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…

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.  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!

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!  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 “pop!” are shared at Christmastime.

45 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids and Adults!

Got the itch to craft?  Do you absolutely love Christmas??  If you’re 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!  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 you’re 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… I’ve got you covered!

60+ Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

With these easy Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas, you’ll 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!