31 Cute & Easy Homemade Advent Calendar Gift Ideas

Homemade advent calendars make the most fabulous gifts for friends and family.  But it can be daunting to come up with 24 treats to spread festive cheer throughout December, not to mention a little pricey too.

So we’ve prepared a list of homemade advent calendar gift ideas which will not only help manage the cost but also add plenty of thoughtful creativity to your calendar gift.

Intermix with purchased treats, or add a few homemade fillers to a chocolate- or joke-filled calendar to make a December to remember for your someone special.

Scroll down for all the details and links.  Happy Creating!

Advent Calendar Gift Ideas To Make At Home

Want to make your homemade advent calendar gifts but need a little inspiration of what to include?

Below you’ll find a host of ideas for homemade treats to add to a refillable advent calendar.  Which ones will you do this year?

1. Handwritten jokes or riddles.
2. Christmas playlist. You could even print out a QR code for direct access to one you’ve created.
3. Homemade ornament.  If you’re looking for inspiration, these air dry clay ornaments are so easy to make.
4. Handwritten promises. E.g. for help with chores.
5. Stovetop pot pourri kit. The spices and even the fruits you need to make a fabulous stovetop pot pourri.
6. Pot pourri pouch.  Forget the stovetop, make a pouch of homemade seasonal pot pourri to be added to a bowl.
7. Small framed photo. Either add a photo to a small frame you already own or make a frame (like this cute hanging one from popsicle sticks.)
8. String of photos. A variation on the above with twine, mini pegs or even a string of fairy lights if you have one around. Add a printed photo each day for a makeshift photo advent calendar.
9. Handwritten festive poem.
10. Printed festive short stories. Either a story a night, or a chapter of a longer piece.
11. Charade clues.  Perfect for a festive games night.
12. Christmas quotes. Add a beautifully printed or handwritten Christmas quote to add to a collection for a festive display.
13. Inspirational quotes and affirmations. Of course the quotes don’t have to be Christmas-themed! Why not arm your lucky calendar recipient with a set of affirmations and inspirational quotes to take them into the new year?!
14. Christmas photo booth props.  Whether handmade or gathered from items you already have around the house, you could make a great little collection of props for a fun homemade photo booth.
15. Love token.  Perfect for festive hugs and kisses. Or give yourself and your partner a very happy Christmas countdown wink wink.
16. DIY pom pom jewellery.
17. Bingo cards. Get ready for a Christmas movie night bingo game with some printed bingo cards.
18. Homemade hot chocolate. Make your own indulgent hot chocolate powder ready to be enjoyed over the countdown.
19. Reindeer food. Ready to sprinkle on the lawn come Christmas Eve.
20. A Christmas quiz. Great for a festive night in. Whether it’s a traditional quiz or an emoji challenge, there’s sure to be something suitable for every recipient!
21. Homemade festive memory / snap game. Super easy to make a lot of fun to play, this would be ideal for a child’s homemade advent calendar.
22. Homemade mulling spices sachet.  Need we say more?!
23. A Christmas journal. Perfect for capturing memories over the festive season and from the rest of the year too, turn a spare notebook into a memory-keeper for your lucky recipient.  Our Christmas journal tradition is one of our absolute favourites.
24. Christmas activity vouchers. The most simple of activities transform into magical moments with the addition of a special invitation in the advent calendar. Use our premade vouchers for ease.
25. Edible treats. The sky’s the limit when it comes to tasty homemade treats to include.
26. Homemade bath salts. Super easy to make and so pretty to gift, small sachets or tubes of bath salts make fabulous homemade advent calendar gift ideas.
27. Handmade bookmarks. Another really easy make, a bookmark is perfectly advent calendar sized!
28. Homemade candle. Scented for the season, of course!
29. Homemade wax melts. Great for repurposing the ends of candles and an ideal size for an advent calendar.
30. Homemade matchstick holder. Turn an old spice jar or small jam jar into a matchstick holder. It’s bound to be a useful gift at this time of year!
31. Printed copy of ‘The Night Before Christmas’.  An ideal advent calendar gift idea for Christmas Eve!

Looking For More Advent Calendar Gift Ideas?

We’ve got advent calendar filler suggestions for everyone!  Who are you looking for?

• Fillers for Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers
• Fillers for Children
• Fillers for Tweens & Teens
• Fillers for Women
• Fillers for Men
• Fillers for Foodies
• Fillers for The Home

What other homemade advent calendar gift ideas have you got in mind?  Do let us know in the comments below!