So Christmas is coming, I looooovvee Christmas. I love the smells, the colours, decorating the house, family time, everything that has to do with Christmas. This year I have decided that we are going to have a homemade Christmas. To start off I going to make my own advent calendar, filled with family activities for the whole family.   Pinterest is filled with great ideas and printable’s for all types of activities.

Here is a a list of my favorite 10 ideas for homemade advent calendars.

1. Paper-cup advent calendars from Pretty little party shop.

Find it here …..   DIY ADVENT CALENDAR TUTORIAL – PAPER CUP ADVENT

I love the idea of this advent calendar. It’s so easy to do. Great for beginners. the supplies are easy to buy. The post is easy to follow and they explain the process really well. They also have a great shop full of great products. This can be adapted to any space, any colour scheme, really well thought through.

2. The toilet roll project from Mindy Pritcher

Find it here ….. our countdown to christmas.

 

This is such an original idea and really easy to make. Ideal for the not so crafty.  Great for recycling (and money saving)  as you can use toilet paper rolls and left over wrapping paper. It will fit into any corner. Mindy also includes links to where she downloaded her printed paper from. It’s so preetttyyy. Don’t you think?

3. These easy diy treat bags from the fox and star

Find it here …. DIY christmas Advent Calendar Treat Bags

The idea behind this is such a me thing to do. Buy a box of chocolates and then have to put them into an advent calendar so I don’t eat them all at once ;D.  Ariane explains the whole process really well, including step by step photos, and links to all the products you will need. She has a great stationary shop, and if you are anything like me, you will be left drooling by all the pretty stuff.

4. Diy Shoe organizer advent calendars.

Find it here ….. Elizabeth Joan Diy Shoe Organizer Advent Calendar

This is such a cute and economical advent calendar. It`s one of my favorite advent calendars from this series. easy to make. and you can get the supplies anywhere. I recommend that you read it completely before trying it out, as Erin gives some very good tips on how best to make this.

 5. Mrs Crickets upcycling Actimel tubs

Find it here …..Mrs cricket Atcimel tubs advent Calendar

This is a brilliant idea, but I recommend that you prepare before hand. You don’t want to drink 24 Actimel in one day. This web page is in Spanish, but it is quite self explanatory. She has some great step by step photographs and you can always use google translate.

6. Upcycled Diy advent calendars

Find it here ….. Northstory Upcycled DIY advent calendar

Think about it. I must not be the only person you collects toilet paper rolls. And if you live in a large family, like I do. Then you will have no problem collecting them. This project puts those rolls to good use and is pretty easy to do. Again read through to the end. She has some great  trial and error tips.

7. Easy DIY Advent Calendars

Find it here ….. The Creek line House’s Ridiculously easy Diy Advent Calendar

This is another great original idea. Again great for the not so crafty and is still homemade. Its something that the whole family can do together. Your imagination is the limit.

8. The Lego Advent Calendar

Find it here ……  Frugal Fun 4 Boys Lego Advent Calendar

My 8 year old boy saw this one and went crazy over it. He has decided that he is going to build one. This is a great idea for Lego fans, like my boy. The post is great has easy to follow photographs, great for kids.

9. Felt Advent Calendar

Find it here …. Sugar bee crafts felt advent calendar

This is a really cute idea. ( I believe its a copy of the pottery barn advent calendar) It is for the more advanced Crafter. the post comes in 4 parts with step by step instructions. Including supplies list and step by step photographs. If you have time, look around her site. She has some pretty good ideas.

 

10. Patchwork Advent Calendar

The Martinez Family Christmas Advent calendar

I love this idea. One of my 2018 bucket-list projects is to learn how to do patchwork. That and loose weight, and be nicer, and…………..

This was made out of left over materials, so essentially  it is upcycled.

 

Bonus …. Free activity printables for your calendar

Robyn from add a pinch Christmas printables 

Robyn from add a pinch has a great website filled with loads of recipes. I think she is one of the first bloggers I ever followed, and every week without fail I receive in my inbox a weekly menu idea. I highly recommend you pop over there and take a look.

 

Here is my advent calendar for this year. Its a pattern that bought from my local sewing shop.  I have tried to find the pattern online, I can’t find it anywhere. So if you do let me know. I have hung it up with my activity print offs full of activities.

Which is your favorite calendar? I would love to see what you make…..