DIY 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar

Why You’ll Love It

Quick and easy: Once you have your materials, your super cute DIY advent calendar only takes 30 minutes to make.
Reusable: With durable materials, this calendar can be stored and reused, becoming a beloved part of your annual holiday traditions. You could also make a few, wrap them up, and give them out as Christmas gifts.
Family activity: This homemade 12 days of Christmas countdown calendar is perfect for involving kids or family members, turning holiday preparation into a memorable bonding activity. Each person can help create and decorate a part of the calendar!

DIY 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar Materials

A complete list of materials and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Cardboard: Look for a piece approximately 15 x 25 inches for the ideal size, or adjust it to fit your space. Use recycled cardboard from a box to make a 12 days of Christmas advent calendar.
Ribbon: Choose a red ribbon for a classic holiday look, or switch it up with green, gold or patterned ribbon. You’ll need two pieces of ribbon measuring 15 inches and two measuring 25 inches to frame the cardboard securely.
Toilet paper rolls: Empty toilet paper rolls are transformed into miniature compartments for each day in the countdown.
Fabric: Fabric squares (around 8 x 8 inches each) wrap each roll, adding color and texture. Choose 3 or 4 holiday-themed patterns for variety, or keep it monochrome for a modern look. Lightweight fabrics are best; they’re easier to fold and glue around the rolls.
Stickers with numbers 1 to 12: Numbered stickers turn each compartment into a countdown day, from 1 to 12. Look for stickers that are easy to read and match your holiday theme, like gold, red or green. Alternatively, you could write or stencil numbers if you prefer a handmade touch.
Ruler: A ruler ensures precise measurements for the cardboard, ribbon, and fabric, helping keep everything even. It’s especially useful when spacing the “boxes” on the cardboard to achieve a balanced look.
Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for cutting clean edges on the cardboard, ribbon, and fabric.
Hot glue and hot glue gun: Hot glue is the adhesive powerhouse for this project! It securely holds the ribbon frame, fabric-wrapped rolls, and any other embellishments.

How to Make a DIY 12 Days of Christmas Countdown Calendar

For more detailed instructions, jump to the printable tutorial card.

Prepare the cardboard base: Begin by cutting a piece of cardboard. Next, cut two pieces of red ribbon. Use a hot glue gun to secure these ribbons around the cardboard edges.
Cut and prepare fabric squares: Choose four different fabrics, cutting three 8 x 8-inch squares from each for a total of 12 squares. This variety will add color and personality to your advent calendar!
Wrap the toilet paper rolls: Take a fabric square and wrap it around a toilet paper roll, tucking in the fabric ends for a neat finish.
Shape the rolls into boxes: Flatten each fabric-wrapped roll gently, then fold the ends on each side to form flaps, transforming the rolls into compact little boxes.
Arrange and label the boxes: Place your 12 “boxes” on the cardboard in a grid, organizing them in four rows of three. Once arranged, add number stickers from 1 to 12 to each box for a classic advent countdown.
Attach boxes to the cardboard: Finally, secure each box with hot glue, completing your festive advent calendar!

Variations

Paper bag countdown calendar: Swap out toilet paper rolls for small paper bags, like brown lunch bags or colorful gift bags, for a 12 day of Christmas paper countdown calendar day.
Corkboard advent calendar: Use a corkboard as the base and pin 12 small boxes, envelopes or fabric pouches onto it. Label each with a number and fill them with goodies.
Mason jar lid calendar: Use mason jar lids as mini compartments! Attach lids to a piece of sturdy cardboard or wood in a 3×4 grid. Number each lid, and place a small treat or note inside. You can also secure fabric or festive paper under the lids for decoration.
Origami box calendar: Use festive paper to make 12 small origami boxes or pouches. Attach these boxes to a cardboard backing or string them as garlands.

What to Put Inside

Small toys: Choose inexpensive and cute toys to fill the advent calendar.
Mini stationery items: Little pens and pencils, washi tape, colorful erasers, and Sharpies for little ones to use during the holidays.
Holiday candy: Candy canes, Christmas chocolate and candies are always a fun way to surprise a family member.
Stickers and temporary tattoos: This is one gift kids go crazy for!
Hot chocolate sachets and tea bags: This is great for adults!
Homemade vouchers and coupons: Create coupons for family fun, like “movie night,” “holiday baking” or “extra story time” for family bonding moments.