Advent calendar ideas

An advent calendar is 24 small things, one per day from December 1. Keep each item under $8, mix gifts with activities, and add a few days that cost nothing.

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DIY advent calendar

  1. Pick a container: 24 small envelopes, paper bags, matchboxes or a string of clothespins.
  2. Number each one from 1 to 24. Write the number clearly and neatly.
  3. Fill with small gifts, notes and activities. Mix them so there is variety.
  4. Hang or stack them where the person will see them each morning.
  5. Keep a spare gift or two in case you miss a day.

Advent days that cost nothing

  • A coupon for a coffee run or a walk.
  • An activity: watch a holiday movie, bake cookies or look at lights.
  • A note about a good memory.
  • A playlist for a day.
  • A challenge: call someone you have not talked to for a while.

Keep the budget in check

Twenty-four items at $5 is $120. That adds up. A realistic advent calendar mixes 8 to 10 small gifts with notes and activities. Aim for a total of $40 to $60 or less. For groups, set a clear total.

Do not promise that every item arrives on a certain day if you order online. Order early and test one item first.

Some people do not celebrate Christmas. An advent-style countdown to the swap date works for any group.

A calendar for a group exchange

A group can use a countdown to the swap date. Each day, one person posts a clue on the Hollyhush group wall, and on the swap date the group plays the guess-your-Santa game. For ideas, see Secret Santa reveal ideas and 12 days of Christmas gift ideas. For a smaller format, see stocking stuffers for adults.

Use the group wall for a daily clue countdown to the swap. Create your group, free

  1. Day 1: Hot chocolate packet

    A single serving to start the month.

  2. Day 2: A handwritten note

    One sentence about something you like about them.

  3. Day 3: Lip balm

    Small, useful and easy to find.

  4. Day 4: Candy

    A few pieces of good chocolate.

  5. Day 5: Tea bag

    One or two bags of a flavor they like.

  6. Day 6: Mini puzzle

    A small brain teaser or a crossword page.

  7. Day 7: Stickers

    A small pack for a planner or a laptop.

  8. Day 8: Coffee pod or sachet

    A single serving of something good.

  9. Day 9: Pen

    A nice pen they would not buy themselves.

  10. Day 10: Seed packet

    Herbs or flowers for spring.

  11. Day 11: Socks

    A pair of warm socks, folded small.

  12. Day 12: Cookie cutter

    A simple shape and a recipe card.

  13. Day 13: Mini candle

    A gentle scent in a tin.

  14. Day 14: Snack

    A small bag of their favorite.

  15. Day 15: Playing cards

    A small deck for game night.

  16. Day 16: Bookmark

    A simple bookmark or a note to mark a page.

  17. Day 17: Hand warmer

    A small pack for cold days.

  18. Day 18: Gift card

    A $5 coffee card or a similar small card.

  19. Day 19: Nuts or popcorn

    A bag for a movie night.

  20. Day 20: Mini notebook

    A pocket notebook for lists.

  21. Day 21: Bath item

    One unscented bath bomb or a sample.

  22. Day 22: Ornament

    A small plain ornament to hang.

  23. Day 23: Snack for the road

    Something for the trip home.

  24. Day 24: The final treat

    A slightly bigger item up to $8, such as a mug with the cocoa from day 1.

Mix and match with the list above.

Small fillers under $8

CF Cat feather wandA wand toy for playing with cats. ~$7 LT Luggage tagsSturdy tags with a privacy flap. ~$8 MB Mini bath bomb setSmall bath bombs in a box. ~$8 RC Rubber chickenA classic rubber chicken, no explanation needed. ~$8 TP Tire pressure gaugeA pocket gauge for car tires. ~$8 KG Kraft gift tags with twinePaper tags and twine for wrapping. ~$8 KJ Kids joke bookA pocket joke book for kids. ~$8 LF Long fireplace matchesExtra-long matches for candles and fires. ~$8 TP Two-deck playing cardsTwo standard decks in a box. ~$8 PG Phone gripA stick-on grip that doubles as a stand. ~$8 CH Claw hair clipsA set of clips for thick hair. ~$8 SF Sheet face mask setA few face masks in a pouch. ~$8

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Frequently asked questions

What can I put in an advent calendar?

Small candy, tea, lip balm, socks, notes and activities. Aim for items under $8.

How do I make a DIY advent calendar?

Use 24 envelopes or bags, number them, fill them and hang them. Keep a spare gift ready.

What are non-gift advent ideas?

Activities like baking, a movie night, a call to a friend or a note with a memory.

How much should an advent calendar cost?

Many people spend $40 to $60 in total. Mix gifts with free days to stay within budget.

Does advent start on December 1?

Many calendars start on December 1. Traditional Advent begins on a Sunday near the end of November.

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