I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet but we are so ready for Christmas! We’ve started to pull out a few of our Christmas decorations (too soon?) and this year I’m adding this super easy DIY advent calendar to the mix. I wanted to post about it early so you had time to order the supplies if you wanted to make one for your home. Growing up, Stacie and I had candy cane Christmas advent calendars that hung from our mantle. Basically, every day in December we got to eat a candy cane. I have to be honest, I don’t even really like peppermint but it was always fun to see them disappear from the calendar as Christmas got closer and closer! G is a HUGE fan of Christmas (I mean, singing Christmas songs in July, that kind of superfan) so I thought it would be fun for us to be able to open a small gift each day and countdown the days until Christmas.
The supplies for my DIY advent calendar were easy enough- I knew I wanted something pretty enough to hang on the wall so I went with a gold and silver theme. I ordered a mix of gold patterned treat bags from The Bakers Confections (I ordered two sets of 12) and some fun holiday washi tape from Chicky Doddle. Then I picked up a piece of 12″ x 12″ silver glitter cardstock and two sets of mini clothespins from JoAnn and added some white ribbon from home.
I’ve been collecting small items to use as presents in my DIY advent calendar. Mostly I’ve been saving promos and GWPs but I’ve also picked up some of our favorite items in travel size. We really like skincare and masks and I’m a fan of mini lipsticks. Chocolate or candy is always good for these calendars as well. G will probably find a few goodies from Birchbox Man boxes and I’ve got a few small items saved from makeup trades I’ve done. Some of my ideas for gifts: sheet masks, mini lipsticks, lip balm, mini cleansers, small candles, hand lotion, shaving cream, razors, small gift cards, movie tickets, sweet treats, etc.
The longest part of this whole process was making the numbered tags so I’m sharing mine with you to save you the time. Just click on or save the images and print them out on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. I’ve seen some advent calendars start with 24 so you have a countdown until Christmas but I prefer to start at the beginning so the numbers correspond to what date it is.
I also enlarged the tags to make cutting out the glitter backing easier. You’ll need to print two copies of this and you’ll have a few extras.
I just cut the numbers out of plain white paper but you can use colored paper if you prefer. I glued the sheets of blank tags to the back of the glitter paper to make it easier to cut them out. Once I had all of my pieces, I glued the numbered tags to the front of the glitter ones.
Once the tags were done, I was ready to put my DIY advent calendar together! I used three strips of ribbon and hung five bags on the wall at a time as I didn’t want the calendar to become too heavy. Plus I can place a few bags on different walls around the apartment to really make the place feel festive!
Once I filled each bag with goodies, I folded the top over (folding it towards me with the ribbon in between). Then I taped them shut with the washi tape. Finally I used the clothespins to attach the tags!
The clothespins don’t really hold much weight so make sure the bag is securely taped around the ribbon.
Then I stapled the ribbon to the wall and that was it! A fun, easy DIY advent calendar that looks so cute! Even though I already know what I’m getting, I can’t wait to open each bag. It will be a fun way to countdown to Christmas.
Do you have an advent calendar? Have you gone overboard and started decorating for Christmas already?
-Molly
Wow you are SO talented! What a great idea and perfect way to use all those little samples!!! We had our Thanksgiving in October so we’re in full on Christmas mood!
Elaine recently posted…Garnier Fructis Style Line: The Solution for Long Thin Hair
Thanks Elaine! It is a fun way to use those freebies and turn them into presents!
This is so cute and I love that you posted early! Christmas can’t come soon enough for me.
Bethany recently posted…DIY Thigh highs
I am so excited for Christmas!
I love this! I can’t wait to try it. I love the idea of advent calendars, but I’ve never found one I like the look of. This is perfect! <3
Kate recently posted…National Leggings Are Pants Day
Advent calendars are so much fun! I love the look of this one, it looks so fancy on my walls! :)
This is such a neat idea! I love it!
Thanks Jennifer!
This is gorgeous. You’re really talented. I think this is an awesome way to glam up the old advent calendar!
Danielle recently posted…How I Save Money on Gifts for Kids
Thanks Danielle! It is a nice change from Christmas-themed calendars.
Super cute. I love the tags you made. I actually have an advent idea for the holidays too, and I’ll be sharing it on my blog next week :)
Shann Eva recently posted…Saving Money Online for the Holidays
Ooo, I can’t wait to see yours!
This is way too cute! I absolutely love this idea. Thank you SO much for sharing! XO
-Dara
http://www.peoniesandbees.com
Thanks Dara! I hope you have fun with it!
This is super super cute. Just pinned it. I’ve got a baby and I just can’t wait to do more Xmasy things
Paula recently posted…Scooter Booties – Featured Mom Small Business
Won’t it be fun to create traditions with your baby?
Wow, super cute! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!!
Jamie recently posted…The Perfect Beauty Gift & Ombre Nail Tutorial
I love this! What a fun and cute idea! I will have to make my own advent calendar for my kids!
Logan Can recently posted…6 Things To Look Forward to The Week of Thanksgiving
Such a great idea. I love how yours turned out. It chic & elegant. I’ve never made an advent calendar myself. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Yes, yes, and yes!!!!! I’ve been wondering what to do for this year’s advent calendar! Spectacular idea.
Stay fab,
Lisa Favre
http://fabuloushabits.com
Lisa Favre recently posted…Holiday Entertainment
Those turned out really cute! I love the sparkly silver and the shiny gold.
Aliza B recently posted…DIY Double Sided Holiday Blocks
Very cute! Love doing an advent calendar every year!
brianna recently posted…Overcomer Tracey: Overcoming Unforgiveness in Child Abuse
This is so fun and creative. :)
I love it.
xoxo, Jenny
Jenny recently posted…Link Love Vol. 2
I love the simplicity of the advent calendar! Thanks for sharing, I think I’ll give this a try!
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