There are many ways to celebrate Advent. I am a huge advocate of focusing on the true meaning of Christmas through the use of a simple tool like an advent wreath for older children (teens and tweens) or a curriculum like Truth in the Tinsel for younger children. And I love whimsical DIY advent calendars for helping to look forward and count down the days!
Advent Calendars You Can Make
Here are a few tutorials I found for advent calendars you can make. Some are super simple and use items you probably have at home already. Others are a little more involved. They’re all really creative. Check them out!
- 25 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar – What’s Up Fagans?
- Hanging Advent Calendar – Grocery Shop For Free
- How-To: Put Together a Holiday Book Advent Calendar – Hillary Chybinski
- Printable Advent Activities Calendar – My Joy-Filled Life
- Easy DIY Advent Calendar – Mashed Up Mom
- Countdown to Christmas Gift Advent Calendar – Kid’s Creative Chaos
- Nativity Advent – Cutesy Crafts
Whimsical Advent Calendars You Can Buy
I also know that life is busy and sometimes you just can’t get around to making your own pinterest-esque advent calendar so here’s a round up of whimsical advent calendars you can buy. Some are one time use only while others you can use year after year!
Budget Advent Calendars Under $7
Kurt Adler Wooden Advent Calendar House
Felt Fun Christmas Tree 61 x 34 inch Fabric Advent Calendar Countdown
Kaisercraft Beyond The Page MDF Chimney Advent Calendar
Kubla Crafts Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar
KidKraft Wooden Advent Calendar
Sterling 18.7″h Wood Holiday Snowman Countdown Calendar With Drawers
Kurt Adler LED Wooden Advent Calendar
Character Advent Calendars You Can Buy
And just for fun, here’s a list of advent advent calendars that feature popular character or movie themes your kiddos will recognize…and love!
- Play-Doh Advent Calendar
- Lego Friends Advent Calendar
- Fisher Price Thomas The Train Advent Calendar
- Lego City Advent Calendar
- Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar
- Little People Advent Calendar
- Lego Friends Building Kit Advent Calendar
- Playmobil Santas Workshop Advent Calendar
- Despicable Me Advent Calendar
- Hot Wheels Advent Calendar
- Barbie Advent Calendar
- Melissa & Doug Wooden Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
- O Christmas Tree Treasure Box Advent Calendar
- Playmobil Christmas In The Forrest Advent Calendar
- Schleich Farm Advent Calendar
Whether you use an advent calendar to help count down the days to gifts or to focus a little each day on the glory of the season – or whether you make your own or buy one – advent calendars can become a meaningful and memorable family tradition for celebrating Christmas.