Countdown to Christmas

DIY advent calendar: Start a very merry Christmas tradition 

Our guide on creating a DIY advent calendar will explain what you need and how to create this timeless Christmas classic. We’ve also got a list of possible gifts to fill the calendar, so come take a peek!

How to make an advent calendar for adults or children: Gift ideas

Looking for a new craft idea to liven up this Christmas? Making an advent calendar is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s for adults or children, this versatile Christmas craft can be personalized for any member of the family.

When it comes to filling the bags, you don’t have to go overboard with expensive presents – they can range from chocolates to small sentimental gifts. There aren’t many rules to creating your advent calendar, other than someone gets to open a small present every day starting on December 1st!

Here are some ideas for gifts:

  • small sentimental presents
  • gift cards
  • winter gloves and socks
  • small toys
  • chocolate or candy
  • custom jewelry
  • gag gifts

What you need to make your own hanging DIY advent calendar

There are different ways you can make an advent calendar. You can hang numbered stockings around the house or put numbered presents in or around your Christmas tree. The possibilities are endless!

How about trying a wall hanging advent calendar using rope, paper bags and clothes pins? Here’s what you need to get started:

  • twine – roughly 8 feet (long enough to fit 24 small bags)
  • 24 clothes pegs
  • 24 small paper gift bags, small stockings or lightweight paper boxes
  • 24 number markers - to mark the days of the month.
  • all-purpose glue
  • optional decorations for gift bags – glitter, holly sprig, tinsel or other Christmas decorations.

Choosing the right multipurpose glue will make all the difference when putting this project together. Loctite Extreme Glue No Drip Gel is perfect for a DIY advent calendar. It’s compatible with wood, metal, leather, plastic, foam, glass and more. Plus, it contains a no-drip formula for vertical applications, dries clear and it comes with a no-mess applicator.

How to make an advent calendar for Christmas

Assembling your calendar is simple and fun. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Decorate your bags or stockings with the numbers 1-24. Use glue where needed to bond the decorations you've chosen.
  2. Feed the twine through the hinge hole on the clothes pegs. You can also glue the pegs to the twine, but make sure they’re evenly distributed before attaching.
  3. Tie a small loop at both ends of the twine to hang the ends.
  4. Attach the twine to the wall at the ends using small nails. You may need an additional support point at the middle of the line.
  5. Pin the numbered bags to the clothes pegs in numerical order.
  6. Fill the bags with small gifts for each day of the month.

Ready to make an advent calendar?

The Loctite family of adhesives has the right glue for all your home projects.
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