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? Â Make the season even more fun and memorable with this DIYÂ Advent Calendar for Kids! Â 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? Â They’re so EASY to make!
Here’s what you’ll do…
Related:
- 45 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids and Adults!
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. Â 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. Â 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! đ {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!
On the hunt for more fun Christmas Crafts and Homemade Gift Ideas?  Check out these fun ideas…
6 Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
These cute and crafty ornaments are so simple for little ones to make, and will cherished for years to come!
DIY Photo Ornaments
Deck the halls and trim the trees this Christmas with some super-cute DIY Photo Ornament! Â These also make fabulous thrifty homemade gifts!
Easy Christmas Photo Ornaments
Capture your favorite memories, and make some cute gifts with these Easy Christmas Photo Ornaments!
How To Make Homemade Bookmarks From Cards
Enjoy some adorable and free bookmarks with this easy tip for how to make homemade bookmarks from cards!
English DIY Christmas Crackers
DIY Christmas Crackers are a tradition dating back to the 1800s in England. These colorful packages which open with a loud âpop!â are shared at Christmastime.
45 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids and Adults!
Got the itch to craft?  Do you absolutely love Christmas??  If youâre feeling crafty, get inspired with this BIG List of Fun and Easy Christmas Crafts!
23 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Don’t Forget to include your Elf! Â Have a blast trying some of these funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas this Christmas!
50 Christmas Decorating Ideas on a Budget!
Load up on fun Christmas Decorating Ideas using this BIG List of Christmas Decor Tips + Tricks!
55 Fun Christmas Activities for Families, Couples, Kids & Adults
Whether youâre looking for festive new Christmas traditions for families, December date nights for couples, holiday party ideas for adults, exciting activities for friends, or magical ideas for kids⌠Iâve got you covered!
60+ Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas
With these easy Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas, youâll always have enough time to give that perfect homemade gift!
101 Gifts in a Jar Recipes {Unique Homemade Gifts}
Load up on inspiration with this HUGE List of Unique Gifts in a Jar Recipes!
101 Fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids
Load up on some really fun stocking stuffer inspiration with these fun Stocking Stuffers for Kids!
Frugal Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List!
Score even more frugal gift ideas for the Kiddos, Teens, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Co-Workers and more!
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!
Debbie @ PinkTexasChick says
Great idea and you just gave me using these type of stockings. đ
Emily says
Sooo cute! I pinned a stocking idea from the Land of Nod, but this is equally as cute and much more affordable. Thanks for sharing! đ
Cortney VW says
I went to my local Wal Mart today and couldn’t find these stockings! In what section did you find yours? There was Holiday stuff with the outdoor items and then there was some in the front of the store when you walk in! Please help bc I want to do this great idea!!! Thanks!!
Caitlin says
Very cute! I just saw this on Pinterest with toddler mittens bought from thrift stores. Great for all those mittens that have lost their match!
Heidi says
Aww ~ thanks so much for sharing, Christy! {I have a soft spot for those cute little clothes pins, too!} đ
~ Heidi
Kendra says
So I took your idea a step further. I have two fireplaces in my house and a pump organ. I went out to different stores this week that had all their christmas stuff at 90%. I was able to score different stockings for each day as well, as a different stocking holder for everyday! Gotta love Hobby Lobby! Anyway, I will have them throughout the house, so my daughter will have to hunt for the right day. :p
Donna says
Awesome Idea!!!! I never liked the “traditional” advent calendars!
Heather says
THANK YOU so much for this wonderful idea. I have been serching for a creative spin on the average advent calendar. I will surely be using this idea for years to come.
Nuwanda says
LOVE this idea! We’ve tried to come up w/ an advent calendar that was bigger than your average one, and this is a great idea for my 3 children! Thx for sharing!
Diana Lentz says
I do something like this for my grandchildren (have two special blessings!), but I used their small infant/toddler socks (asked my daughter to save them for me). I too, put numbers on each sock and clip them with clothespins to the green pine garland I wrap our banister with. They have so much fun coming over to see what’s in their stocking for the day! Yes, we live close to each other!
christine *sumthinsnazzi* says
this is SUCH a cute idea! đ thanks!