13 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas That Are Easy and Quick to Make
Have you ever sat hunched over a DIY advent calendar late on November 30, neck aching, wondering why a fun idea turned into such a huge project? I know that feeling better than I would like to.
What if this year you could make a homemade calendar and still have time for a cozy cup of tea – and maybe even a neck massage? Here are 13 DIY advent calendar ideas that are easy and quick to make.
Top tip: if you want ideas for filling the calendar with something other than candy, my post about 100+ advent calendar filler ideas has you covered.
#1 Muffin tin advent calendar
Instead of crafting an elaborate housing for tiny treats, this beautiful version simply uses a muffin pan. Stick the numbers onto magnetic strips and you are ready to fill.
For small sweets, a 24-cup mini muffin pan works perfectly. If you need more room for the gifts, use two 12-cup pans or even four 6-cup pans. This step-by-step guide from BBC Good Food shows you exactly how it is done.
#2 Matchbox advent calendar
Matchboxes are another almost-ready-made container. They work for a sweet mini advent calendar that fits into a pocket or bag, and you can glue large and small boxes onto a board or stack them in rows and layers. Short on decorating time? Spray paint is your friend. For more inspiration, search Pinterest for matchbox advent calendars – there are endless variations.
#3 Advent calendar in gift boxes
Sometimes only a little village of houses made from old milk cartons will do. But if there is no time for that this year, ready-made small gift boxes are a great option.
Decorate them however you like: glued paper, spray paint, or markers, depending on your energy reserves. This gallery from Better Homes & Gardens shows how simple boxes and bags turn into proper little Christmas displays.
#4 – 11 Little gift bags
Little paper gift bags are hugely popular as hiding spots for advent treats, and with good reason – they are incredibly versatile.
In a hurry? A pretty number sticker looks simple and smart. Of course you can make the bags yourself for a special touch, but bought bags are the ideal starting point when time matters. Small flat surprises work especially well inside – my list of gifts that fit in an envelope is full of ideas.
But where do the filled bags go?
A quick Pinterest search turns up beautiful ideas. Hang them from a clothes hanger, an embroidery hoop, or a small branch, and the calendar becomes a real eye-catcher – especially with a string of lights. A decorative little wooden ladder works beautifully too.
A side table turns the filled bags into an instant centerpiece that draws all eyes. And they work for even simpler setups: they can dress up a staircase together with some Christmas decor or live in a pretty wooden crate.
Even a basket, dressed up with a small string of lights, makes an attractive frame for a DIY advent calendar when it has to be fast and easy. It does not always take a big effort to make something delightful.
And if you made your bags yourself, clothespins and baker’s twine are all you need to hang them with a homespun look.
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#12 Paper cup advent calendar
With a few cuts, plain paper cups turn into practical little gift boxes that only need decorating and filling.
No time for that? Use to-go coffee cups instead. They are easy to fill, you can reuse them, and they store flat – and they are perfect for bulkier fillings. If you would rather buy than DIY, there are ready-made sets you can still personalize:
Last update on 2026-11-08 at 16:12 / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
#13 Magnetic spice tin advent calendar
My favorite discovery: magnetic spice tins as an advent calendar, which I found via this tutorial. Add number stickers and you are done. This calendar can be reused every year and produces zero waste, though it costs a bit more upfront.
For mounting, use a baking sheet, a metal plate from the hardware store, or simply the fridge. If you want to keep using the magnetic tins for spices after Christmas, removable stickers are the trick.
Last update on 2026-11-08 at 16:12 / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bonus: numbers to print
Thank goodness for the internet – nobody needs neat handwriting anymore to number a DIY advent calendar nicely. Pinterest has links to all kinds of free printable templates, in every style you can imagine.
And if printing, cutting, and sticking numbers onto three calendars is too much, you can simply order them:
Last update on 2026-11-08 at 16:12 / As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Make your own advent calendar – or buy one?
Hopefully you can see that even with little time, you do not have to give up on a homemade, self-filled DIY advent calendar. Pick the idea that matches the time you realistically have. The less gluing, cutting, and individual wrapping required, the faster you reach the finish line.
And if the thought of Christmas already makes your head spin this year, save this post for a calmer season and use a pre-filled calendar without guilt – maybe alongside a few homemade gifts in a jar.
Your kids benefit far more from a relaxed and happy parent than from a Pinterest-perfect advent dream.
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