Our family uses an advent calendar to countdown to Christmas day, it is a fun tradition I share with my kids. Each family use an advent calendar differently, we start from 25 and work our way to 1, counting down. I don’t fill the whole calendar with gifts, I put the next day’s gift in the calendar the night before ready for the kids to open the next day. I will also be sharing some great advent calendar activities soon.

EASY PEASY PAPER ADVENT CALENDAR – Here’s how you can make a paper advent calendar in 6 easy steps. First, cut squares of gift wrap paper. Then turn the paper so one corner points downwards and make a crease. Fasten the side edge with tape or glue. Then decorate the flags, fill them with goodies and hang them. Idea found via rosehipcards.

FELT CHRISTMAS TREE -a felt Christmas tree with a decoration a day to add to the tree. If you enjoy sewing this is a really sweet idea. Idea found via Homemade by Jill.

TOILET ROLL ADVENT CALENDAR – This advent calendar is made of cardboard and toilet paper rolls. It’s shaped like a tiny house and it has 24 round containers to be poked open one by one as the days pass. Idea found via morningcreativity.

DIY CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR TREAT BAGS – The treat bags / envelopes are super easy to make. It’s just a case of folding them, popping the sweets inside and adding a bit of sticky tape to seal. Idea found via Fox & Star

GIANT SNOWFLAKE ADVENT CLOUD – Using recycled materials these clouds are cute with gorgeous snowflakes hanging from them. Idea found via Johanna Rundel My Every Day Life

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS – I’m very excited about my project today! I’ve always wanted to make a more interactive Christmas countdown calendar, something other than a daily chocolate or paper ring to be torn off and now I’ve done exactly that! Idea found via Simply Stamped by Maile Belles

COUNTDOWN LABELS – Use these printable number tags to create your own advent calendar or to label packages in your Christmas book countdown. There are so many uses for these little tags this holiday season. Available here

A CHRISTMAS FOREST ADVENT CALENDAR – This is a nice idea if you also want to display it on your TV cabinet or hall stand. Idea found via A Lovely Lark

MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENT CALENDAR WREATH – Make your own Advent calendar with pegs! This quick craft is fun to do for yourself or with the kids, and everyone will love counting down the days with a candy treat each day! Idea found via Homemade Gifts Made Easy

WOOD ADVENT CALENDAR – This also makes a super cute Christmas Card display! Idea found via Shanty 2 Chic

A MESSAGE INSIDE ADVENT CALENDAR – Cute little envelopes on a board. They are so simple but also so effective. Idea found via A Few Things From My Life

ADVENT IN A JAR – Place messages in a jar like “Go to the movies” or “Visit a friend”. A new surprise everyday. Idea found via Poppytalk

RECYCLED TOILET PAPER ROLL ADVENT CALENDAR – Quick and easy idea. A Christmas scene on the front with little numbered doors counting down to the big day. Behind each door was a wrapped piece of chocolate that, at the time, was the best chocolate ever. Idea found via My Personal Accent.

THE FANCY PEG ADVENT CALENDAR – Simple and effective calendar by sticking pegs to a board and hanging cute little parcels underneath. Idea found via Buzz Feed Life

MUFFIN PAN ADVENT CALENDAR – A cost effect way of creating something special, using items in the home. Idea found via frugalcouponliving

TINY BOXES ADVENT CALENDAR – Nice and neat little boxes that may have a treat or a note inside. Idea found via etsy

RUDOLPH ADVENT CALENDAR – Handmade felt Rudolph calendar. The kids would have a great time making this with you if you are clever with a sewing machine. Idea found via etsy

GINGERBREAD PATH COUNTDOWN ADVENT CALENDAR – This is a great idea for those that like lego and even better if the kids help build their own little gingerbread house. Idea found via frugalfun4boys

ADVENT CALENDAR MADE FROM SHOE ORGANISER – You can pick these shoe hangers up from most major retailers and a few stencils with some gold paint and there you have your DIY Advent calendar. Idea found via elizabethjoanddesigns

COFFEECUP ADVENT CALENDAR – I thought this was a clever idea for a few reasons. You could use them for the kids and hide the little treat inside, or for the coffee drinker in the family perhaps a different flavour coffee pod or sachet for each day. Idea found via pinterest

ADVENT CALENDAR JAR – I really like the idea of the kids pulling out a stick each with a surprise message, task, activity to do. Idea found via messforless

SANTAS BEARD ADVENT CALENDAR – Help Santa grow his beard. Super easy, cheap and kids can make it. Idea found via woohome

CRAFT STICKS ADVENT CALENDAR– A Christmas decoration that can hang on the wall as art, with a special message on the other side. of Idea found via themerrythought