Advent Calendar Ideas
Over the years my family has had myriad advent calendars. Some as simple as the cardboard-open the flap-eat the chocolate type to some pretty fancy ones full of things to do. This year I want a more mature advent calendar focused on ways to enjoy the holidays as an adult instead of the Santa-crazed activities of youth.
At first, I thought I’d give an advent calendar to my husband on Thanksgiving Day full of services I’d give to him (like vacuum truck, favorite meal, bubble bath, hike in the woods, etc.) but knowing my husband’s love language is quality time I decided to plan activities where we can be together. Want to learn more about love languages? Read this.
So as I research ideas I’m making a list to share with you. I’ll let you know what I decide to do!
1. Wood Advent Calendar with Printables by Shanty 2 Chic
This is probably the best tutorial I’ve seen on how to make a wood tree! This tree pattern could be used with boxes, cloth bags, ornaments, etc.
2. Framed Holiday Advent Calendar by The Idea Room
I like the simplicity of this and how the frame can be used for other holidays. It would store well and take up next to no space.
3. Christmas Advent Jar by Just a Girl
Another idea that takes little space and you probably have all the supplies on hand.
4. Christmas Calendar Wall Char by The Painted Hive
Love that this hangs on the wall instead of sitting on something. I would like it to be a little brighter and in Christmas colors.
5. Christ the Savior is Born by Sunlit Pages
This is probably the most spiritual of all the advent calendars I’ve looked at. The art tells the story of the nativity and you could add scriptures, too.
6. Gift Bags & Strings by La Petite Cruisine
This is such a whimsical idea and would be fun for an Easter or baby shower decoration too! Fill it with little gifts.
7. Rustic Ornament Advent Calendar by All Things Thrifty
So very charming. I could hook a tag to each ornament with an activity.
8. Farmhouse Charm Advent Calendar by Home Depot
Love this! I think lots of ladies in my congregation would like to make this.
9. Wooden & Bags by Jessica Bezuijen @about.interiors Instgram
Love the simplicity and it could be used for other holidays.
10. Advent Calendar for Men by Skip to my Lou
My son spent last Christmas in Afghanistan. He’s back in the US but still 6 hours away. Would this be a good pre-Christmas gift for him?
11. Christmas Advent Calendar Bags by My Scandinavian Home
This is so natural and woodsy. Love the way it hangs. What a beautiful idea.
13. Clothes Pin Advent Calendar by Blesser House
One thing I love about the advent calendar is it is up high and out of the way of everyday life.
14. Muslin & Applique Bags by Live Eco
The chicken coop frame and cute clothes pins could be used year-round!
15. Hygge House Storage Drawers by Hyggehaus
I think this has a tremendous amount of potential — paint, scrapbook paper, vinyl lettering, funky knobs!
16. Gift Bags in a Box by Stacey Stachetti
Very easy to make and comes with its own storage box. Maybe not for my husband but for a friend?
17. Advent Calendar for Adults by Whatsoeverish
So this is what I ended up doing! Everything was in my craft closet except the cute paper from Hobby Lobby! With time “stuck” at home this summer I was able to finish it in plenty of time for the holidays.
