80+ Fun, Fast and Frugal Christmas Advent Calendars

Adding an advent calendar to your holiday traditions is a fun and festive way to build excitement and enjoy the season with your family. But advent calendars can become quite the production – from getting all the materials, to putting it all together, to actually sticking to the countdown during an already hectic time. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Want to DIY your own advent calendar, with no fuss or muss and without breaking the bank? Here are 80+ fabulous countdowns to Christmas – broken down into varying levels of DIY-ability and ease of use. Find inspiration for your next DIY Christmas advent calendar and get ready for the Christmas season now!

80+ Fun, Fast and Frugal Christmas Advent Calendars

In this post:

Page 1: No Effort DIY Advent Calendars
Page 2: Easy DIY Advent Calendars
Page 3: Medium DIY Advent Calendars
Page 4: Expert DIY Advent Calendars

EXPERT

Anything that took multiple tools or techniques, building an entire background, or a whole afternoon (in most cases, maybe a weekend in others) is included here.

Snowman Clock Countdown // Mod Podge Rocks

This snowman acts like a clock, as you use his nose to count down the days to Christmas!

Paper House Advent // Delia Creates

Use the free cut file and tutorial to make paper houses that illuminate with faux tea lights. Aside from being a countdown, it’s just plain adorable holiday decor!

Canvas and Shipping Tag Ornament Countdown // Bower Power

Here’s a cute Pottery Barn knockoff you can do in almost no time. It takes some effort (whip out those power tools!) but in the end, the advent is charming, fun and adds to your overall decor.

Christ-Centered Advent Calendar // Kemley Design

It take a bit to make this, but centering your holiday on Christ is worth the effort! The use is very simple – just turn a number over to reveal a photo of Christ along with a scripture references to look up and read together.

Chalkboard Ornament Advent // Love Create Celebrate

These chalkboard ornaments are adorable and if you’ve got a blank canvas or wood background already, all you’d have to make are the ornaments themselves! This tutorial teaches you how to make the rustic plank wood background as well.

Wooden Tree Advent // The Merrythought

Cute, mini wooden Christmas trees come together pretty easily with a bit of cutting and sanding. The chalkboard paint allows you to write your advent activities on the backside.

Ladder Advent // Her Tool Belt

These whimsical little hand-painted canvas bags are too cute! Hang them from mini hooks on your newly created small wood ladder – the tutorial is easy to follow but takes a bit of time. It makes an adorable little corner of Christmas decor when finished.

Wood Tree Countdown Calendar // Jaime Costiglio

Make a Pottery Barn Knockoff with plywood and thin wood bins from the craft store. These treat boxes can hold little gifts for the whole family!

Pallet Wood Christmas Tree Advent // Remodelaholic

With pallet wood, cards and ornaments, you’ve got the makings of an adorable farmhouse style advent. You could also use the clips to attach small treat bags, garlands, envelopes, paper bags and more!

What’s your favorite way to create an advent calendar?