15 Easy DIY Advent Calendars for Kids
As an elementary school teacher, I know that kids love counting down the days to Christmas, so today I am sharing 15 easy kids advent calendar ideas. Have fun making one together and then watch the excitement build as you countdown the days until Santa Clause comes to town!
What is an advent calendar?
An advent calendar is a special calendar that counts down to a celebration.
For most of us, we use them to countdown to Christmas.
Traditionally, advent calendars contain small gifts, poems or candy which gets kids really excited and builds the anticipation of what is to come.
We added an advent calendar to our list of fun family Christmas traditions a few years ago and each year I look for new ideas.
Below are some of the easiest kid-friendly advent calendar ideas I found.
But before we get to those, I want to mention something I found that would make this DIY project even easier.
Perfect for those of you who are craft-challenged…like me!
I found these adorable DIY Advent Calendar Kits on Amazon and fell in love!
They are so cute and are perfect if you aren’t super crafty!
DIY Kids Advent Calendar Ideas
Now, on to the list:
1. Eco-Friendly Kids Advent Calendar
I love this eco-friendly idea to reuse, repurpose and recycle Christmas wrapping paper, gift bags and boxes that you have lying around.
Simply hang with stuff the goodies inside, number each one and hang with string!
2. Easy Muffin Tin Advent
What you will need:
- 24-count muffin tin
- Magnetic sticker sheets
- Printable from the source above
3. Simple Sock DIY Advent Calendar
I love this simple idea! The best part is that the socks can be given as gifts too!
What you will need:
- Small Clothespins
- Holiday Ribbon
- A variety of holiday socks
4. Coffee Cup Advent Calendar
The kids will love to help make this quick and easy advent calendar.
The cups and lids can be re-used for yummy hot chocolate and tea or save them for next year’s Christmas countdown!
What you will need:
- I love these tiny paper cups with lids
- Christmas Countdown Stickers
5. Simple Advent Calendar
What you will need:
6. Easy Balloon Advent for Kids
What you will need:
- Balloons
- Black paper for the ornament topper
- Christmas ornament hooks
7. Simple Advent Calendar Wreath
What you will need:
- Small coin envelopes
- Small Clothespins
- They used a floral foam wreath, but I think I would use a wooden embroidery hoop
- Number Stamps
8. Easy Paper Cup Advent Calendar for Kids
What you need:
- Holiday Ribbon
- Tissue Paper
- Number stickers
- Paper cups
9. Easy Envelope Advent Calendar
What you will need:
10. Easy Toddler Advent Calendar
All you need for this one is a marker, green felt and some pom poms from the Dollar Store.
11. Kids Lego Advent Calendar
This Lego advent calendar is such a fun idea. Be sure to visit the source page for the full directions and an awesome printable!
12. Paper Cone Advent Calendar
What you will need:
13. Simple Kids Advent Calendar
14. DIY Paper Bag Advent Calendar
This simple version uses Command strips to attach the clothespins directly to the wall. Easy peasey!
15. DIY Drawstring Advent
What you will need:
There you have it! Tons of easy advent calendar ideas to make with the kiddos this year!
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