Counting down to Christmas is one of the most exciting traditions of the holiday season—and what better way to make it extra special than with a DIY advent calendar kit? Whether you’re looking to create magical memories with your kids, add a personal touch to your holiday decor, or just enjoy some hands-on festive fun, a DIY advent calendar kit offers the perfect solution. These creative kits not only help you stay organized throughout December, but they also give you the freedom to customize each day’s surprise—whether it’s a treat, a toy, or a tiny activity.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 best DIY advent calendar kits that are fun, easy to use, and ideal for crafters of all ages. From charming wooden drawers to printable paper options and reusable fabric pockets, there’s a DIY advent calendar kit for every style, budget, and skill level. Ready to add a little extra sparkle to your Christmas countdown? Keep reading to find the perfect kit that turns each December day into a joyful experience!
Why Choose a DIY Advent Calendar Kit?
Creating your own DIY advent calendar kit is more than just a fun holiday activity—it’s a chance to add magic, meaning, and a personal touch to your Christmas countdown. Unlike store-bought options, a DIY advent calendar kit allows you to customize every detail, from the design to the daily surprises. Whether you’re crafting for your kids, partner, or friends, this holiday tradition becomes a creative experience the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to turn December into a month full of excitement, joy, and handmade charm.
Here are just a few reasons to choose a DIY advent calendar kit this season:
🎁 Make It Personal
- Add names, photos, or favorite colors to each calendar
- Fill each day with tailored surprises your family will love
- Choose themes like nature, books, or family activities
🧸 Include Meaningful Gifts and Toys
- Mini puzzles, fidget toys, or small figurines
- Holiday-themed stickers, erasers, or craft supplies
- Personalized notes, jokes, or tiny acts of kindness
- Chocolates, candies, or healthy treats
- DIY ornament kits for a new tree decoration each day
🎄 Encourage Family Bonding
- Build the kit together as a pre-holiday activity
- Plan family moments like baking, watching movies, or decorating
- Make it a shared experience by filling each other’s calendar
💡 Reusable and Eco-Friendly
- Choose materials like wood, fabric, or paper for sustainability
- Reuse the calendar year after year with new surprises
- Reduce plastic waste by avoiding single-use store-bought options
By choosing a DIY advent calendar kit, you’re not just counting down the days—you’re creating lasting memories, encouraging creativity, and bringing a little extra joy to the holiday season. And the best part? It’s totally customizable, affordable, and fun for everyone involved.
Top 10 DIY Advent Calendar Kits to Buy or Make
If you’re ready to make your holiday countdown more memorable, choosing the right DIY advent calendar kit is the perfect place to start. Whether you prefer a ready-to-assemble kit or love putting together your own from scratch, there are endless options to suit every style, budget, and age group. A great DIY advent calendar kit should be fun, functional, and flexible—letting you fill each compartment with tiny gifts, holiday toys, or meaningful surprises. Below, you’ll find a mix of creative, reusable, and affordable DIY advent calendar kits that are loved by families and craft-lovers alike.If you’re ready to make your holiday countdown more memorable, choosing the right DIY advent calendar kit is the perfect place to start.
Whether you prefer a ready-to-assemble kit or love putting together your own from scratch, there are endless options to suit every style, budget, and age group. A great DIY advent calendar kit should be fun, functional, and flexible—letting you fill each compartment with tiny gifts, holiday toys, or meaningful surprises. Below, you’ll find a mix of creative, reusable, and affordable DIY advent calendar kits that are loved by families and craft-lovers alike.
🎁 1. Wooden Drawer DIY Advent Calendar Kit
- Sturdy and reusable year after year
- Can be painted or decorated to match your home
- Fill drawers with candy, small toys, or handwritten notes
🧵 2. Felt Pocket Hanging Calendar Kit
- Soft, colorful, and easy to hang on walls or doors
- Each pocket fits treats, ornaments, or daily activities
- Great for toddlers and young kids
✂️ 3. Printable DIY Advent Calendar Kit
- Instant digital download—print at home
- Budget-friendly and fully customizable
- Use with envelopes, tags, or treat bags
📦 4. Kraft Paper Box Countdown Kit
- Comes with 24 mini boxes, labels, and twine
- Perfect for rustic or farmhouse Christmas themes
- Fill with toys like rubber stamps, tiny puzzles, or stickers
💌 5. Envelope Garland DIY Kit
- Each envelope clipped to a string for a hanging countdown
- Add messages, jokes, and gift cards
- Great for teens and adults
🎨 6. DIY Paint-Your-Own Advent Calendar Kit
- Comes with a blank wood calendar and paints
- Let kids design their own holiday scenes
- Fill drawers with small craft kits or holiday trivia
🛍️ 7. Fabric Bag Countdown Kit
- 24 cloth bags with drawstrings, perfect for reuse
- Includes numbered tags or stickers
- Fill with holiday erasers, stamps, or fun facts about Christmas
🧲 8. Magnetic Tin Advent Calendar Kit
- Mini metal tins with magnets—ideal for fridges or boards
- Decorate each tin and place treats or toys inside
- Great for small apartments or modern decor styles
🧸 9. Toy-Filled DIY Advent Calendar Kit for Kids
- Comes with small pre-selected toys to place in calendar boxes
- Less prep needed, great for busy parents
- Popular characters or themed surprises (like dinosaurs, cars, or princesses)
✍️ 10. Activity-Based DIY Advent Calendar Kit
- Each day includes a fun holiday activity suggestion
- Encourages screen-free bonding time
- Includes cards or slips for writing your own ideas
From handmade charm to kid-friendly creativity, each DIY advent calendar kit on this list brings something unique to your holiday celebration. Whether you’re looking to buy a complete kit or make one yourself, these ideas will help you turn every December day into a festive and meaningful moment.
Creative DIY Ideas to Fill Your Advent Calendar Kit
One of the best things about using a DIY advent calendar kit is the freedom to choose what goes inside. Whether you’re crafting a countdown for kids, adults, or the whole family, the right mix of surprises can turn your advent calendar into a daily source of joy. From small toys and treats to heartwarming messages and creative activities, your DIY advent calendar kit can be filled with fun, meaning, and even a little magic. The possibilities are endless—and totally customizable to your family’s interests, budget, and holiday traditions.
Here are some creative and crowd-pleasing ideas to fill your DIY advent calendar kit this season:
🍬 Sweet Treats and Snacks
- Wrapped chocolates or holiday-themed candies
- Mini candy canes, gumdrops, or chocolate coins
- Homemade cookies in tiny bags or jars
- Healthy snacks like trail mix or dried fruit
🧸 Toys and Tiny Surprises
- Small figurines, LEGO pieces, or animal toys
- Fidget spinners, mini slimes, or bouncy balls
- Holiday-themed stickers, stamps, or temporary tattoos
- Puzzle pieces (1–2 per day, completing a set by the 24th)
✍️ Notes, Messages, and Acts of Kindness
- Handwritten affirmations or love notes
- Funny holiday jokes or riddles
- Daily acts of kindness (“Help someone today” or “Give a compliment”)
- Gratitude prompts or memory-sharing cards
🎨 Craft Supplies and DIY Kits
- Mini bottles of glitter, glue sticks, or washi tape
- Ornaments to decorate together as a family
- Small coloring pages or holiday-themed printables
- DIY bracelet beads or pipe cleaner craft bundles
🎄 Holiday-Themed Activities
- “Watch a Christmas movie tonight”
- “Bake cookies with Mom” or “Read a holiday story”
- “Go for a drive to see Christmas lights”
- “Make hot chocolate and play board games”
With a little creativity, your DIY advent calendar kit becomes much more than a countdown—it becomes a cherished family tradition filled with excitement, laughter, and connection. Mix and match different types of fillers to keep each day fresh and surprising, and tailor the experience to suit the ages and personalities of everyone in your home.
Where to Buy the Best DIY Advent Calendar Kits Online
Finding the perfect DIY advent calendar kit online is easier than ever, thanks to the wide variety of styles, prices, and creative options available on popular e-commerce platforms. Whether you’re looking for a reusable wooden calendar, a printable paper version, or a fun kid-friendly kit filled with toys, there’s something for everyone. Shopping online gives you access to unique handmade items, customizable designs, and kits that are ready to ship in time for December. Below, we’ve rounded up the best places to shop for your ideal DIY advent calendar kit, along with what makes each one special.
🛒 Etsy – Handmade & Customizable DIY Advent Calendar Kits
- Unique, handmade wooden drawer sets and felt pocket calendars
- Personalized name tags and numbers included in many kits
- Great for custom themes like woodland, minimalist, or rustic
- Support small businesses and artisans
📦 Amazon – Fast Shipping and Wide Selection
- Large inventory of DIY advent calendar kits for all ages
- Prime-eligible options with fast delivery
- Includes kits with small toys, crafts, or build-your-own options
- Popular choices: wooden tree-shaped calendars, fabric wall hangers
🎨 Michaels – Craft Store Favorites
- DIY kits that include paints, stickers, and embellishments
- Blank calendars perfect for decorating with kids
- Seasonal discounts and coupon codes
- Great for crafters who want to personalize every detail
🧵 Target – Budget-Friendly & Stylish Picks
- Ready-to-fill advent calendars in cute holiday designs
- Fabric pouch sets, box countdowns, and sticker-based options
- Stylish, kid-friendly kits at an affordable price
- Convenient in-store pickup or online ordering
🧺 Hobby Lobby – Traditional and Religious Themes
- Kits that focus on faith-based or traditional holiday motifs
- Includes nativity-themed advent kits and DIY ornaments
- Great selection of craft materials to add your own flair
- Ideal for family-centered or classroom use
By shopping online, you can find the best DIY advent calendar kit that fits your personal style, budget, and holiday vibe. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or cozy and crafty, these trusted online stores offer all the inspiration—and supplies—you need to start a meaningful Christmas countdown.
Tips to Make Your DIY Advent Calendar Kit Extra Magical
Creating a DIY advent calendar kit is already a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the holidays—but with a few thoughtful touches, you can turn it into a truly magical tradition your family will look forward to year after year. From decorating the calendar to curating the perfect mix of surprises, the details you add can transform each day of December into a mini celebration. These creative tips will help you enhance your DIY advent calendar kit so it’s not only beautiful and festive but also filled with joy, love, and imagination.
🌟 Add Sparkling Holiday Decor
- Wrap fairy lights around or above your advent calendar display
- Use mini garlands, pinecones, or holly to create a cozy holiday scene
- Add a touch of glitter or metallic accents for extra shimmer
🖌️ Customize the Calendar’s Look
- Let kids paint or color their wooden or paper calendar kits
- Use washi tape, stickers, and stamps to decorate each drawer or envelope
- Label each day with handwritten numbers or printable holiday tags
🎁 Include Themed Mini-Gifts and Toys
- Fill each slot with matching toys—like tiny animal figures, puzzle pieces, or LEGO mini builds
- Create themes such as “Craft Week,” “Story Time,” or “Acts of Kindness Week”
- Include matching supplies like mini crayons, stamps, or stickers that go with each day’s activity
❤️ Make It Personal and Meaningful
- Include family photos or memory prompts for reflection
- Add notes that say, “Today we bake cookies!” or “Let’s build a snowman!”
- Encourage gratitude by adding daily prompts like “Name one thing you’re thankful for”
🎉 Turn Each Day Into a Celebration
- Create a daily ritual—light a candle, play a Christmas song, or sip hot cocoa
- Let kids guess what’s inside and make opening each box an exciting event
- Plan a big surprise for day 24—like a small toy, a movie night, or a family game
With just a little planning and creativity, you can turn your DIY advent calendar kit into a magical countdown filled with laughter, surprises, and meaningful family time. These simple touches make the holiday season feel even more special—and create memories your loved ones will treasure for years to come.
Conclusion: Make the Holidays Shine with a DIY Advent Calendar Kit
There’s something truly special about counting down to Christmas with a DIY advent calendar kit—especially when it’s filled with love, creativity, and personal touches. Whether you choose a handcrafted wooden calendar, a printable DIY version, or a fabric pouch set, the right kit can turn December into a month-long celebration. More than just a festive decoration, a DIY advent calendar kit invites joy into your home through daily surprises, meaningful moments, and unforgettable family traditions.
From sweet treats and tiny toys to holiday activities and heartfelt notes, each day is an opportunity to connect, create, and celebrate the magic of the season. Plus, by choosing a reusable or customizable DIY advent calendar kit, you’re adding sustainability and sentiment to your holiday decor—making it something you can cherish for years to come.
So, whether you’re crafting your first kit or looking for fresh inspiration, we hope this guide has helped you discover the best DIY advent calendar kit ideas for your family. Happy crafting—and may your countdown to Christmas be filled with wonder, warmth, and creativity!
