Diy Advent Calendar + Ideas for Filling It!

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This is our second year doing an Advent Calendar. For several years I have wanted to create one but wasn’t sure where to start, or waited too late to get it pulled together. Last year, at the tail end of my pregnancy with our third child, I decided I really wanted to pull something together to make the season special and help my two older kids not feel lost in the shuffle of the new baby. It was super bare bones, but we had a lot of fun with it. I made a few tweaks for this year, but overall I kept the structure and many of the ideas the same as last year. I don’t know if we will do it every year, and it will probably change as my kids are older or our schedule changes or whatever, but the thing I love about this type of Advent calendar is that you can make it whatever you want/need for that year.

Here’s the basic set-up I used, and then below I have ideas for filling up each day. This is more of a basic structure to get you started, not really a recipe. I think the advantage of creating an Advent calendar with this system is that you can have fun with it. Treat it like a craft project and adjust it to what fits with your decor, your style, etc. Also, for what it’s worth, it’s ok to to start with something really basic and then add embellishments throughout the season or in future years. That’s totally what I have done, and I’m glad I started it even though I wasn’t ready to fully embellish it the first year. ‘Done’ was better than ‘perfect’, in this instance, for me.

Diy Advent Calendar

Supplies

  • Over the Door Shoe Organizer in Natural Linen; via Amazon

  • Printable Numbers (1-24); I used the Black Printable Number Tags from Live Laugh Rowe on white cardstock.

  • Embellishments—little wreaths, bells, ornaments, poinsettias, other cards

  • Mini Brads (I used these, but any mini brads would work.)

  • Scrapbook Adhesive Mounting Squares

  • Scissors

  • Safety Pins, various sizes

Directions

  • Gather all your supplies. Cut out your number tags.

  • Lay out or hang up your shoe organizer.

    • I found it was easier to hang it up to work with it, but you could lay it out on your table if that’s easier for you.

  • Attach your number tags to the shoe organizer using the brads—poke a hole in your paper tag using the sharp point of a safety pin. Gently push the brad through the hole and then poke it through the linen fabric of the shoe organizer.

    • You could use a small hole punch, but I thought it looked better with a very small hole that was hidden by the brad.

  • Add your embellishments—Using your safety pins, attach any embellishments that you want to mount directly to the fabric of the shoe organizer. Then, using your adhesive mounting squares, add any embellishments that go on the number tags.

    • For me, it helped me to see everything on the shoe rack, and then to remove a number tag, add the embellishment, and then reattach it. That way I could make sure the whole thing was looking balanced. I also left some number tags plain so it didn’t look too busy overall. I think I’d like to add a couple of mini wreaths to my calendar, but otherwise I really like how it has come together.

  • Fill your DIY Advent Calendar with notes and goodies and have so much fun with your kids!

A Few Thoughts on Filling Your Advent Calendar

Before we get into the list of ideas, I have three thoughts about filling your Advent Calendar.

First, be intentional about how you fill your calendar. It can be so easy to buy a bunch of random things at Target or the Dollar Store to fill each day. But, will you actually use those things after the season?! Will they just add clutter to your house/life?! Think about your family’s values, what’s important to you, your kid’s needs/wants, and use that to craft your list of items to fill your calendar. Just because they are on my list doesn’t mean they are right for you. Use my list as a jumping off point to make your own list. For example, maybe your child doesn’t care about legos, but they love their play kitchen. Think of something small you could make (or buy) to use with their play kitchen.

Second, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to fill your calendar. Every day doesn’t have to be a gift, and the ‘gifts’ can be small. Think of ways you can use what you have, leverage the thrift store, or incorporate something you were planning to do/buy for the season already.

Third, take your schedule into account when you plan how to fill each day! Go through your calendar—make note of any special events you have already; use those as your ‘activity’ for that day of the calendar. For example, we have a December birthday, and this year we were planning to host a Christmas Party. Those were our ‘activities’ for those days. Also, note any busy days/evenings and choose something simple (or a gift) for those days. There’s nothing worse than planning an activity and not having enough time to actually do it. You will be stressed and your kids will be bummed. Finally, try to intentionally build in calm nights. It’s already a busy, full season; do yourself and your kids a favor and build in some calm nights at home to enjoy each other’s company.

Without further ado, here are my Advent Calendar Filler Ideas!


Ideas for Filling Your DIY Advent Calendar

Advent Readings

Christmas is about Christ after all. Building Advent readings into your calendar is a great way to keep your eyes on Jesus during the Christmas season.

  • Sally Lloyd-Jones has an Advent Kit on her blog that includes printable ornaments for each day of December that correspond to The Jesus Storybook Bible. You could do all of them or just a selection, depending on what fits your schedule.

  • Lots of families like The Jesse Tree during Advent. I’m not very familiar with it, but it may be worth looking into.

  • New Growth Press has several Advent Devotionals for Families. You could write the verses for that day onto a notecard and tuck that into your calendar.

  • Advent Candles for each Sunday of the month—This year we have been lighting Advent candles as part of an Advent wreath on each Sunday of the month. I tuck the reading for those days into our Advent calendar, but it could also work to tuck the candles into the corresponding pockets until you are ready to light them.

Gifts

  • Christmas Pajamas—I love to do this for the first day of the month!

  • Twisty Straws

  • Small Lego Sets

  • Bath Bombs or Bubble Bath

  • Open a gift from under the tree—My aunt has a tradition of sending books for each of the kids, and I decided this year to make it part of our Advent calendar. I thought it would make it really special, and this way they won’t get lost in all of the presents on Christmas Day. You could pick a present from an extended family member to use for this day.

  • Books (Christmas or otherwise)

  • Bookmarks (my son is forever looking for a bookmark!)

  • Stuffed Animals

  • Socks

  • Glow Sticks

  • Temporary Tattoos

  • Stickers

  • Markers (or other art supplies they are running low on)

  • Coloring Books (The ‘Paint by Sticker’ books are pretty cool too.)

  • Playdoh

  • Games—This Animal Kingdom Card Game has been a huge hit, and my four year old can play herself. I got the Silly Monkey Card Game for this year. A checkers or tic tac toe set would also be fun!

  • New ornaments (either one for each kid or a family ornament)

  • Lip balm

Food / Treats

Activities

  • Decorate the Christmas Tree

  • Go see Holiday Lights

  • Pull out a special blanket and read Christmas books

  • Make Christmas cards for extended family

  • Blast Christmas Music

  • Popcorn and a Movie

  • Make Christmas cookies together (or just decorate some!)

  • Attend a holiday party!

  • Family Game Night

  • Make Paper Snowflakes or Paper Christmas Stars to decorate the house

  • Homemade Gifts for family or friends

  • Homemade ornaments—There are tons of homemade ornament ideas on Pinterest, but here are 2 that I hope to make.

  • Special visit to the Zoo, Children’s museum, Art museum, or Science museum (whatever your family is into!)

  • Listen to a Christmas Story

  • Attend a special Christmas performance (a play or recital or concert)

Do you do an Advent calendar with your kids? If so, what’s your favorite gift or activity you’ve done?

Spooky Stick Wreath

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Years ago, I saved an image of a spooky wreath made from sticks. Last year I came across it again and decided it was high-time I make my own. Here is the inspiration image…

From Earnest Home Co via Pinterest.

All said and done, this was a really simple project that I made over the course of an afternoon. I’m really happy with how it turned out! I haven’t put it up quite yet, but I wanted to share it for anyone who wants to make their own in preparation for the spooky season ahead.

Spooky Stick Wreath

Supplies

  • Sticks, in varying sizes, see step 1 below

  • Glue gun and extra glue sticks

  • Cardboard or kraft paper (to work on)

  • Sharpie or other black marker

  • Black spray paint

  • Ribbon or a wreath hanger

Directions

First, collect sticks to use for your wreath. In general, I recommend thinner sticks. I think they add to the aesthetic better than a big, thick stick would. Our yard is full of sticks on any given day, so I spent a little time wandering around to pick up a few armfuls. I found it was helpful to get a bunch and then I sorted them later.

Second, sort your sticks. I put them into 3 piles—short, medium, and long. Each size range is a bit arbitrary, but it was helpful to start with the longer sticks, then add in medium sticks, then add the final touches with the smallest sticks as I was gluing. I also broke some sticks to better fit into my three categories and make them all a bit more uniform. I chose to use individual sticks, not branches, for my wreath.

Third, lay out a big piece of cardboard or kraft paper, grab a sharpie or other black marker, and get your glue gun ready. I chose to do my project outside on our big patio table, but you could definitely do this inside at your dining room table. You just need somewhere you can spread out a bit to work and that you don’t mind if it gets some dirt/mess on it.

Fourth, draw a circle on your cardboard to use as a guide for your wreath. I chose a circle that is about 14” in diameter. Then, lay out an initial layer of sticks to get your wreath started and your circle size set. I started with the longest sticks for the base of my wreath. Using your hot glue gun, glue sticks together where they touch. Continue to add sticks until you get to the size and fullness you desire for your wreath.

Fifth, once you’ve got your wreath glued, you’re ready to paint! I took a minute to remove lingering strings from the glue gun, and then gave it a light first coat of glossy black spray paint. I let that dry while I did a few other things, came back and gave it another coat to make sure I had covered all the nooks and crannies. Once you’ve gotten coverage you are happy with, set it aside to dry. I let mine sit overnight.

Sixth, using a ribbon or a wreath hanger, put your new Spooky Stick Wreath on display! I used mine in our dining room, but I also think it would be super fun on our front door.

Cheers to fall nights and spooky vibes!

My Fall Crochet Projects

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As the evenings have started to turn chilly here, I wanted to get started on some fall crochet projects. Here are the three I’m working on—

1. For Penelope

Toddler Bonnet Beanie in Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny Yarn in Seedling

I made this same hat in the infant size last year, and I was really happy with how it turned out. It comes together pretty quickly, and the pattern is easy to follow. The Bernat Baby Blanket yarn I chose this time is sooooo soft. I can’t wait to finish it and see if I can keep it on her head long enough to snap a photo. :) She’s an expert at removing hats.

2. For Finn

Kid’s Cowl with Bernat Baby Blanket Tiny Yarn in Elephant

I got Finn a red winter coat (because red is his favorite!) so I went with a neutral gray for the cowl. I think this is going to be really cozy and easy for him to get on and off as we head out the door for school.

3. For Myself

3 Hour Chunky Crochet Mittens with Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn in Spice Market

I’ve actually completed these already, and it was a great learning opportunity. I haven’t made anything that required a few stages of construction, so it was really interesting to work through this one. However, I followed the pattern closely, but it still seems like I ended up with two right mittens, so I’m not sure what happened with that. I’m hoping it doesn’t matter too much once I wear them a few times. I also realized I need to work on getting my seam to be a little less noticeable. It’s particularly obvious on these. Overall, though, for a pair of warm, fun mittens, I’m happy with how they turned out!

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After these, I’m hoping to turn my attention to some Christmas projects. I’d love to make some crochet star ornaments. Are you working on any craft projects this fall? I’d love to hear!

A Few Thoughts on Valentine's Day & the Simple Diy Cards I Sent

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I know that Valentine's Day can be a bit polarizing for people. I personally think it is a fun, cutesy holiday, if, and this is a big if, you don't make a huge deal out of it. Some years Dylan and I get a present for one another, some years we don't. Some years we have a big fancy dinner out, some years we try a new recipe at home, some years we eat frozen pizza. We don't have any big traditions to try to live up to, and we let our season of life guide how we celebrate. And honestly, that has made the holiday feel so carefree and fun.

This year, we are having one of our favorite easy dinners at home—quesadillas. I'm hoping to make these Sprinkled Rice Krispie Hearts with Finn earlier in the day to have for dessert. I think he is going to be so pumped because when you are almost three years old, sprinkles are pretty much the most awesome thing ever! Then, on Friday, Dylan and I got a babysitter and are going out to dinner. (He made reservations and won't tell me where.) We usually have our date night on Monday nights, so getting dressed up to go out on a Friday night feels so fun and special. So our celebrating is a combination of low-key and a little bit fancy. It's not anything extravagant, but it makes this week feel special, and that's all that really matters to me.

One way I like to make other people's Valentine's Day special is by sending out handmade cards. Again, they aren't extravagant, but I try to find a cute design or saying to show friends and family that I love them and am thankful for them. Below are the designs I used this year.

I bought these white cards with envelopes and this ink set from Amazon, but the main jumping off point were the Emoji stamps I found at Michael's. (I can't find them online, but this set from Amazon would work too.) I had to play around with colors and layouts a bit before getting it quite right, but I'm happy with how they turned out.

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a wonderful week!

3 Christmas Gift Wrap Ideas

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December is upon us...and those Black Friday/Cyber Monday packages have started arriving...which means it is time to start thinking about wrapping presents. Here are 3 ideas I came across that look great and are easy to execute.

Star Garland and Kraft Paper

Image via Pottery Barn

I am pretty much the worst at tying ribbon for presents, so this Star Garland DIY from Pottery Barn really appeals to me. First of all, it is simple. Second of all, I like the casual vibe of the white garland paired with the brown kraft paper. Third of all, it doesn't involve tying a bow. So, it's pretty much a win-win-win in my book. (Here's a small star punch from Fiskars that would work well for this project.)

Hexagon Gift Tags and Pink Paper

Image via The Home Depot

I love the modern vibe of these presents with the bright pop of pink from the paper, the simple gold ribbon, and the playful hexagon tags. The image is via the Home Depot and includes an elaborate DIY for spray painting the paper and tags. I personally would just find a pink wrapping paper, some gold paper, and purchase this hexagon paper punch to recreate the look with a lot less effort.

Glitter Letter Tags and Simple Paper

Image via Boxwood Clippings

I really like how simple and yet beautiful these presents look. The oversized chipboard letters are really fun without much effort, and I think you could play around with the color combo of the wrapping paper, letters, and ribbons to fit almost any style. (I found some Glitter Chipboard Letters from Michael's that come in a variety of colors.)

Cheers to your present wrapping efforts, and happy December!