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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Christmas Recipes and Kids Crafts and Activities

    Easy DIY Advent Calendar and 35 Advent Calendar Ideas

    Published: Nov 28, 2012 · Modified: Aug 3, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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    Jump to Craft Print Instructions

    You don't need to spend a lot of money on Christmas advent calendars this holiday season. In the past, we made an easy Advent Jar and it is a holiday tradition we use each year. What's an Advent Jar you ask? Well, it's just like an advent calendar, except you use a jar and Popsicle sticks. This Easy DIY Advent Calendar and 35 Advent Calendar Ideas tutorial will take you through the entire process. If you are still looking for some holiday gifts for your favorite little artist be sure to check out 20 Gifts for the Budding Artist.

    advent jar.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐Why This Craft is Awesome
    • Supply Notes
    • 📋Step by Step Instructions
    • 📅 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas
    • 🌲Expert Tips
    • 🤷🏻‍♀️Craft FAQs
    • 🎅Related Posts

    ⭐Why This Craft is Awesome

    • A fun advent calendar that focuses on experiences.
    • This countdown calendar is one kids will look forward to each day.
    • A Christmas countdown that doesn't cost a lot of money.

    Supply Notes

    • Clean glass jar - you can buy one or use one you already have on hand. You will want a smooth jar.
    • 25 Popsicle sticks (the larger the better) - I found some green and red ones.
    • Ribbon - you will need 2: a wider ribbon and a thinner ribbon in holiday colors
    • Double sided tape or a hot glue gun - to stick the ribbon on the jar.
    • Fine tip permanent marker - to write on popsicle sticks
    supplies to make advent calendar.

    📋Step by Step Instructions

    STEP 1: Fold over one end of the wide ribbon about ⅛ of an inch. Then add a few strips of double-sided tape to the back of the wide ribbon.

    red ribbon with tape on it.

    STEP 2: Wrap the ribbon around the jar, making sure it is straight as it goes around. You can also place the ribbon on a table (tape side up) in a straight line and set the jar on it so the ribbon is in the middle. Then you can just pull and stick the ribbon on the jar.

    wrapping red ribbon around jar.

    STEP 3: Make sure that the end of the ribbon that you folded over is the end that overlaps, as it will look much cleaner than having the unfinished end overlap.

    jar with ribbon wrapped around it.

    STEP 4: Next you will use your thinner ribbon. You will want to cut this ribbon longer than the wide ribbon since you will be tying it. You do not need any adhesive on the back of this ribbon. You can leave the edges on the thinner ribbon as is, or you can cut a little v-shape as I did on mine. Tie the thinner ribbon around the wider ribbon on the jar and make a knot.

    red and green ribbon wrapped around jar.

    STEP 5: Write fun Advent ideas on the Popsicle sticks. A fine-tip permanent marker works best for this task.

    red and green popsicle sticks

    STEP 6: When you are done, place the sticks in the jar and pull out one a night during Advent to do with your family. You can also write a number on the back of the sticks so you know which one to pull out each night. This way you can make sure the activities you have planned go with the time you have on any particular day.

    popsicle sticks in a jar.

    📅 DIY Advent Calendar Ideas

    If you are having a hard time coming up with ideas to write on your sticks, here are some ideas:

    1. Driving around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights (In Lieu of Preschool)
    2. Putting reindeer food outside the house on Christmas Eve so Rudolph knows which house to stop at.     (Nurturestore)
    3. Making cranberry sauce which makes the whole house smell festive (Domestic Goddesque)
    4. Building Gingerbread houses (Housing a Forest)
    5. Going out to the town's annual tree lighting (Toddler Approved)
    6. Bake and craft and listen to Christmas music (Life at the Zoo)
    7. Decorate the Christmas tree as a family (Childhood 101)
    8. Bake and package up goodies to take to neighbors (This Reading Mama)
    9. Visit local train displays (Busy Kids Happy Mom)
    10. Going on a hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree (Happy Whimsical Hearts)
    11. Nighttime shopping with the kids including a Starbucks stop for some sweet treats (Rainy Day Mum)
    12. Baking cookies for Santa (Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas)
    13. Playing Find the Wisemen. The wisemen wander around the house on their way to the manger and the child has to try and find where they are on their journey to the manger (JDaniel4smom)
    14. Enjoying hot chocolate with the family (Creative Playhouse)
    15. Making Santa cookies with cookie cutters (Adventures in Mommydom)16. Make chocolate dipped pretzels
    17. Set up the Nativity
    18. Watch a Christmas movie and eat popcorn
    19. Color Christmas pictures
    20. Make a construction paper chain using paper strips
    21. Write a letter to Santa
    22. Reading a Christmas book
    23. Open one Christmas present (done on Christmas Eve)
    24. Have breakfast or lunch at a restaurant
    25. Family pizza night - make a pizza together
    26. Visit Santa Claus
    27. Make Peppermint bark
    28. Read "The Night Before Christmas"
    29. Have a dance party to Christmas music
    30. Wrap Christmas presents for friends and family
    31. Make rice krispie treats
    32. Bake an apple pie
    33. Put out the train set
    34. Make Christmas-colored pancakes
    35. Take a trip to the library and look for Christmas books

    🌲Expert Tips

    The Popsicle sticks they provided us at MOPS were the larger tongue depressor type, but small ones would work as well if that's what you have on hand.

    The Popsicle sticks I received were dyed red and green. They sell colored Popsicle sticks if you don't want to go through the trouble of dying them yourself. Of course, you can leave them natural as well.

    A recycled jar would be perfect for this advent calendar. Just make sure you have removed the label.

    The length of ribbons you use will depend on the width of your jar. You want to make sure you have enough of the wider ribbon to wrap around the jar completely and overlap itself a bit.

    🤷🏻‍♀️Craft FAQs

    Can I use a mason jar for the advent calendar?

    I prefer a smooth jar since the ribbon lays flat on it more easily, but you can use a mason jar.

    Where can I keep this

    You can place it on a mantel or on the counter. Wherever you will see and remember it each day in December.


    🎅Related Posts

    • Christmas Paper Chain Craft
    • 20 Toddler Christmas Activities
    • Christmas Pattern Place Mat
    • Angel Ornament Craft

    🌟If you try this recipe, leave a star rating below or a review in the comment section. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get my latest recipes!

    Print
    5 from 2 votes

    Easy DIY Advent Calendar and 35 Advent Calendar Ideas

    This Easy DIY Advent Calendar is made using popsicle sticks. There are also 35 ideas for fun activities and experiences to write on the sticks.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Active Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Yield: 1
    Author: Vicky

    Materials

    • Clean glass jar
    • 25 Popsicle sticks the larger the better
    • Ribbon
    • Double sided tape or a hot glue gun
    • Fine tip permanent marker

    Instructions

    • Fold over one end of the wide ribbon about ⅛ of an inch. Then add a few strips of double-sided tape to the back of the wide ribbon.
    • Wrap the ribbon around the jar, making sure it is straight as it goes around. You can also place the ribbon on a table (tape side up) in a straight line and set the jar on it so the ribbon is in the middle. Then you can just pull and stick the ribbon on the jar.
    • Make sure that the end of the ribbon that you folded over is the end that overlaps, as it will look much cleaner than having the unfinished end overlap.
    • Next you will use your thinner ribbon. You will want to cut this ribbon longer than the wide ribbon since you will be tying it. You do not need any adhesive on the back of this ribbon. You can leave the edges on the thinner ribbon as is, or you can cut a little v-shape as I did on mine. Tie the thinner ribbon around the wider ribbon on the jar and make a knot.
    • Write fun Advent ideas on the Popsicle sticks. A fine-tip permanent marker works best for this task.
    • When you are done, place the sticks in the jar and pull out one a night during Advent to do with your family. You can also write a number on the back of the sticks so you know which one to pull out each night. This way you can make sure the activities you have planned go with the time you have on any particular day.

    Notes

    • The Popsicle sticks I used are the larger tongue depressor type, but small ones would work as well if that's what you have on hand.
    • I used red and green popsicle sticks. They sell colored Popsicle sticks if you don't want to go through the trouble of dying them yourself. Of course, you can leave them natural as well.
    • A recycled jar would be perfect for this advent calendar. Just make sure you have removed the label.
    • The length of ribbons you use will depend on the width of your jar. You want to make sure you have enough of the wider ribbon to wrap around the jar completely and overlap itself a bit.
    Easy DIY Advent Calendar and 35 Advent Calendar Ideas
    Pin26K
    Share107
    Tweet
    Yum
    26K Shares

    More Christmas Recipes and Kids Crafts and Activities

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    • Soft Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Recipe
    • Gingerbread Loaf Recipe
    • Easy Christmas Fudge

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Printable Calendar

      December 06, 2018 at 5:19 am

      What a great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

    2. printable calendar

      August 27, 2018 at 11:48 am

      What a great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing post! I've discovered a site where you can design your calendars together by day, month, week. I suggest you do yours!

    3. Heather

      August 09, 2018 at 1:52 am

      I am mesmerized by this post! Seriously, I read every single word. I am definitely doing these with my kids because they need to get all their energy out!

    4. Vicky

      December 02, 2015 at 10:07 am

      We need to try this Sharon. So fun! Thanks for sharing!

    5. Sharon

      November 26, 2015 at 6:07 pm

      Our favourite activity is planting mints in the garden on xmas eve and then overnight they grow into candy canes. Santa has magic dust that makes them grow.

    6. Vicky @ Mess For Less

      November 30, 2014 at 10:52 pm

      That would be great Kristel, thanks!

    7. Kristel

      November 30, 2014 at 6:48 pm

      Hi! I'm a contributor for Disney Baby. Would you mind if I included this idea in our advent calendar round up? I will link back and give you full credit.

    8. Carrie

      December 07, 2012 at 9:51 pm

      What a great idea!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

    9. Diana - FreeStyleMama

      December 06, 2012 at 7:27 pm

      I just love this alternative idea! Thanks for linking up at my Pin Me Linky Party. I hope you come visit & link again. The party starts tomorrow at 8am CST.

      Diana

    10. Lolly Jane

      December 03, 2012 at 4:23 pm

      This is so easy and fun! LOVE!!

    11. Donna Huisinga

      December 01, 2012 at 6:41 pm

      Great ideas. I have an Advent pinboard and am pinning this.

    12. Sheryl “Wilderness Wife” Thompson

      November 29, 2012 at 8:41 pm

      What a nice idea to get families doing thngs together during the holidays. I sent this link to my daughterinlaw in VA. She'll love it!

    13. RedTedArt

      November 29, 2012 at 6:20 pm

      Oooh that really IS easy. What a great idea! Love it.

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

    14. Amanda @ Gratefully Growing in Grace

      November 28, 2012 at 12:38 pm

      I like the train display idea!
      I might re-do my advent activities onto the Popsicle sticks; great idea. I've also heard of letting the Elf on the Shelf bring the activity each day.
      http://gratefullygrowingingrace.blogspot.com/2012/11/advent-activity-chain-2012.html

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Valentine's Day Activities and Recipes

    • Valentine’s Dessert Cheese Ball
    • Valentine's Brownie Cake Pops
    • Valentine's Chocolate Covered Pretzels
    • Valentine Ideas for Kids - Glitter Hearts

    Winter Activities

    • Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    • Winter Shaving Cream Paint
    • Pinecone Snowman Craft
    • Melted Snowman Craft

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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