Hey out there! It’s been forever! I’ve been kind of floundering with life these past few months and something just had to give… and turns out blogging was the first thing to go. But I miss it!

When I woke up this morning and realized it was December 1st and I hadn’t bought my kids’ advent calendars… I thought of you guys. My favorite blog readers. I thought of you again when I ran out to Walmart with the kids tonight to buy supplies to make a last minute advent calendar. (It actually reminded me of the time I made the last minute Jake and the Neverland Pirate costume.)

I’m mad at myself for not just buying the Lego Advent Calendars when we were at the Lego Store last month. I thought I would get them somewhere cheaper — or something like that. And now they are nowhere to be found. Of course.

DIY Advent Calendars

So what the heck was I buying on my late night craft supply search? I’m not going to tell you!

No really, I want to show you tomorrow when it’s all finished. For now you’ll just have to guess… it’s similar to one of these awesome DIY Advent Calendar ideas. Which one do you think it will be??? Which is the ultimate DIY advent calendar of your dreams?

DIY Advent Calendars Made from Ladders

If you’d like to combine some woodworking with your advent calendar making, then may I suggest a ladder. This ladder advent calendar by Her Tool Belt is a Pottery Barn knockoff and it’s super cute!

This Ladder Stocking Advent Ladder by Rogue Engineer is also a Pottery Barn knockoff. I like the painted on numbers and cute little stockings.

If you’re not looking to build a ladder, may I suggest you find a nice vintage one? I love this MASON JAR ADVENT CALENDAR from A Blissfull Nest! It’s stunning, but not really kid friendly.

This VINTAGE CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR from Ella Claire includes a template to print and fold your own pockets — just in case you don’t have library pocket cards lying around. [Pin from here]

DIY Advent Calendars Made From Storage Tins

I always thought these were made using the magnetic GRUNTAL canisters from IKEA (3/$7.99), but apparently there are smaller/cheaper party favor options at the craft store and Dollar Tree.  Who knew?  Just add cute paper, numbers, and treats. Then find something to attach them to.

Katie from View From the Fridge actually used wedding tins from Michael’s, 30/$14.99.  So much more cost-effective! [Pin it from here]

This one from Makoodle has a full tutorial and free printable.  Score! [Pin it from here]

I like how this one from A Diamond in the Stuff is on a bright red picture frame. [Pin it from here]

But who says the tins have to be round?  This advent calendar is made from Altoids containers!  Stephanie from Handkrafted by Stephanie made this creation. [Pin it from here]

DIY Advent Calendars Made From Muffin Pans

I like the magnetic circles on this advent calendar from Parents Magazine but can you believe that I do NOT own a circle punch (or any shape punchers for that matter)!?!

This mini muffin tin version from Club Chica Circle is awesome and Pauline breaks it down step-by-step and includes a free printable.  Definitely one of my favorites!  [Pin it from here]

DIY Advent Calendars Made from Toilet Paper Rolls

I think the kids would have as much fun making this toilet paper roll advent calendar as they would opening it. Another one from Parents Magazine.

Morning Creative made this simple DIY Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Calendar, but you could totally add some color if that’s what you’re into. [Pin from here]

You’ll find a complete tutorial for this toilet paper roll advent calendar at Coffee & Vanilla. [Pin it from here]

This one is very similar, but I think I like this tree even better. Made by Danya Banya.  Love it! [Pin it from here]

 

This Christmas Tree Advent Calendar is really cute too! [Pin from here]

But I think this one from Carolyn Creates is my favorite of the toilet paper variety.  Way to go Carolyn!  [Pin it from here]

DIY Pocket/Bag Style Advent Calendars

What else in the world can you do with library card pockets?  Beats me, so you better make an advent calendar with them. I just saw these for sale at Lakeshore Learning the other day, or you can find them on Amazon. This one by Ruffled Sunshine is super cute!  [Pin it from here]

 

 

If you want to get your building on, try this wood advent calendar tree from Shanty to Chic.  [Pin it from here]

Or build this one from The DIY Dreamer.  [Pin it from here]

No time for building? There’s probably time to make your own treat bag advent calendar — especially with a free printable from Yellow Bliss Road. I love easy!! [Pin it from here]

Or how about this Simplest Advent Calendar Yet from Hi Sugarplum? Why do I love the look of these paper sacks taped to a refrigerator door so much?? [Pin from here]

This service-oriented pocket advent calendar from Nourishing Joy leads into our next group…  [Pin it from here]

Meaningful DIY Advent Calendars (no junk toys)

I love the Christ-Centered Christmas Craft Advent for Young Children from Housewife Eclectic and it totally reminds me of the Sunday school crafts my mom used to make back in the day.  [Pin it from here]

The Deliberate Mom gives a tutorial for a Meaningful Christmas Countdown. My Lulu would also love this one!

This advent calendar was probably designed to put little toys or candies in the drawers, but Amanda at Dirt & Boogers filled the boxes with pieces of papers listing activities for her family to do together.  You know, instead of treats.  I think like that idea even better! [Pin it from here]

Are you looking for easy and meaningful?  Hello!  Simply print out the calendar from Hello Mornings and get your scripture on each day.  [Pin it from here]

If you want to add some treats to your Christ-centered advent calendar, check out this list from Laura at FHE Lessons. “The gifts match up to these names, each of which refers to Jesus Christ.” [Pin it from here]

Book-a-Day DIY Advent Calendars

I love this idea of 25 Christmas books for advent.  At least when your kids are young and don’t already have a million Christmas books. But alas, this one definitely takes some planning ahead. So, a no-go for me! [Pin it from here]

Other ways to wrap up those 25 books…

 

Unique and One-of-a-Kind DIY Advent Calendars

DIY Advent in a Jar by Penelope and Pip. Each day is a pompom and by Christmas you have a pretty garland to put on your tree.  Definitely unique!   [Pin it from here]

Do the kids love Lego? Well you can make something like this Gingerbread Path to Countdown to Christmas. FrugalFun4Boys has a few other Lego ideas as well.  I love that this can be done with Lego you already have. And, um, it’s super cute! [Pin from here]

This mini forest advent calendar is ADORABLE.  Go make one now!  [Pin it from here]

 

 

If you want cute and simple, try cutting off a strip of Santa’s beard each day.  This cutie was made by a teacher in Italy and can be found at La classe della maestra Valentina.  I freaking love it!!! [Pin it from here]

And for the grand finale, and winner of the oddball category —- The Dating Divas Christmas Countdown with Your Spouse.  If you try it let me know!   [Pin it from here]

Too late for this year? No worries, just pin it for next year! 😉