gift two. Continue, joining all 24. Hang the chain.

Shop Now: Pepin Gift & Creative Papers, in Japanese Patterns, $16, store.metmuseum.org.

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Photo-Chain Advent Calendar

advent gifts photo chain
Credit: Emily Kate Roemer
Get the Numbered Cards Clip-Art

A photo-chain Advent calendar for faraway friends and family that also serves as a picture-perfect keepsake. Order doubles of ones you like, which makes it less work to assemble the gift as December approaches. Slide pictures of the kids (that you collect throughout the year) into postcard holders and hide them with numbered cards. You can use swatches of decorative paper or even holiday wrapping paper instead of the numbered cards.

Shop Now: Classic Linen Cover Paper, in Natural White, 8 1/2" by 11", $9 for 25 sheets, paperpresentation.com. Exposures Online Hanging Collage Panel, $43, exposuresonline.com.

7 of 13

8 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Advent Gift Bags

advent gift bags
Credit: Emily Kate Roemer

Simplify the Advent-chain tradition: Instead of wrapping each gift, we placed the little tokens in red-and-white striped paper bags and clip them to a cord. It's a lot quicker for you, and no less fun for the kids. The striped bags are festive, but you can use solid-color ones, too. Place one gift in each of 24 paper bags. Stamp or write numbers on stickers, and adhere them to the bags. Hang the cord. Fold over the tops of the bags, and clip them to the cord, in numerical or a random order.

Shop Now: In the Clear Traditional Sweet Shop Red Stripe Paper Bags, $5.35 for 25, etsy.com. Avery Mailing Seals, 1 1/2", $8.70 for 240, avery.com. Woodworks Clothespins, 1 3/4", $2.40 for 24, craftparts.com.

8 of 13

9 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gift Box Advent Calendar

gift boxes on a Christmas mantel
Credit: Janelle Jones

Amplify the joy of Christmas morning by unwrapping a gift every day leading up to December 25. For a cohesive set, package the boxes in a palette of complementary tones: calming blues, terra-cotta pinks, and earthy ochres. For each one, wrap the box in paper, tie it with a bow of dual-sided satin ribbon, and stamp a round tag with a gilded number.

Shop Now: GSS USA Small Gift Boxes, in Brown, 4" by 4" by 4", $14 for 50, amazon.com. Paper Source Number Set Medium Rubber Stamps, $30 for 10, papersource.com. 

  • See More Ideas to Decorate Your Mantel for Christmas

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Greeting Cards Advent Calendar

advent calendar of greeting cards
Credit: Charles Schiller
Get the House Template

Open a numbered window for each December day before Christmas. On Christmas Day, open the front door. To make this Advent calendar, enlarge the house template by 200 percent. Trace the outline on two sheets of heavy card stock to use as the front and back "walls." Mark the position of the door and window shutters with a pencil. Cut slits for the door and shutters; number shutters randomly. Place images from old greeting cards behind each opening; adhere with a glue stick. Edge the roof, chimney, and foundation with red paper; add gold trim. Glue ribbon loop between boards, to use as hanger, before gluing back to the front.

Shop Now: Paper Source Superfine White Card Stock, 26" by 20", $2 each, papersource.com. Pepe Postcards 1950s Vintage Christmas Cards, $8 for 8, etsy.com. Martha Stewart Craft Knife, $8.49, michaels.com.

10 of 13

11 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

gift box advent calendar
Credit: Mike Krautter
Get the Holly Leaf Template

Little ones will delight in counting down the days to Christmas. Who doesn't like getting a present every day? To make this Advent calendar, attach stickers to each box in sequential numbers. Print the holly leaf template and cut out shapes from various colors of card stock. Punch a small hole in the top of each holly leaf using a screw punch. Use gold string to tie the leaves to each box. Arrange boxes in a tree pattern, as in the picture, and mount to a surface using double-sided tape.

Shop Now: Paper Source Pillow Favor Box, in Luxe White, $5.25, papersource.com. Everbilt Self-Adhesive Mylar Number Set, $2.28, homedepot.com.

11 of 13

12 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Matchbox Advent Calendar

matchbox advent calendar
Credit: Sang An

This little chest harbors many secrets. To retrieve its treasures (tiny gifts and notes), kids open numbered drawers—one each day until Christmas. Slide drawers in backward to reveal another surprise—a painted tree. To make this Advent calendar, remove matches from 24 matchboxes; glue boxes in three stacks of eight. Glue the stacks together, then cut a strip of paper and glue around the sides of the chest. Remove drawers; number the fronts with acrylic paint, then tape ribbon tabs to the undersides. Place drawers in the chest. Paint a tree or other design on the back. Cut a construction-paper backing to keep the drawers in place.

Shop Now: Kendra's Bowtique Match Kraft Paper Matchboxes, in Large, $1.40, etsy.com. Martha Stewart Family Friendly Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Craft Paint, $2.49, michaels.com.

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mini Advent Stockings

ft_feltstock06.jpg
Get the Mini Stockings How-To

These mini stockings are just large enough to hold a small gift or sweet for each of the 24 days of Advent. If your tree is too small to hold 24 stockings, hang the rest from a ribbon.

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 13
    2 of 13 Envelope Advent Calendar
    3 of 13 Shoe-Organizer Advent Calendar
    4 of 13 Glittered Cones Advent Calendar
    5 of 13 Pegboard Advent Calendar
    6 of 13 Traditional Advent Chain
    7 of 13 Photo-Chain Advent Calendar
    8 of 13 Advent Gift Bags
    9 of 13 Gift Box Advent Calendar
    10 of 13 Greeting Cards Advent Calendar
    11 of 13 Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
    12 of 13 Matchbox Advent Calendar
    13 of 13 Mini Advent Stockings

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    12 Advent Calendar Ideas for the Countdown to Christmas
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.