DIY advent calendar

Every Christmas, the excitement of the countdown to the big day begins to build across the UK which, for many people, means enjoying the tradition of advent calendars – so why not consider creating your own – also known as DIY advent calendars?

Those little treasures mark the days from 1st December to Christmas Eve and while shop-bought chocolate calendars remain a staple, there’s a growing trend towards DIY advent calendars.

We should point out that this article is aimed at those wanting to create an advent calendar that they fill with treats or goods with a specific recipient in mind – it is not about creating an advent calendar of DIY goods such as tools like screwdrivers.

Google search data reveals that every year, interest in this subject increases – peaking in November as people prepare for December.

But what exactly are DIY advent calendars? Why are they becoming such popular Christmas gifts? And what options are out there for those eager to craft their own?

In this comprehensive guide, the Christmas.co.uk team explores everything you need to know about DIY advent calendars – from their history and types to gift ideas, along with the best UK suppliers to get you started.

Whether you’re a crafting novice or a seasoned pro, there’s something here to inspire your Christmas countdown.

What are DIY advent calendars?

At their core, DIY advent calendars are homemade countdowns to Christmas, typically featuring 24 small compartments, pockets, or packages – one for each day of December leading up to Christmas Eve. Unlike pre-filled calendars from supermarkets or luxury brands, DIY versions are entirely customisable.

You decide what goes inside, how it looks, and who it’s for, making it a deeply personal gift or family tradition.

These calendars can contain anything from sweets and small toys to handwritten notes, activities or even luxury treats like artisan chocolates or mini gin bottles.

The beauty lies in their versatility since they are tailored to the recipient’s tastes, they become a thoughtful alternative to mass-produced options.

The history of DIY advent calendars

The advent calendar tradition began in 19th-century Germany, where Lutheran families marked the days to Christmas with chalk on doors or lit candles. By the early 20th century, printed calendars with paper doors emerged, often featuring religious images or small sweets.

The first commercial chocolate advent calendar appeared in the UK in the 1950s, thanks to Cadbury’s, cementing the tradition across British households.

The DIY element, however, has roots in homemade crafts. Before mass production, families often created their own countdowns, such as simple paper chains or sewn pockets filled with whatever treats were available.

This DIY spirit persisted as a way to make the tradition more personal, especially during times of economic hardship like the post-war years.

In recent decades, the UK has seen a DIY revival, spurred by crafting TV shows, Pinterest and a nostalgia for handmade goods.

Today, giving a DIY advent calendar as a gift is a modern nod to that past and a way to blend tradition with individuality.

Types of DIY advent calendars

DIY advent calendars come in a variety of forms, each offering a different aesthetic and level of effort. Here are some of the most popular types you can create:

Fabric pocket calendars

These tend to be the most popular. Sewn or glued fabric pockets hung on a string or wooden frame are a reusable favourite. These can be filled with small gifts and decorated with festive motifs like stars or reindeer. They’re perfect for those with basic sewing skills or a glue gun handy

Wooden box calendars

Small wooden drawers or boxes, often painted or stained, provide a sturdy, long-lasting option. These are ideal for larger gifts and can be reused year after year, making them a sustainable choice

Paper bag or envelope calendars

Simple yet charming, numbered paper bags or envelopes can be pegged to a string or arranged in a basket. This low-cost option is great for beginners and allows for easy customisation with stickers or stamps.

Tin or jar calendars

Repurposed tins or glass jars can be stacked into a tree shape or lined up on a shelf. These work well for foodie gifts like sweets or spices and add a rustic touch to your decor

Activity-based calendars

Instead of physical gifts, these calendars feature daily activity prompts, such as baking gingerbread or watching a Christmas film, which are written on cards or slips of paper. They’re budget-friendly and focus on creating memories rather than material items

Hanging ornament calendars

Tiny packages or ornaments hung on a mini tree or garland double as decorations. Each day, the recipient removes one to reveal a treat or trinket, gradually decorating their space.

The diversity of these types means there’s a DIY advent calendar for every skill level and budget, a fact reflected in the thousands of UK-based Pinterest boards and Google searches for ‘easy DIY advent calendar ideas’.

Why give DIY advent calendars as Christmas presents?

The rise of DIY advent calendars as Christmas gifts stems from a desire for personalisation and thoughtfulness – qualities that resonate deeply in the UK’s gift-giving culture. Here’s why they’re so cherished:

• Personal touch: A handmade calendar shows effort and care, tailored specifically to the recipient’s likes, whether it’s a child’s love for Lego or a partner’s passion for craft beer
• Sustainability: With growing eco-awareness, reusable DIY calendars reduce waste compared to disposable plastic ones
• Affordability: You control the cost by choosing fillers, making it a budget-friendly alternative to pricey pre-filled calendars
• Experience over excess: In a time when many seek meaningful traditions over materialism, activity-based or memory-focused calendars offer a refreshing twist
• Crafting joy: For the giver, the act of creating is a festive activity, often shared with family or friends.

It does appear that gift-givers are increasingly searching for ‘unique Christmas presents’, and DIY advent calendars tick that box perfectly, blending creativity with sentimentality.

What do people buy for DIY advent calendars?

Filling a DIY advent calendar is where the fun begins. Here’s what UK shoppers are snapping up, based on search data and retail trends:

Sweets and chocolates: Classics like chocolate coins, Quality Street or handmade fudge are perennial favourites

Small toys: Lego pieces, Matchbox cars or tiny figurines delight kids

Beauty products: Mini lip balms, nail polishes or bath bombs cater to teens and adults – think affordable sets from Boots or The Body Shop.

Alcohol minis: Gin, whisky or prosecco minis are a hit for grown-ups

• Craft supplies: Beads, stickers or glitter pens appeal to creative kids or adults, often sourced from Hobbycraft
• Notes and vouchers: Handwritten messages, jokes or IOUs for experiences, such as a theatre or a cinema trip, add a personal twist without breaking the bank.

Gift ideas for your DIY advent calendar

We think it’s worth exploring the above ideas since the beauty of a DIY advent calendar lies in its versatility. They are also a great opportunity to pursue a theme aimed at the recipient – or, at least, an opportunity to create something that offers more variety than a shop-bought calendar.

The gifts tucked behind each door or within each package can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, catering to any age and interest. Here are some popular and inspiring ideas:

For children:

• Small toys and figures: Think miniature cars, building blocks, animal figurines, or characters from their favourite shows
• Sweet treats (Not chocolate): Consider small bags of jelly beans, lollipops, or homemade biscuits
• Stationery supplies: Fun erasers, colourful pens, stickers, mini notebooks or stamps
• Craft supplies: Beads, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, small tubs of playdough or finger paints
• Hair accessories: Clips, hair ties or small bows
• Temporary tattoos or small Jewellery: Fun and fleeting treasures that children adore
• Puzzle pieces: Include one or two pieces each day to build a small puzzle by Christmas
• Experiences: Write down activities like ‘bake Christmas cookies’, ‘watch a festive film’ or ‘go for a winter walk’.

For teenagers:

• Beauty samples: Mini lip glosses, nail polishes, hair masks or face masks
• Small tech accessories: Earbud tips, phone grips or fun USB drives
• Gift vouchers: For their favourite coffee shop, online game or music streaming service
• Snacks and drinks: Gourmet popcorn, speciality teas or their favourite sweets
• Jewellery: Earrings, bracelets or necklaces
• Keychains or bag charms: Reflecting their interests
• Small notebooks and pens: For journaling or doodling
• Personalised items: Engraved charms or small photo prints.

For adults:

• Gourmet treats: Artisan chocolates, speciality coffee or tea bags, mini jams or honeys, or festive biscuits
• Self-care items: Bath bombs, mini candles, essential oil samples, hand cream or lip balm
• Drinks: Miniature bottles of spirits, craft beers or wine (if appropriate)
• Stationery: High-quality pens, elegant paper clips or small notebooks
• Jewellery or accessories: Cufflinks, small earrings or a stylish scarf
• Hobby-related items: Knitting needles, paintbrushes, seeds for the garden or small tools
• Experiences: Date night ideas, suggestions for festive outings or pampering treats
• Personalised notes or photos: A heartfelt message or a cherished memory to brighten their day.

For couples:

• Shared treats: Gourmet chocolates or festive snacks to enjoy together
• Date night vouchers: Ideas for romantic evenings in or out
• Small gifts for each: His and hers items like socks, keychains or toiletries
• Photo booth props: For some festive fun
• Miniature games or puzzles: To enjoy together
• Ingredients for a special Christmas cocktail: One ingredient each day
• Love notes or memory prompts: To reminisce and connect.

Which DIY advent calendars will be popular this year?

Looking ahead to Christmas this year, several trends are poised to dominate the DIY advent calendar scene in the UK, based on current search patterns and cultural shifts, we predict that these offerings will be very popular:

1. Eco-friendly designs: Reusable wooden or fabric calendars will lead as sustainable advent calendars grow in popularity
2. Foodie focussed: Calendars filled with artisan treats, such as local jams or spiced teas, will appeal to food lovers – gourmet Christmas gifts are always well received
3. Tech-inspired: Small gadgets (USB drives, earbuds) or QR codes linking to digital surprises will cater to tech-savvy recipients
4. Nostalgia-driven: Retro sweets or 90s-themed toys will tap into the nostalgia trend
5. Minimalist aesthetics: Sleek, Scandi-style calendars with neutral tones will suit modern homes, reflecting Pinterest’s influence.

These predictions will help ensure your DIY creation stays ahead of the curve.

Top suppliers for quality or unusual DIY advent calendars

Ready to start crafting? Here are some of the best UK suppliers offering quality or quirky DIY advent calendar kits and materials, categorised for your convenience:

Reusable calendar kits

• Hobbycraft: Offers wooden advent houses and fabric pocket kits, perfect for painting or decorating. Prices start at £10
• The Advent Calendar Shop: Specialises in fill-your-own options, including wooden drawers and bunting-style pouches, from £15

Craft materials

• The Works: Affordable paper bags, stickers and twine for budget-friendly builds, often under £5
• Not On The High Street: Unique handmade kits from small UK businesses, like personalised wooden villages, starting at £20.

Unusual fillers

• Hotel Chocolat: Mini chocolate truffles or tasting sets for a luxury touch, from £2 per piece
• Menkind: Quirky gadgets and mini games (think tiny drones), ideal for teens or adults, around £5-£10.

Eco-friendly options

• Etsy UK: Custom fabric calendars or biodegradable paper kits from British sellers, typically £15-£30.
• CEWE UK: Photo advent calendars you can personalise and fill, available from September 2025, around £20.

Amazon also has an impressive collection of ‘make your own advent calendars‘ to suit every budget.

These suppliers cater to a range of budgets and tastes, ensuring you can create a standout DIY advent calendar for Christmas 2025.

Start your DIY advent calendar journey

DIY advent calendars are more than just a countdown, they’re a labour of love, a sustainable choice and a chance to make Christmas truly special.

Whether you opt for a wooden box brimming with treats, a string of envelopes with heartfelt notes or a fabric creation to reuse each year, the possibilities are endless.

With UK search interest at an all-time high and suppliers offering everything you need; there’s no better time to embrace this festive trend.