DIY Adult Advent Calendar: Spread Holiday Cheer with a Personalized Touch
Advent calendars aren’t just for kids! There’s something undeniably magical about the anticipation and slow reveal of the holiday season, and advent calendars perfectly capture that spirit. The tradition of opening a small gift each day leading up to Christmas is a delightful way to build excitement and add a touch of joy to the everyday. I fondly remember my childhood experiences with drugstore advent calendars filled with tiny, not-so-great milk chocolates. My brother and I eagerly awaited those calendars every year, the small treats serving as sweet little countdown markers.
Watching my own children experience the pure joy of advent calendars sparked an idea: Why should kids have all the fun? We, as adults, deserve a little bit of that daily magic too. Yes, we’re supposedly the mature ones, capable of waiting patiently for Christmas morning… but where’s the fun in that? This year, I decided to create an adult advent calendar for Bruno, to share in the slow, delicious trickle of holiday anticipation.
This guide will show you how I assembled an adult advent calendar, offering inspiration for you to create your own personalized version. It’s a simple project that brings immense joy!
Materials You’ll Need to Create Your Adult Advent Calendar
- 24 Boxes: Small boxes, envelopes, or even pillow boxes will work perfectly. Consider using a variety of shapes and sizes for added visual appeal.
- Numbered Stickers: Number stickers from 1 to 24 to clearly mark each day of the advent calendar.
- Twine: Use twine or ribbon to wrap and decorate the boxes, adding a rustic and festive touch.
- 24 Knick-Knacks: This is where the fun begins! Choose small, thoughtful items that the recipient will love. Most of my items were under $5 each, proving that you don’t have to break the bank.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Adult Advent Calendar
Step 1: Number Your Boxes
The first step is to clearly label each box with a number from 1 to 24. This ensures that the recipient opens the gifts in the correct order, counting down the days until Christmas. Apply the numbered stickers to the boxes, making sure they are securely attached.
Step 2: Fill the Boxes with Treasures
Now comes the most exciting part: filling the boxes with thoughtful and delightful treasures! Think about the recipient’s interests, hobbies, and favorite things when selecting the items. The goal is to create a calendar filled with little surprises that will bring a smile to their face each day.
What to Put in Those Boxes: Adult Advent Calendar Filling Ideas
While the possibilities are endless, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. You want to create a calendar that is both thoughtful and affordable. Here are some of the items I included in Bruno’s advent calendar:
- Candy: A classic and always appreciated treat! I bought a selection of Bruno’s favorite candies (dark chocolate dipped orange peels, Swedish Fish, Peanut Butter Cups) and divided them among several days to spread the sweetness.
- Fun or Fancy Dress Socks: Step up their sock game! Unique dress socks are a fun and practical gift. Let’s be honest, plain white socks are best left for the gym.
- Mini Airplane-Sized Bottles of Booze: A festive and fun addition for the holiday season (always consume responsibly, of course!).
- Coffee Gift Card: Perfect for a mid-week pick-me-up or a weekend treat at their favorite coffee shop.
- Deck of Cards and Tiny Toys: A classic deck of cards or small, quirky toys can provide hours of entertainment.
- Coupons for Experiences: Create personalized coupons for activities like a family holiday lights drive, ice skating in the park, a night out for drinks, or even a night off from bedtime duty. Experiences often make the best gifts!
- His Favorite Chap Stick: A practical and appreciated gift, especially during the dry winter months.
- Tea: If they’re a tea lover, include some of their favorite blends. Bruno enjoys Yogi Herbal Bedtime Tea, and our kids love it too!
- Stylish Paperweight: A decorative and functional item for their desk or workspace.
- Mini Moleskine Notebook and Pen: Perfect for jotting down notes, ideas, or to-do lists.
Step 3: Wrap the Boxes
Once the boxes are filled, it’s time to wrap them up! Use twine or ribbon to create a festive and visually appealing presentation. As you wrap, put on some holiday music. “My Favorite Things” adds to the experience!
Step 4: Enjoy the Holiday Season
With your adult advent calendar complete, take a moment to appreciate your handiwork and the joy it will bring. Knowing that you are making someone’s day a little brighter is a wonderful feeling.