17 DIY advent calendars

Whether you use chocolate, activities or books, counting down to the holidays will be memorable this year. Your little ones are going to love these homemade advent calendars.

Treat your kids to more than just chocolate next month. This adorable three-dimensional twist on an old tradition is super easy to make. Just print off the ready-made Santa graphics, cut them out and fold! 

Get the craft here: Kathy's Cottage

All you'll need are a set of round Christmas ornaments, foam numbers from any craft store and some glue to create month-long fun for the whole family. 

Get the craft here: Life as a Thrifter

Watching your sugar this holiday season? This DIY calendar substitutes chocolate for fun advent activities for the whole family! 

Get the craft here: Dandee Designs

Turn these little storage tins into a fun-filled advent calendar that will last for years! Load each tin with your kid's favourite goodies and stick them on your fridge. 

Get the craft here: Twig & Thistle

All you need is a frame, some clothespins and spray paint to create this custom calendar for your and your kids.

Get the craft here: Visual Heart

This envelope advent calendar can be stored in a pretty, vintage container and consists of 24 messages, wishes or activities.

Get the craft here: Chez Larsson

A mini-muffin tin makes a fun and easy advent calendar. 

Get the craft here: The Secret Life of Paper

A simple tree calendar made out of of popsicle sticks. So cute!

Get the craft here: Crafty Nest

Why have one tree when you could have 24? Whether you print-off the ready-made templates or make your own, this hassle-free craft will put you in the holiday spirit. 

Get the craft here: Pink Suede Shoe

For the modern family, these stylish little boxes will take no time at all to put together. Just print off the templates and follow the easy-peasy instructions. 

Get the craft here: Hey Look

We love this fun and educational take on the traditional advent calendar and your little bookworm will, too! 

Get the craft here: Babycinno Kids Blog

This is a creative spin on a holiday favourite. The crackers are easy to make and fun to open. 

Get the craft here: The Sweet Life 

Takes the treats out of the equation and focus on filling Santa’s beard in with one cotton ball for each day leading up to Christmas. 

Get the craft here: The Taylor House

Bring nature into the mix with pretty twigs and and sweet little satchels that create country calendar.

Get the craft here: Design Mom

Simple and straightforward, kids will love getting to cut Santa's beard each day as Christmas draws closer.

Get the craft here: Inkablinka

All you need is a cardboard box and enough toilet rolls to make this beauty. 

Get the craft here: Morning Creativity

Get the kids involved in decorating these bags and then fill them with activities or little gifts. Fast and easy.

Get the craft here: Playful Matters

6 make-ahead holiday cookies>
These make-ahead cookie recipes are a sweet way to prepare for the holiday season.