Homemade Advent Calendar: Kraft Paper & Candy

By Andrew Jacobs
Dec 3, 2013

As a kid I always loved moving the little stuffed Santa down the Christmas advent calendar and getting the hidden piece of candy in the window each day. If you have never purchased your own advent calendar but want your kids to feel the joy of counting down till the big day, create this homemade advent calendar instead. It uses mini white envelopes and kraft paper. Each tag has a Christmas inspired task for your kids complete before they can grab a piece of candy from the bucket.

Homemade Advent Calendar: Kraft Paper & Candy

Materials:

Kraft Wrapping Paper
25 (2 3/8 x 2 3/8) Square Envelopes
25 Medium Gift Tags in White
Red Twine
Green, Red and Black Markers
Bucket for Candy

Step One - Creating the Countdown

To create the numbered windows, we took 25 of our white square envelopes and decorated them. They can be any size but we thought the (2 3/8 x 2 3/8) were best. Find them here- square envelopes by jam - modern and unique shapes. First we took a green broad line opaque paint marker and traced along the edges of 24 of the mini envelopes, giving them a festive boarder. For the 25th Christmas Day envelope, we made it stand out by outlining it in red. Next, using that same red marker, write the numbers on each envelope 1-24. To fill in some of the white space of the envelope, we drew two pieces of holly.

Step Two - Create the Tags

There are two parts to decorating the tags. First, we took off the plain white string that comes with the gift tags and replaced them with festive red twine. Tie them into little bows for a pop of color. The next step is to hand write tasks for your kids to do on every day. These should be fun Christmas-style activities. For instance, "Decorate the Tree with Mom" or "Bake Cookies with Grandma." Every time they pull a tag and complete a task they can grab a piece of candy from the metal bucket. Do this for all 24 days, and decorate the 25th with a festive "Merry Christmas" note.

Step Three - Putting it Together

Now that you have all of your envelopes decorated and your tags ready to go, the last step is to add them to the kraft paper. Roll out a piece of kraft wrapping paper about 23 inches x 23 inches. You can opt to place the envelopes in whatever shape you'd like, but to stick with the Christmas theme, we created a Christmas tree. Place the 25th red envelope at the top as the star, then add another envelope for every row. The last row should have 6 envelopes in a row and be the longest. You can rearrange them to make sure they fit properly before gluing (note that the 5th row does have the same amount of envelopes as the 6th but they are spaced out wider). Once your envelopes are evenly spaced out, secure them with glue.

Once they are dry, add the tags to each envelope, making sure that the Merry Christmas tag is at the top. Hang on your wall with thumb tacks or cut holes and loop with extra twine. Encourage kids to pick a tag to help count down to Christmas.

Kraft wrapping paper Homemade Advent Calendar

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DIY Homemade Advent Calendar Ideas for Kids

Key Summary:

This article will explore creative DIY homemade advent calendar ideas for kids, providing fun and festive holiday crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
Benefits of creating homemade advent calendars include fostering creativity, bonding with family members, and saving money.
Detailed information will cover the history of advent calendars, materials needed, creative ideas, personalization tips, and real-world use cases.

Advent calendars are a beloved holiday tradition that adds excitement and anticipation to the Christmas season. In this article, we will delve into the world of DIY homemade advent calendars specifically designed for kids. By creating personalized advent calendars, families can not only save money but also bond over fun and festive holiday crafts. From the history of advent calendars to step-by-step instructions for creative designs, this article will provide all the information needed to make this holiday season extra special for your little ones.

History of Advent Calendars

Advent calendars have their roots in the Christian tradition, dating back to the 19th century in Germany. Originally, advent calendars were used to mark the days leading up to Christmas as a way to prepare for the birth of Jesus. The first advent calendars were simple paper designs with windows to open each day, revealing a religious image or verse. Over time, advent calendars have evolved into a popular holiday tradition celebrated by people of all ages around the world.

Benefits of Homemade Advent Calendars

Creating homemade advent calendars offers a range of benefits for both parents and children. By making advent calendars at home, families can customize the design to suit their preferences and incorporate personal touches that reflect their unique traditions and interests. This DIY approach fosters creativity in children, as they can participate in the crafting process and feel a sense of accomplishment when the calendar is complete. Additionally, homemade advent calendars provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together, working on a fun and festive project that will be cherished for years to come.

Materials Needed for DIY Advent Calendars

To create homemade advent calendars, you will need a few essential supplies and tools. These include paper or cardstock for the calendar base, markers or colored pencils for decorating, stickers or embellishments for added flair, and small gifts or treats to place inside each day's compartment. Other useful materials may include scissors, glue, tape, and a hole punch for hanging designs. By gathering these materials in advance, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience with your family.

Creative DIY Advent Calendar Ideas

There are countless creative ways to design homemade advent calendars that will delight children and adults alike. Some popular options include using paper bags to create individual compartments for each day, decorating envelopes with festive designs, crafting small boxes to hold treats, or creating hanging ornaments with numbered pockets. Each design can be customized with colors, patterns, and themes that appeal to your family's tastes, making the advent calendar a unique and special addition to your holiday decor.

Who Should Consider Making Homemade Advent Calendars?

Homemade advent calendars are perfect for:

Parents looking to create personalized holiday traditions with their children
Crafty individuals who enjoy DIY projects and creative activities
Families on a budget who want to save money on store-bought advent calendars
Anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their holiday decorations
Those who value quality time spent with loved ones during the holiday season

When is the Best Time to Start Making Homemade Advent Calendars?

You should consider making homemade advent calendars:

At the beginning of the holiday season to ensure you have enough time to complete the project
When you want to involve your children in a fun and creative holiday activity
If you want to save money on store-bought advent calendars and create a personalized version
When you want to add a special touch to your holiday decorations and traditions
As a way to bond with family members and create lasting memories together

Examples of Using Homemade Advent Calendars

Here are some use case examples for homemade advent calendars:

A family creates a DIY advent calendar using paper bags and fills each day with small treats and activities for their children to enjoy
A group of friends gathers to make homemade advent calendars as a fun and festive holiday craft night activity
A teacher incorporates homemade advent calendars into their classroom to count down the days until winter break with their students
A couple creates a personalized advent calendar to celebrate their first holiday season together, adding special notes and memories for each day
An individual makes a homemade advent calendar as a gift for a loved one, customizing it with their favorite colors and themes

What Sets Our Product Apart

Our homemade advent calendar ideas for kids stand out due to their emphasis on creativity, personalization, and family bonding. By providing step-by-step instructions and tips for customization, our product allows families to create unique and memorable holiday traditions. The use of everyday materials and simple designs make our advent calendars accessible to all, regardless of crafting experience. Additionally, our product encourages quality time spent together, fostering a sense of joy and anticipation throughout the holiday season.

List of Creative Use Cases

There are numerous ways to incorporate our homemade advent calendar ideas into your holiday celebrations:

Creating a countdown to Christmas with daily surprises for children
Using the advent calendar as a fun and interactive teaching tool for kids
Adding a festive touch to your home decor with a personalized advent calendar
Gifting a homemade advent calendar to friends or family members as a thoughtful present
Organizing a crafting party to make advent calendars with loved ones for a shared experience

Tips for Maximizing Your Advent Calendar Experience

To ensure you make the most of your homemade advent calendar, consider the following tips:

Plan ahead and gather all necessary materials before starting the project
Involve your children in the crafting process to create a sense of ownership and excitement
Personalize each day's surprise to reflect your family's interests and traditions
Display the advent calendar in a prominent place to build anticipation and excitement
Take photos or journal about your advent calendar experience to create lasting memories

Embrace the DIY Spirit for a Memorable Holiday Season

As we wrap up our exploration of DIY homemade advent calendar ideas for kids, it's clear that creating personalized advent calendars can bring joy, creativity, and togetherness to your holiday celebrations. From the history of advent calendars to step-by-step instructions for creative designs, this article has provided all the information you need to embark on this festive crafting journey with your loved ones. By embracing the DIY spirit and making lasting memories with your family, you can truly make this holiday season one to remember.