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📷 PHOTO 1 (HERO, graphic with title text added in Canva) What it shows: A row of 24 small kraft paper envelopes numbered with white stickers, clipped with mini wooden clothespins to a twine string across a window or a mantel. A few envelopes are open. Pine sprigs and warm string lights around. Light, airy, cozy. No screens, no branded packaging. Search for: “advent calendar envelopes twine clothespins”, “diy advent calendar kraft paper numbers”, “handmade advent calendar mantel” Alt text: DIY advent calendar for kids made of numbered kraft envelopes on a twine string
Picture the first of December. Your kid bursts into the kitchen at 6:12 a.m., waving a store-bought advent calendar, and says the four words you were dreading: “Can I have chocolate?”
Not breakfast. Not a hug. Chocolate. And you have 24 more mornings to go.
Maybe you’ve been there. Maybe you’ve also bought one of those fancy toy calendars with 24 tiny plastic things that are already lost behind the couch by day nine. Either way, by mid December you are tired, your kid is wired, and you start to wonder whether the “most wonderful time of the year” has a refund policy.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: an advent calendar doesn’t need candy or toys. It needs a little time together. A paper envelope with a card that says “Today we make hot cocoa” is more magical than another mini eraser. And the best part? You can make it in about 15 minutes.
📷 PHOTO 2 (after the intro) What it shows: A parent and a child at a kitchen table, from the side or above, writing numbers on small envelopes with markers. Scissors, twine, a mug of cocoa, and a stack of cards nearby. Only hands and part of the arms visible if you prefer. Warm afternoon light. No phones or tablets on the table. Search for: “making advent calendar with kids table”, “child writing numbers on envelopes christmas”, “parent child crafting christmas kitchen table” Alt text: Parent and child making a DIY advent calendar for kids at the kitchen table
This post gives you everything you need for a DIY advent calendar for kids:
8 easy ways to make one (pick the one that fits your style)
A 15 minute plan so you’re not still cutting paper on November 30
25 screen free activities, each with a tiny non-candy filler, an effort level and a “make it special” tip
Answers to what to do when you miss a day (you will, and it’s fine)
An activity advent calendar turns December into a slow countdown instead of a daily sugar request. Here’s why so many parents switch:
It spreads out the magic. Instead of one big morning, you get 25 small moments.
It gives December a rhythm. Kids know something nice is coming every day, which helps on the grumpy, overtired days.
It cuts the clutter. No tiny plastic items, no wrappers, no sugar crashes.
It’s screen free by design. After dinner, there’s something to do instead of something to watch.
It creates the memories. Kids will remember baking cookies with you long after they’ve forgotten a chocolate shaped like a reindeer.
And here’s the secret: the activities are small. Most take 10 to 30 minutes. A few are bigger and land on the weekend. That’s it.
🧰 8 Easy Ways to Make a DIY Advent Calendar for Kids
Choose one. All of them work with the same 25 activities below.
1. The envelope string (my favorite for beginners) Number 25 small kraft envelopes, tuck an activity card and a tiny filler in each, and clip them to a twine string with mini clothespins. Hang it on a wall, a mantel, a window, a blanket ladder or a cork board. Time: 15 minutes.
2. The paper chain Write one activity on each paper strip, staple them into a chain, and tear off one link each day. Kids love the visual countdown. Time: 20 minutes.
3. The jar of slips Write 25 activities on little folded papers, put them in a big mason jar, and let your child pick one each morning. Time: 10 minutes.
4. The mini bag garland Small paper bags or muslin bags, numbered and hung on a string. Great if you want to add a filler to each bag. Time: 25 minutes.
5. The felt pocket tree (a keepsake) A wall hanging with 25 pockets that you can reuse every year. Put the card and filler in a pocket each night. No sewing needed: a canvas hanging shoe organizer works too. Add number stickers or iron-on numbers and you’re done. Time: 5 minutes to fill once you have it.
6. The matchbox or tube village Cardboard tubes or matchboxes decorated and lined up on a shelf or a tray. Cute, a bit more crafty, and fun to decorate with your kids. Time: 45 minutes.
7. The door calendar (one per kid) Paper lunch bags clipped to two long ribbons taped across the top of a bedroom door. Each child gets their own, and the door becomes their morning countdown. Time: 25 minutes.
8. The punch out tree (the kid favorite) Paper cups covered with numbered tissue paper and glued to a board in the shape of a tree. Every morning your child punches through a number and pulls out the day’s card. Fair warning: the punching is as much fun as the surprise. Time: 45 minutes.
Good picks to start with: [AFFILIATE LINK: Kraft mini envelopes (25 pack) with number stickers | $15-30] [AFFILIATE LINK: Mini wooden clothespins and jute twine | $15-30] [AFFILIATE LINK: Reusable felt advent calendar with pockets | $30+] [AFFILIATE LINK: Wooden advent calendar box with 24 drawers | $30+] [AFFILIATE LINK: Kraft paper treat bags with numbers | under $15] [AFFILIATE LINK: Canvas hanging shoe organizer or pocket organizer | $15-30] [AFFILIATE LINK: Paper cups in red and green with tissue paper | under $15] [AFFILIATE LINK: Foam core board (20 x 30 inches) | $15-30]
📷 PHOTO 3 What it shows: A flat lay of the styles side by side or as a collage: a string of kraft envelopes, a paper chain, a mason jar of slips, mini bags on a garland, a felt pocket tree, numbered matchboxes, a door calendar and a punch out tree. Wood table, soft light. No screens. Search for: “diy advent calendar ideas flat lay”, “advent calendar paper chain jar”, “felt advent calendar pockets handmade” Alt text: Eight ways to make a DIY advent calendar for kids laid out on a table
🥊 How to Make the Punch Out Tree (Step by Step)
You need: 24 small paper cups (red and green), tissue paper or paper napkins in the same colors, rubber bands, a 20 by 30 inch foam core board, a hot glue gun (or strong tape), a marker, a paper star for the top.
Number the tissue circles. Cut tissue or napkins into rough circles (corners off is fine) and write 1 to 24 on them.
Fill the cups. Put one card and one tiny filler in each cup. Keep the fillers light, because a heavy board tips forward.
Cover and secure. Put a numbered circle over each cup and hold it with a rubber band.
Glue the tree. Glue cup 24 right under the star, then build the tree downward in rows, with the cups close together.
Hang or lean it. Stand it against a wall or tape it to the wall for safety.
Tip: no hot glue? Use strong double-sided tape. Another smart idea: cut circles in thick foam board so each cup fits loosely, which makes the “punch” easier.
🚪 How to Make the Door Calendar (Step by Step)
You need: 24 small paper lunch bags, a white paint marker, mini clothespins, wide ribbon, strong tape, 24 fillers.
Number the bags from 1 to 24 with the marker.
Fill each bag with a card and a tiny filler, fold the top over, and flatten.
Cut two ribbons the height of the door, with extra length to wrap over the top.
Tape the ribbons to the top of the door with strong tape.
Clip bags 1 to 12 on the first ribbon and 13 to 24 on the second.
Add tags or a little greenery for the festive look. One door per child keeps things fair.
⏱️ The 15 Minute Plan (Do It on a Sunday in November)
Pick your format from the list above (5 minutes).
Copy the 25 activities below, or choose your own.
Look at your December calendar first. Write in any events you already have (a tree lighting, caroling in town, a visit with Santa, a school concert) and give them their own day. Then put the bigger activities on weekends and the quick ones on busy school days. (Swap the numbers around as you like.)
Add the fillers. A tiny item in each pocket is optional but fun. I give an idea for each day.
Hang it up and do the first one on December 1st. Done.
Pro tip: place the calendar where your child can see it from breakfast. It becomes the daily “what’s today?” ritual.
🎅 The 25 Screen Free Advent Activities
Each activity has the age range, an effort tag, a tiny non-candy filler for the envelope, and a quick tip. Rearrange them to fit your December.
Day 1: Decorate the tree (or a small branch) together Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a small ornament Put on some carols and let each person hang a few ornaments. Tip: let the kids choose where the “favorite” ones go.
Day 2: Make a hot cocoa bar Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a hot cocoa packet Set out mugs, marshmallows, crushed candy canes and a spoon for each person. Tip: let kids build their own mug.
Day 3: Write a letter to Santa Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a sheet of festive stationery Write it with pen and paper. Tip: ask for one thing to wear, one to read and one to do, in addition to the “big” wish.
Day 4: A holiday lights drive in pajamas Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a mini flashlight Hot chocolate in travel mugs, blankets, and a slow drive through the best lit streets.
Day 5: Bake Christmas cookies Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a cookie cutter Sugar cookies, gingerbread, thumbprints, whatever you love. Tip: make a double batch so you can deliver some on Day 15.
Day 6: Build a gingerbread house Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Weekend | Filler: a roll of mini candy-free decorations (e.g. sprinkles) Buy a kit or use graham crackers and frosting. Tip: no pressure for perfection. Wonky houses are the best.
Day 7: Read a Christmas book by the tree Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a bookmark Pick a new book from the library each year and make it part of your tradition. Turn off the main lights.
Day 8: Make salt dough ornaments Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a small paintbrush Flour, salt and water. Bake, paint, hang. Tip: press a tiny handprint on each one and write the year on the back.
Day 9: A “tree picnic” dinner Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a paper napkin with a tiny doodle Put a blanket under the tree and have dinner on the floor with the lights on and the other lights off.
Day 10: A winter nature walk Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a small bag for treasures Collect pinecones, twigs and pretty leaves for a table decoration. For more outdoor ideas, see my [LINK TO OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS ARTICLE].
Day 11: Make cards for faraway family Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a sheet of stickers Draw, glue, write. Send them by mail so the recipients get something real in their mailbox.
Day 12: A pajama day with a board game tournament Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Weekend | Filler: a paper crown for the winner Mini tournament, snacks, a trophy made of cardboard. Tip: choose games that take 15 minutes or less.
Day 13: Make paper snowflakes and popcorn garland Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a pair of kid scissors Quiet, cozy and inexpensive. Tape the snowflakes on windows.
Day 14: Visit a holiday market or a tree farm Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Weekend | Filler: a small pair of mittens or hand warmers Look for the market with a little train, hot cider and handmade crafts. Skip the car seat fights with snacks.
Day 15: Cookies for the neighbors Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a gift tag Pack the cookies you made on Day 5 and deliver them together. Watching a child hand over a plate with a proud face is pure magic.
Day 16: Sledding, skating or a snowball fight (or a sock snowball fight indoors) Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Weekend | Filler: a pair of fun socks No snow? Roll up pairs of socks and throw them around the living room.
Day 17: Wrap presents together and make gift tags Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a roll of ribbon Kids love being in charge of the tape. Tip: let them decorate the tags with stickers.
Day 18: Donate toys and food to people in need Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a small bag to pack Pick 5 toys to give away and a few cans for a food pantry. Explain why: “Someone else will love these too.”
Day 19: A flashlight story night in a blanket fort Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a flashlight Build a fort, bring in pillows, and read or tell stories by flashlight.
Day 20: A family talent show or carol concert Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a paper ticket Songs, dances, jokes, magic tricks. Make paper tickets and let everyone perform. Tip: the audience gets hot cocoa.
Day 21: The longest night: a lantern walk and stargazing Ages 3 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a glow stick The winter solstice is a lovely excuse to go outside in the dark with a lantern and a thermos of cocoa.
Day 22: Make a family photo page Ages 4 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a small photo frame Print a few photos from the year and make a page together. If you need a nudge, my [LINK TO PHOTO ALBUM PROJECT ARTICLE] explains how.
Day 23: Make a Christmas Eve box Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Medium | Filler: a pair of cozy pajamas Fill a box with new pajamas, a book, a hot cocoa packet and a little treat. Open it on Christmas Eve.
Day 24: Christmas Eve treats for Santa (and the reindeer) Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a handwritten note for Santa Set out milk and cookies, and make “reindeer food” from oats and sprinkles to scatter outside.
Day 25: A Christmas morning walk (and a thank you dinner) Ages 2 to 12 | Effort: Low | Filler: a pinecone ornament After the gifts and breakfast, go for a slow family walk. At dinner, go around the table and say one thing you’re thankful for.
Good picks to start with: [AFFILIATE LINK: Salt dough ornament kit or cookie cutter set | $15-30] [AFFILIATE LINK: Gingerbread house kit (candy light) | $15-30] [AFFILIATE LINK: Family board game for a pajama day tournament | $30+] [AFFILIATE LINK: Kids camping lanterns or flashlights set | $30+] [AFFILIATE LINK: Sticker and stationery set for letters and cards | under $15]
📷 PHOTO 4 What it shows: A child at a kitchen counter in an apron decorating sugar cookies with sprinkles and icing, with a tray of cookies and cookie cutters beside. Flour dusted around, warm kitchen light. No screens. Search for: “child decorating christmas cookies kitchen”, “kid baking cookies apron sprinkles”, “christmas baking with kids flour” Alt text: Child decorating cookies as a screen free advent calendar activity
📷 PHOTO 5 What it shows: Two kids in a blanket fort at night with string lights and a flashlight, a stack of Christmas books beside them, one child reading aloud. Cozy, warm, slightly messy. No screens. Search for: “kids blanket fort flashlight reading christmas”, “children reading book in pillow fort lights”, “christmas flashlight story night” Alt text: Kids reading by flashlight in a blanket fort, a cozy advent calendar activity
🔁 15 Swap In Activities (Choose Your Favorites)
Not every activity fits every family. Mix and match these with the 25 above, or use them to fill a blank card.
Make a dried orange garland. Slice, bake low, thread on twine. The house smells amazing.
String a popcorn and cranberry garland for the tree or the birds.
Make paw print or handprint ornaments with salt dough (pets welcome).
Roll pinecone bird feeders in peanut butter and seed, and hang them outside.
Mix homemade cinnamon play dough and let kids make Christmas cookies from it.
Set up an instant snow sensory bin with small animals and pine sprigs.
Mail a handmade ornament to a faraway family member, together with your card.
Go caroling around the neighborhood (or sing for one neighbor).
Visit Santa at a local event or farm. Local events are often free.
Build a fort next to the tree and read stories there.
Have a kitchen dance party to Christmas songs. Yes, you must join.
Go ice skating or sledding.
Wrap 24 library books and open one each evening. Free and cozy.
Cut down a fresh tree or visit a tree farm.
Write a note to someone you love and mail it.
🍪 30 Non-Candy Fillers for Advent Calendars (Mix and Match)
If you like the idea of a tiny surprise in each envelope, here are fillers that don’t involve sugar or plastic junk. Use one per day, or only for the days you want to highlight.
Creative: stickers, a mini coloring page, a pencil with a fun eraser, a small tub of play dough, a mini watercolor tin, crayons, washi tape
Cozy: new Christmas pajamas on December 1 (to wear all month), a hot cocoa packet, a tea bag, fuzzy socks, hand warmers, a candle for a grown up, a small pinecone
Play: a paper ticket for a game night, a yo-yo, a deck of cards, glow sticks, a mini flashlight, a bouncy ball
Tradition: a tiny ornament, a Christmas bookmark, a paper star, a handwritten joke, a “good for one” coupon
Kindness: a card to deliver, a coin for a charity box, a tag for a gift, a small bag for donations
Practical: a pair of mittens, a toothbrush, lip balm, a hair tie, a water bottle sticker
A smart reuse trick: pack small plush toys, tiny ornaments and figurines away with the Christmas decorations. When they come out again next December, they feel brand new, and you’ve spent nothing.
Need more ideas? Look at my [LINK TO STOCKING STUFFERS ARTICLE].
❓ Questions Parents Ask About DIY Advent Calendars
What if we miss a day?
You will. Everyone does. Just do two activities the next day, or pick the one that fits and skip the rest. An advent calendar is a gentle reminder to slow down, not a strict schedule.
Do I have to start on December 1st?
No. Start whenever you like and count down to Christmas. If you begin on December 10, pick the best 15 activities.
What if my kid really wants chocolate?
Add a tiny treat to one or two days (a chocolate coin, a candy cane), and keep the rest creative. Most kids care more about the daily surprise than the sugar.
What about toddlers?
Keep activities short and simple: cocoa, tree decorating, a nature walk, cookies, a blanket fort. Choose fillers that are safe for little hands, and open the envelopes together.
How much does it cost?
Most of the activities are free or cost a few dollars. The envelopes and clothespins cost about as much as a cheap chocolate calendar, and you can reuse the felt or wooden ones year after year.
What if my kids are different ages?
Keep the same activities for everyone and change only the fillers. A toddler gets a sticker book and a mini plush, an older child gets a notebook, a deck of cards or a craft kit. Older kids often love being the “helper” for the little ones’ activities, too.
Should I make one calendar or one for each child?
Either works. One shared calendar means one activity for the whole family each day. One per child (like the door calendar) lets everyone have their own countdown, with their own fillers. Many families do both: a shared activity calendar and a small personal door calendar.
🌟 Make December Slow Again
You don’t have to fill every day with something fancy. You just need a small plan, a handful of envelopes and a willingness to turn off the screens for 15 minutes a day.
Do the easy ones on the hard days. Save the big ones for weekends. And when it all falls apart on December 14th (it might), take a breath, make cocoa and start again tomorrow.
Your kids won’t remember if your gingerbread house was straight. They’ll remember that you were there. And you’ve got this.
P.S. Looking for more screen free ideas? You’ll find more posts below.
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