DIY Advent Calendar for Kids! {Mini Stocking Countdown to Christmas}

Create a fun Christmas countdown you can use year after year with this DIY Advent Calendar for Kids!

Are your little ones counting down the days until Christmas?  Make the season even more fun and memorable with this DIY Advent Calendar for Kids!  All you need is some little stockings, ribbon or twine, and miniature clothes pins and you’re on your way!

Every year my boys look forward to counting down the days until Christmas, and in addition to Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas… a Countdown to Christmas Calendar is a must!

They LOVE having a fun little surprise to look forward to each day as we inch our closer to the BIG day!  You can make this holiday season extra-special with your kids while you count down the days with fun surprises, too!  Your home will be filled with sweet squeals of excitement each morning while they’re waiting to peek inside!

So are you ready to make your own Countdown to Christmas Advent Calendar?  They’re so EASY to make!

Here’s what you’ll do…

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DIY Advent Calendar for Kids

What You’ll Need:

24 Mini Stockings

3 Yards of Strong Cord or Twine

24 Miniature Clothespins

For Numbering: You’ll Need Paper + Mini Brads, Puffy Paint, Stickers, or Sharpie

How to Make Your Homemade Advent Calendar with Stockings:

Now that you’ve rounded up your supplies, it’s time to assemble your Countdown to Christmas!

First, you’ll need to number each stocking… 1 through 24.  To number the stockings, I printed numbers on the computer, layered them with another circle in the back, and fastened to the stocking with a mini-brad.  To make the process even quicker, you could also use stickers, sharpies, or puffy paint for numbering!

I thought it needed a little bling on the ends, so I clipped on a Christmas Poinsettia Hair Clip! 😉  {yep… it’s a hair clip, but that will be our little secret, mmm-kay??}

Go here for instructions on how to make Christmas Hair Clips.

Once you’re done, have fun filling each stocking with a little surprise!

What to Hide in Advent Calendar for Kids

There are so many fun little surprises you can hide in each stocking… and here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Individually-wrapped Mini Candy Canes
• Individually-wrapped Chocolates
• Flavored Lip Balm
• Hot Wheels cars
• Nail Polish
• Stickers
• DIY Marble Magnets
• Temporary tattoos
• Homemade Bookmarks
• Coins or dollar bills
• Lego Minifigures
• Craft Supplies
• DIY Hair Clips
• Christmas ‘Coupons’ – for a special Christmas movie, to drive around and see lights, for a hot chocolate, etc.
• Or any of these fun little Stocking Stuffers for Kids!

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So have you made this DIY Advent Calendar for Kids yet?

Or what are some fun ways you enjoy counting down the days until Christmas with your kiddos?

Leave a comment & share!